Have you experienced a notable decline in your hearing? Are you worried about your hearing and need to seek medical attention? People of all ages can suffer from hearing loss, and it can be stressful to experience changes in your hearing — no matter what your age. While many types of hearing loss are irreversible, taking preventative action can ensure a better quality of hearing for longer. But who should you see? Should you schedule an appointment with your primary care provider? Do you need to see a specialist? After some research, most people end up with the same question: should they see an ENT doctor or an audiologist to diagnose and treat their hearing loss? In this guide, we examine what you need to know about an ENT vs. audiologist and which type of specialist to see for your hearing loss.
Before we delve into whether you need to see an ENT vs. audiologist, let’s first talk about how to recognize the symptoms of hearing loss. Chances are, you won’t wake up one day to sudden hearing loss; hearing loss generally develops gradually over time. However, there are times when someone may experience sudden hearing loss. If you have sudden hearing loss in one ear, seek medical attention immediately. Sudden hearing loss can also occur after exposure to loud noises. If you’re experiencing ringing in your ears after an incident like this, seek medical help. Here are a few symptoms of hearing loss to keep an eye out for:
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctors possess medical degrees and are fully qualified hearing loss doctors. These professionals typically spend a minimum of 15 years to become fully qualified in their fields. They focus on providing diagnostics and primary care for diseases, trauma, tumors, and other abnormalities. Some ENT doctors will also help treat allergies impacting the ears, nose, and throat. When it comes to treating hearing loss, ENT doctors don’t have the same expertise to provide adequate treatment. They deal with more generalized issues afflicting the ears, nose, and throat.
Doctors of audiology are hearing healthcare professionals that specialize in identifying, diagnosing, and treating audiology issues. But is an audiologist a doctor? These professionals are not medical doctors, but they do possess a doctorate. All new audiologists must possess a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree, a postgraduate degree requiring at least four years of study. Generally, these professionals tackle issues like tinnitus, hearing loss, and balance problems. They will also help with the fitting and managing of hearing aids. An audiologist will also help their patients handle the practical issues associated with hearing loss, such as buying a phone or choosing a specific hearing aid model.
In the debate over ENT vs. audiologist, it can be difficult to determine what each specialist does and which “ear Dr.” you should approach for help. Let’s look at some of the differences between the two:
Both of these hearing loss doctors have their place. Depending on your condition, you may be referred to one or both of these professionals.
As soon as you start to notice any changes in your hearing, it’s time to take action. But determining which doctors of hearing can best help you to diagnose, treat, and manage your hearing loss isn’t always straightforward. By understanding the differences between an ENT vs. audiologist, you can better understand who to approach if you have a problem.
The primary focus of audiology is hearing loss. If you are finding it difficult to hear the TV or follow a conversation, this is a sign that you have a hearing impairment. Schedule an appointment with an audiologist, and they will be able to run hearing tests to determine the cause and severity of your hearing loss. They will also be able to suggest ways to manage your hearing loss, such as hearing aids. A hearing aid doctor can detail the various styles of hearing aid, as well as provide recommendations as to the best brands. In the event your hearing loss isn’t caused by aging, you may be referred to one of many local audiologists for further examinations.
You should visit an ENT doctor if you have a medical condition that afflicts your ears. In many cases, audiologists will refer their patients to ENT doctors for treatment, including surgery. Viral or bacterial infections may cause medical issues affecting the ears. The presence of lumps and tumors around the ears are also cause for a visit to an ENT doctor. Remember, an ENT doctor can also diagnose cancer in the ears, nose, and throat. If an ENT doctor runs tests and discovers no medical condition causing your hearing loss, they will refer you back to an audiologist.
If you’re suffering from any form of hearing loss, it’s important to take action. Even if your generalized hearing loss is not considered treatable, there are strategies to limit the impact on your daily life. Never allow your hearing loss to fester without treatment, and approaching a hearing care professional doesn’t need to be expensive. Find out more about the state of your hearing and schedule a free consultation with a licensed hearing professional through EarPros today.
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