Hearing loss is not uncommon, affecting one in 10 people in the United States. As you take steps to address hearing health and support your overall well-being, start by finding a licensed hearing care professional who’s right for you.
There are three different types of hearing professionals to consider, each with a different level of training and the services they provide.
An audiologist (Doctor of Audiology) is a healthcare professional who diagnoses, manages, and treats hearing, balance, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) disorders in people of all ages, providing services like hearing tests, fitting hearing aids (including taking ear mold impressions, repairing, and troubleshooting hearing aids), managing balance issues, and offering hearing loss and prevention strategies and counseling for improved quality of life. Audiologists work with various other providers to offer comprehensive, non-surgical care for auditory and vestibular (balance) problems.
An audiologist has earned a bachelor’s degree and doctorate in audiology (Au.D.), passed a board examination, and maintains state licensure, typically through a state licensing exam and completion of continuing education courses.
Learn more about the practice of audiology through these professional organizations:
A hearing aid specialist is a healthcare professional trained to conduct hearing tests, identify common types of hearing loss, and dispense and adjust hearing aids. As part of the hearing aid fitting process, hearing aid specialists take ear mold impressions, repair and troubleshoot hearing aids, and perform other services as provided under their state law and license.
Hearing aid specialists (sometimes referred to as hearing aid dispensers) are state-licensed professionals who, depending on state requirements, must pass written and practice exams and complete continuing education hours, as required.
Learn more about hearing aid specialists through the following organization:
An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician, also known as an otolaryngologist, specializes in all aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance issues. As physicians, ENTs can diagnose and treat acute and chronic ear-related conditions (e.g., ear infections, perforated eardrums, ear tumor removal), neurological problems, and surgery for hearing implant candidates.
ENTs must complete a bachelor’s degree, medical school, and five to eight years of post-graduate training.
Learn more about ENT physicians through the following organization:
If you are experiencing common age-related or noise-induced hearing loss, seeing a licensed hearing professional is the best choice to fully understand the nature of your hearing loss and possible solutions. If you are experiencing sudden hearing loss, pain, or drainage, it’s best to consult with an ENT right away. For ringing in the ears and balance issues, visit an ENT or audiologist. To get a hearing test and ask general questions about your hearing or available hearing aid technology, an audiologist or hearing aid specialist can assist you.