Audiologist or hearing aid specialist: what’s the difference?

In the United States, two kinds of professionals test hearing and fit hearing aids: audiologists and hearing aid specialists. A third, the ear, nose and throat doctor, treats medical problems of the ear. Many people book an appointment without knowing which one they are seeing.

Audiologists

An audiologist is a healthcare professional trained to evaluate, diagnose and manage hearing and balance problems. People entering the field today earn a Doctor of Audiology degree (Au.D.), which is a graduate program that follows a bachelor’s degree. Some audiologists who trained earlier hold a master’s degree. All are licensed by the state they work in.

Audiologists work with every age group, from newborns to older adults. Beyond fitting hearing aids, their training covers diagnostic testing, tinnitus, balance disorders, and devices such as cochlear implants.

Hearing aid specialists

A hearing aid specialist tests hearing for the purpose of selecting and fitting hearing aids, and then fits and services them. You may also see the titles “hearing instrument specialist” or “hearing aid dispenser”. They are licensed by the state, and the requirements vary from state to state. Licensing usually involves a period of supervised training and a written and practical exam.

Hearing aid specialists mostly work with adults. Many have years of hands-on experience fitting and adjusting hearing aids.

Ear, nose and throat doctors

An ear, nose and throat doctor (an otolaryngologist, or ENT) is a physician who diagnoses and treats medical conditions of the ear, including with surgery. ENTs do not usually fit hearing aids themselves, though many have audiologists working in their office.

Which should you see?

For an adult with gradual hearing loss in both ears who wants help hearing better, either an audiologist or a hearing aid specialist can be a good choice.

See an audiologist or a doctor if any of these apply:

• The hearing loss is in a child.
• You have dizziness or balance problems.
• Hearing is noticeably worse in one ear than the other.
• You have ringing in only one ear.
• You have ear pain, or fluid draining from the ear.

Sudden hearing loss is urgent. If your hearing drops over hours or a few days, contact a doctor right away. Do not wait for a routine appointment.

The person matters as much as the title

A credential tells you what someone is trained and licensed to do. It does not tell you how carefully they test, how clearly they explain your results, or how well they follow up after a fitting. Those things vary from one provider to the next, whatever the title.

That is why Hearsay asks patients to rate their provider as a separate part of their care. On a clinic’s profile you can see how patients rated the audiologist or hearing aid specialist who looked after them.

For the wider picture, see how to choose a hearing clinic.