Why choose an Audiologist?

Audiologists, Ear Nose & Throat Doctors, and Hearing Aid Fitters.
There are several different types of businesses that provide hearing aids, and this can be confusing to the consumer. The sources of hearing aids range from Audiologists, to Ear-Nose-and-Throat Doctors, to hearing aid dealers and franchise stores, and even big-box retail stores and internet sellers. Audiologist An audiologist is a licensed health professional.

The audiologist is the highest-trained individual in the diagnosis, testing, evaluation, and rehabilitation of non-medical hearing loss (that is, hearing loss that is not associated with disease). Many audiologists who began their career with the Master’s degree, have gone forward to earn the additional certification on Audiology. Some audiologists are self-employed in private practice. Others work as employees of hospitals, larger ENT (medical) practices, or in schools or other institutions. Audiologists do not perform surgery, and do not prescribe medications (prescription drugs). They may recommend over-the-counter medications.

Ear-Nose-and-Throat Doctors The formal term for an ear-nose-and-throat doctor is “otolaryngologist”. Many people abbreviate the specialty and refer to them as an “ENT”. An otolaryngologist holds a medical doctoral degree (MD or DO) from an accredited university, and has completed a multi-year residency in surgical procedures.

Otolaryngology (also sometimes called otorhinolaryngology) is the branch of medicine and surgery that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and other disorders of the head and neck. There are many specialties within the field of otolaryngology, including the treatment of allergies, sinus conditions, treating inflammation and infection, diseases of the larynx (voice box), cancers of the head and neck, pediatrics, infections of tonsils and adenoids, facial reconstructive and plastic surgery, etc.

ENT doctors also can prescribe medications (prescription drugs). Many otolaryngologists consult an Audiologist to perform diagnostic tests of the ear, for both hearing assessment and for the diagnosis of certain diseases and conditions. In some ENT offices, the audiologist will also perform hearing aid evaluations and dispense hearing aids, along with their other duties. When you consult with Doctors of Hearing Audiologists, if there is any indication of disease (inflammation, infection, drainage, bleeding, perforated eardrum) you will be referred to the appropriate medical doctor (usually an ENT) for treatment of those conditions, before beginning the process of hearing rehabilitation. Retail stores In recent years there has been a trend of retail establishments selling hearing aids, as an additional product.

Some discount department stores and “big-box” stores have identified an opportunity for increasing their profits through the sale of hearing aids. Most of these stores lack a sound-proof booth, tympanometer, otoacoustic emissions device, and other testing equipment typically found at Doctors of Hearing.

Most stores sell only one brand of hearing aid, which may not be the most appropriate type for your particular type of hearing loss and needs.
Successful hearing aid fitting You are probably acquainted with at least one person who has hearing loss, was “sold” a pair of hearing aids, and has been disappointed in the results. The truth is, the primary factor in the success of your hearing aid fitting is the skill and experience of the provider. There is no “silver bullet” technology that is the answer to all hearing problems.

Doctors of Hearing qualified Audiologists are the most qualified professional to diagnose and evaluate your hearing, and to recommend and provide a comprehensive solution to your hearing needs.