Which Hearing Professional Should You See?
There are lots of different types of medical professionals who specialize in ears, and determining which is right for your needs can be confusing. Below is a list of various specialists you may see for ear- or hearing-relating problems, what their credentials are and how they can help you.
Audiologists
Audiologists have extensive education and training that allows them to identify, evaluate and measure hearing loss and other ear disorders. Audiologists hold master’s degrees, clinical doctorates (Au.D.), or research-based doctorates (Ph.D.) from accredited universities. Many also undergo specialty training in pediatrics, balance disorders, cochlear implants, hearing conservation and/or hearing aids. Audiologists who dispense hearing aids are licensed by the state they practice in.
Visit an audiologist if…
- You’ve noticed changes in your hearing
- You’re ready to purchase hearing aids
- You need your hearing aids programmed or repaired
- You experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- You experience balance problems
- You want to purchase custom hearing protection
Hearing Instrument Specialists
Hearing instrument specialists (HIS) are state-licensed professionals who evaluate haring problems in order to select and fit hearing aids. Most hearing instrument specialists have an associate’s degree, and all have passed a board certification. Hearing instrument specialists typically focus on adults with age-related or noise-induced hearing loss.
Visit an HIS if…
- You’re an adult and noticed changes in your hearing
- You’re ready to purchase hearing aids
- You need your hearing aids programmed or repaired
Otolaryngologists & Otologists
Otolaryngologists, more commonly known as ENT physicians, are medical doctors that specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of diseases and disorders that affect the ears, nose, throat, head and neck. ENTs offer services related to hearing loss, ear infections, swimmer’s ear, balance disorders, tinnitus, cranial nerve disorders and congenital disorders of the ear. They’re certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, have attended four years of college, four years of medical school and have completed a five-year residency.
Otologists are similar, but are mostly focused on the ears. After medical school, they undergo training that allows them to provide medical and surgical care for patients with disorders related to the hearing system, balance system and skull base.
Visit an ENT if…
- You have ear pain or discharge
- You’re experiencing balance problems
- You have tinnitus
- You have concerns about your child’s hearing
- You have an ear infection
- You need surgery on your ears
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call PDX ENT today!
