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An audiologist is a healthcare specialist you may be referred to when you have auditory (hearing) or vestibular (spatial and balance) disorders. These experts diagnose and treat hearing loss, vertigo, and dizziness.
Audiologists customize hearing aids and other assistive devices and remove impacted earwax. Given audiologists' important role in auditory and vestibular care, it’s essential to understand what they do, what appointments are like, and what differentiates them from other specialists, such as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors.
Audiologists work to treat, diagnose, and prevent issues affecting your auditory and vestibular systems. Disorders of the auditory system cause hearing loss and prompt referral to an audiologist. These specialists also treat conditions affecting the vestibular system that affect balance and often overlap with those affecting hearing. You may also visit an audiologist for consultations regarding hearing aids or other devices to assist your hearing.
The auditory system involves the structures of the inner, middle, and outer ear and the nerves and neurological pathways inside and outside the brain that process what you hear. Disorders of this system often cause hearing loss, and many can overlap with vestibular disorders.
The vestibular system regulates balance and spatial perception. Vestibular disorders can cause loss of balance, dizziness, and vertigo (a spinning sensation). Audiologists offer therapies to help with these conditions and provide counseling to help patients manage vestibular disorders.
In managing hearing loss, audiologists also diagnose for, customize, and consult on the use of assistive devices, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants. They can program and adjust them as needed and provide education on their proper use.
Since excessive earwax buildup (impacted earwax) can lead to hearing and balance problems, you may need to see an audiologist for earwax removal. This can be done with a take-home kit or an in-office procedure.
A primary care provider (PCP) can diagnose and treat infections or other ear-related problems that contribute to hearing loss. Sometimes, a PCP will refer you to an audiologist, who can provide additional testing to determine the type and degree of hearing loss. Since audiologists specialize in hearing loss, they can also fit you for a hearing aid, if necessary, and offer additional resources to help you to adapt to life with hearing loss.
Audiologists aren’t the only specialists that treat hearing loss. Depending on your condition, you may be referred to an ENT provider ( otolaryngologist ). However, there are significant differences between these types of providers, as follows:
If your hearing loss is attributed to cancer or structural problems—or if the solution involves surgery—treatment is typically led by ENT providers. Most often, audiologists and ENT physicians work as a team to diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders.
Audiologists work in various clinical settings, including:
Often, the best way to find an audiologist is through the recommendation of a primary healthcare provider. You can and should research potential specialists through online reviews or the advice of friends, family, or coworkers.
Make sure you’re comfortable with your choice, and don’t be afraid to ask about your potential audiologist’s experience, specialization, and expertise.
Audiologists must earn a bachelor’s degree before continuing to graduate school, where they earn a doctor of audiology (AuD), professor of philosophy (Ph.D.), or a combination (AuD/Ph.D.) degree. A typical AuD degree program takes four years, though AuD/Ph.D. programs may require less time. As part of their degree, audiologists typically undergo an externship year, during which they do clinical work under the supervision of a hospital or clinic.
In addition, audiologists may also become certified by professional organizations, such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the American Board of Audiology. This typically requires additional supervised practice. Certifications are also available for specific specialties, such as pediatric audiology and cochlear implant surgery.
All audiologists must be licensed by the state they practice in. Each state establishes a set of criteria to practice, with some requiring board certification. To retain a license, the doctor must also demonstrate a commitment to professional development and participate in a certain number of continuing education hours every year.
So, what’s it like to have an appointment with an audiologist? How can you prepare? Once you schedule an appointment with an audiologist, consider the following steps to prepare:
When you have an appointment with an audiologist, you may encounter a wide range of unfamiliar terms. Here are just a few examples with definitions:
Audiologists are medical specialists that diagnose and treat conditions affecting your hearing, balance, and sense of the position of your body in space. You may see an audiologist for different types of hearing loss and issues like vertigo and chronic dizziness, among others. They also may fit you for hearing aids or other assistive devices and provide counseling on coping with hearing loss.
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By Mark Gurarie
Gurarie is a freelance writer and editor. He is a writing composition adjunct lecturer at George Washington University.
