What kind of specialist should I see for my hearing loss?

If you are experiencing hearing loss or other ear-related concerns, you may be unsure about what specialist you should see. With numerous titles and specialties—including audiologists, ENTs, and hearing instrument specialists—it can be challenging to know the difference. 

To help you in your search we have put together a primer about each of their specific roles so you can find the right professional to meet your needs.

When to see an audiologist

What is an audiologist?

An audiologist is a medical professional with a master's degree, clinical doctorate (AuD) or research-based doctorate (PhD) in audiology from an accredited university.

They have extensive education and training in diagnostic testing to identify, evaluate and measure hearing loss and other related disorders, including balance disorders and tinnitus. 

Why see an audiologist?

Consider visiting an audiologist if you are experiencing any of the following:

• You or a loved one has noticed changes in your hearing
• You wish to purchase hearing aids
• You need programming and maintenance of hearing aids
• You're experiencing ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
• You have concerns about your child's hearing 
• You need hearing implant programming and aftercare, for cochlear implants or bone-anchored hearing systems

When to see a hearing instrument specialist

What is a hearing instrument specialist?

A hearing instrument specialist (HIS) is a state-licensed professional who evaluates hearing problems and selects and fits hearing aids. 

Hearing instrument specialists' practices typically focus on the adult population with common types of hearing loss, often working at retail hearing clinics like Costco or HearingLife. They don't tend to work with children who have hearing loss or adults with more complex hearing loss.

Why see a hearing instrument specialist?

• You are an adult who has experienced changes in hearing
• You wish to purchase hearing aids
• You need a hearing test 
• You need help with programming and maintenance of hearing aids

Do medical doctors treat hearing loss?

Yes. Medical doctors who diagnose and treat hearing loss are known as otolaryngologists and neurotologists. 

What is an otolaryngologist?

An otolaryngologist is also known as an ENT (for ear, nose and throat). They are medical doctors trained in the medical and surgical management of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck.

What about otologists?

Some ENTs are known as otologists. Like an otolaryngologist, an otologist is a specialist, but they are further focused on the ears and their related structures.  After medical school, they complete further training that allows them to provide medical and surgical care for patients with diseases and disorders that affect the ears, balance system and base of the skull.

Why see an otolaryngologist or otologist?

Your primary care doctor can handle can treat many of these conditions, but in some cases, you may receive a referral to see an ENT for the following, especially if they're persistent problems:

• Ear pain or discharge
• Balance problems
• Tinnitus
• Concerns about your child's ears or hearing
• Swimmer's ear
• Middle ear infections
• Cranial nerve disorders
• Congenital disorders of the inner or outer ear
• Surgery on structures in the head or neck, such as cochlear implant surgery
• Other concerns related to the throat, sinuses, head and neck

You may also need to see an otolaryngologist or otologist for adult hearing loss. However, depending on the cause they may refer you to an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist.

What is a neurotologist?

Closely related to an otologist is a neurotologist. They specialize in surgical intervention for hearing disorders resulting from problems deep within the temporal bone or base of the skull and work with neurosurgeons to correct diseases and disorders of the cranial nerves.

Neurotologists can perform surgery to correct complex hearing and balance issues that originate in the brain or nervous system, such as acoustic neuromas or otosclerosis.

When your child should see an educational audiologist

What is an educational audiologist?

An educational audiologist is trained to work with children who have hearing loss to ensure they receive the same educational opportunities as their hearing peers. They can help identify a child’s hearing loss and are uniquely qualified to determine the impact hearing loss has on learning.

Educational audiologists work as part of a team to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and formulate a plan for the student to receive maximum support in the classroom. This includes recommendations for hearing assistive technology. Other responsibilities might include counseling parents and teachers regarding the child’s hearing loss and individual needs, and educating the school population about hearing loss.

Finding help for hearing loss

To help identify the cause of your hearing loss, see our directory of consumer-reviewed hearing aid clinics to find audiologists and hearing instrument specialists near you. If they determine during their evaluation that your hearing issues are complex, they can help connect you with a physician who can help find the best treatment options available.