When to See an Audiologist

A Specialist Who Treats Patients With Hearing Loss

An audiologist is a healthcare specialist you may be referred to when you have auditory (hearing) or vestibular (spatial and balance) disorders. These experts diagnose and treat hearing loss, vertigo, and dizziness.

Audiologists customize hearing aids and other assistive devices and remove impacted earwax. Given audiologists' important role in auditory and vestibular care, it’s essential to understand what they do, what appointments are like, and what differentiates them from other specialists, such as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors.

Audiologist examining the ears of an older adult in a provider's office

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Reasons to See an Audiologist

Audiologists work to treat, diagnose, and prevent issues affecting your auditory and vestibular systems. Disorders of the auditory system cause hearing loss and prompt referral to an audiologist. These specialists also treat conditions affecting the vestibular system that affect balance and often overlap with those affecting hearing. You may also visit an audiologist for consultations regarding hearing aids or other devices to assist your hearing.

Diagnosing and Treating Hearing Loss

The auditory system involves the structures of the inner, middle, and outer ear and the nerves and neurological pathways inside and outside the brain that process what you hear. Disorders of this system often cause hearing loss, and many can overlap with vestibular disorders.

Diagnosing and Treating Vestibular Disorders

The vestibular system regulates balance and spatial perception. Vestibular disorders can cause loss of balance, dizziness, and vertigo (a spinning sensation). Audiologists offer therapies to help with these conditions and provide counseling to help patients manage vestibular disorders.  

Hearing Aids & Assistive Devices

In managing hearing loss, audiologists also diagnose for, customize, and consult on the use of assistive devices, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants. They can program and adjust them as needed and provide education on their proper use.

Earwax Removal

Since excessive earwax buildup (impacted earwax) can lead to hearing and balance problems, you may need to see an audiologist for earwax removal. This can be done with a take-home kit or an in-office procedure.

Primary Care Provider vs. Audiologist

A primary care provider (PCP) can diagnose and treat infections or other ear-related problems that contribute to hearing loss. Sometimes, a PCP will refer you to an audiologist, who can provide additional testing to determine the type and degree of hearing loss. Since audiologists specialize in hearing loss, they can also fit you for a hearing aid, if necessary, and offer additional resources to help you to adapt to life with hearing loss.

Audiologist vs. ENT Provider

Audiologists aren’t the only specialists that treat hearing loss. Depending on your condition, you may be referred to an ENT provider (otolaryngologist). However, there are significant differences between these types of providers, as follows:

  • ENT providers focus on ear, nose, and throat health. They have a broader scope of practice, also treating conditions affecting the sinuses and thyroid. Some ENTs specialize in the ear, completing an additional two-year fellowship focusing on surgery for more complex needs.
  • Audiologists focus on diagnosing, treating, and managing hearing and balance disorders. They’re specialists trained to detect certain types of hearing loss and can program and work with hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive devices. They can also help you adapt to hearing loss at home or at work.

If your hearing loss is attributed to cancer or structural problems—or if the solution involves surgery—treatment is typically led by ENT providers. Most often, audiologists and ENT physicians work as a team to diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders.     

Where to Find Audiologist Services

Audiologists work in various clinical settings, including:

  • Hospitals
  • Private practices, such as hearing centers
  • Physicians’ clinics or offices
  • Schools, colleges, and universities
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Long-term or residential care facilities

Often, the best way to find an audiologist is through the recommendation of a primary healthcare provider. You can and should research potential specialists through online reviews or the advice of friends, family, or coworkers.

Make sure you’re comfortable with your choice, and don’t be afraid to ask about your potential audiologist’s experience, specialization, and expertise.   

Audiologist Professional Background

Audiologists must earn a bachelor’s degree before continuing to graduate school, where they earn a doctor of audiology (AuD), professor of philosophy (Ph.D.), or a combination (AuD/Ph.D.) degree. A typical AuD degree program takes four years, though AuD/Ph.D. programs may require less time. As part of their degree, audiologists typically undergo an externship year, during which they do clinical work under the supervision of a hospital or clinic.

In addition, audiologists may also become certified by professional organizations, such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the American Board of Audiology. This typically requires additional supervised practice. Certifications are also available for specific specialties, such as pediatric audiology and cochlear implant surgery.

All audiologists must be licensed by the state they practice in. Each state establishes a set of criteria to practice, with some requiring board certification. To retain a license, the doctor must also demonstrate a commitment to professional development and participate in a certain number of continuing education hours every year.  

Audiologist Appointment Tips

So, what’s it like to have an appointment with an audiologist? How can you prepare? Once you schedule an appointment with an audiologist, consider the following steps to prepare:

  • Have health information: Expect to answer questions about your symptoms, overall health status as well as lifestyle (diet, exercise, and other habits).
  • Know your medications: Have a list ready of any medications and supplements you’re taking, as these can impact your diagnosis and treatment.
  • Understand your insurance: The treatment, hearing aids, and other services insurance plans cover vary; make sure you understand what you can be expected to pay, and keep in mind there may be options for funding.
  • Have questions on hand: When you come in, come ready with questions about any treatments, assistive devices, or other aspects of care.
  • Do some research: While you should be open to the suggestions and guidance of your audiologist, it can help to learn about your condition or any therapies you’re undergoing beforehand.

Common Terms

When you have an appointment with an audiologist, you may encounter a wide range of unfamiliar terms. Here are just a few examples with definitions:

  • Auditory processing disorder: This is a type of disorder in which you can hear, but there are problems interpreting speech.
  • Fistula: A hole or rip in the window connecting the middle ear cavity and cochlea
  • Labyrinth: The organ of balance, comprised of the three semicircular canals and vestibule
  • Otoscope: A magnifying and lighting instrument audiologists use to look inside the ear canal

Summary

Audiologists are medical specialists that diagnose and treat conditions affecting your hearing, balance, and sense of the position of your body in space. You may see an audiologist for different types of hearing loss and issues like vertigo and chronic dizziness, among others. They also may fit you for hearing aids or other assistive devices and provide counseling on coping with hearing loss.

7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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  2. Strupp M, Dlugaiczyk J, Ertl-Wagner BB, Rujescu D, Westhofen M, Dieterich M. Vestibular disorders. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2020;117(17):300-310. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2020.0300

  3. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Who can I turn to for help with my hearing loss?

  4. American Academy of Audiology. Audiologists vs. hearing instrument specialists vs. ENTs.

  5. American Academy of Audiology. Become an audiologist.

  6. American Speech Language Hearing Association. How do I prepare for my audiology visit?.

  7. Academy of Doctors of Audiology. What is an audiologist?.

By Mark Gurarie
Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University.