Audiologist vs. ENT Physician: Which Specialist Should You See?
If you experience discomfort in your ears, nose, or throat, or if you notice a decline in your hearing, it’s important to know who to turn to: an Audiologist or an ENT physician. Each professional has a unique role in addressing hearing and balance issues. Here, we’ll discuss the differences between the two and help guide you in making the right choice for your health.
Audiologist
- Short Description: Hearing and balance professional who specializes in assessing and managing hearing and communication challenges.
- Goal: To improve quality of life by enhancing the patient’s ability to hear and communicate effectively.
- Education: Doctoral degree in Audiology (Doctor of Audiology, Au.D.).
Summary:
An Audiologist is an expert in the science of hearing. They focus on diagnosing hearing loss and other auditory conditions, including balance issues and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Audiologists use advanced testing to evaluate hearing ability and determine solutions to improve communication, such as hearing aids, counseling, and communication strategies. They also treat conditions like auditory processing disorders (APD) and offer balance assessments for dizziness or vertigo. In some cases, Audiologists collaborate with speech-language pathologists to provide comprehensive care for patients.
At Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic, our team of Audiologists understands how hearing loss can impact your daily life. We work with you to find solutions that fit your unique needs and goals. Whether you are dealing with a gradual loss of hearing, difficulty distinguishing speech in noisy environments, or struggling with other auditory concerns, we are here to help.
Reasons to visit an Audiologist:
- You experience hearing loss or difficulty distinguishing speech.
- You notice gradual, long-term hearing loss.
- Your primary care physician does not suspect any medical cause, such as ear infections, trauma, or earwax impaction.
- You want to explore options for hearing aids, counseling, or communication coaching.
- You need assistance with tinnitus or balance issues.
ENT Physician
- Short Description: A medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, and throat conditions.
- Goal: To diagnose and treat medical issues affecting the ears, nose, and throat, such as infections, tumors, or structural problems.
- Education: Medical Degree in Otolaryngology (M.D.).
Summary:
An ENT physician, or Otolaryngologist, is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats a wide range of issues in the ear, nose, and throat. They handle everything from routine problems, like ear infections and sinus issues, to more complex conditions, such as tumors or profound hearing loss caused by trauma or infections. ENT physicians often perform surgical procedures, including ear tube insertions, tonsillectomies, and surgeries to treat conditions like otosclerosis (bone growth in the ear) or chronic sinusitis. When hearing loss is caused by an underlying medical issue, such as an infection or tumor, an ENT physician can provide medical or surgical treatment.
Reasons to visit an ENT Physician:
- You experience sudden hearing loss or a rapid decline in hearing.
- You need earwax removal or treatment for other ear-related issues.
- You experience aural symptoms like ear pain, vertigo, fullness in the ear, or ringing (tinnitus).
- Your physician suspects that your hearing loss may require a medical evaluation.
- You have additional symptoms in the ear, nose, throat, or neck areas.
Where to Start
If you’re unsure which specialist to see, a good first step is to schedule a hearing test. An audiogram will provide important information about your hearing, which can help both the Audiologist and ENT physician determine the best course of action. Often, an ENT physician will require this audiogram to understand your hearing condition and how it relates to your overall health.
At Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic, we offer a variety of tests to accurately identify specific hearing and balance issues. These tests include:
- Audiograms for patients of all ages.
- Tinnitus evaluations to assess ringing in the ears.
- Central Auditory Processing Disorder (C-APD) evaluations to understand difficulties in processing sounds.
- Balance assessments for patients experiencing dizziness or vertigo.
After your evaluation, we will explain the results, provide a treatment plan, or refer you to an ENT physician if necessary.