When you experience hearing loss, you’ll likely encounter terms like “ENT” (short for an ear, nose, and throat doctor) and “audiologist” during your search for professional care. It is important to note that while these two healthcare professionals both work with hearing loss patients, they specialize in different areas.
The difference between an audiologist vs. ENT can be hard to distinguish, as they regularly work together and can even share patients. Both ENT physicians and audiologists can evaluate and make diagnoses for hearing loss. However, their treatment methods vary. To treat hearing loss conditions, an ENT may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Audiologists can do neither; rather, they focus on rehabilitative and therapeutic management through the use of multiple technologies.
Audiologists are licensed, doctoral-level hearing healthcare professionals who prioritize hearing health with rehabilitation and management resources. An audiologist can treat and evaluate hearing loss, balance issues, cochlear implants, assistive devices, balance/vestibular rehabilitation, aural rehabilitation, and tinnitus management.
They perform hearing exams and offer personalized care that often involves advising on hearing aids and programming these hearing devices. Audiologists are distinguished by their expertise in the technology they use. By conducting hearing tests, they can identify the cause of your hearing loss and program hearing aids to meet your prescription.
An ENT doctor, also referred to as an otolaryngologist, is a physician specializing in diagnosis, treatment, and surgical care for issues relating to a patient’s head and neck. ENT stands for ear, nose, and throat, the areas these healthcare professionals specialize in, along with related structures like the thyroid and sinuses.
In these areas, they evaluate and treat injuries, diseases, abnormalities, and tumors, as well as more minor issues like a persistent sore throat, chronic cough, or allergies. ENTs can also treat balance disorders and tinnitus.
If you are having concerns or pain related to hearing loss, scheduling an appointment with the right hearing healthcare professional is a critical step in your hearing journey.
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Audiologists can conduct hearing screenings to help diagnose the cause and severity of your hearing loss. If you are experiencing gradual or age-related hearing loss, they can develop a management plan and provide consultations for hearing aids or cochlear implants. They also provide evaluations and treatments for balance disorders and tinnitus.
An audiologist may refer you to an ENT if:
ENT doctors treat a wide range of medical conditions, from infections to cancerous tumors. Visit an ENT if you are experiencing hearing loss due to viral infections, structural abnormalities, or fluid buildup. For sudden or significant hearing loss, an ENT evaluation is important to help determine whether there may be more serious medical conditions contributing.
Tinnitus is a condition where ringing can be heard in one or both ears, but not by other people. This “ringing” can sometimes be a buzzing or roaring noise. It is common among adults, with 10% to 15% of the population in the U.S. diagnosed with this condition1.
It is appropriate to visit an ENT or audiologist for tinnitus, as both can make diagnoses and help facilitate treatment plans. Audiologists specialize in tinnitus management using hearing aids and combination devices. Depending on your tinnitus case, an ENT may prescribe you medication, or recommend surgery.
Earwax buildup in the ear canal can cause temporary hearing loss and lead to infections. Significant buildup may require professional removal. When deciding between an audiologist vs. an ENT for earwax removal, know that either one can help. Earwax removal is a common part of both professions.
Keep in mind that every state has different regulations regarding who may remove earwax. Set an appointment with your primary care provider if you have questions concerning excess earwax, and they can direct you to the right professional.
ENTs and audiologists have different methods of approaching hearing loss due to their different specialties. An audiologist typically conducts a diagnostic hearing evaluation to assess the current condition of hearing health and recommends management strategies as treatment. On the other hand, ENT evaluations may look for underlying medical conditions contributing to your hearing loss.
It is likely that you will meet with both when dealing with hearing loss. For example, if your hearing loss develops gradually and no medical condition is linked, an ENT or your primary care physician may refer you to an audiologist for further evaluation and management options.
Clogged ears can be a result of many factors, including earwax buildup, eustachian tube dysfunction, or foreign objects inside the ear canal. Persistent clogged ears can lead to serious conditions. Scheduling an appointment with an ENT can help identify the cause and direct you to the right treatment.
When to see an ENT for clogged ears:
Ear infections are more prevalent among children than they are in adults. Most cases of ear infections go away on their own, and medication can help provide relief. However, recurring ear infections can lead to complications such as persistent pain and hearing problems. Audiologists do not treat ear infections. An ENT doctor can help prescribe antibiotics and evaluate if it is caused by a medical condition.
When to see an ENT for ear infections:
One of the best ways to care for your ears and prevent hearing loss is to get them properly examined by a hearing care professional. Find your nearest Miracle-Ear store to get started on your journey to better hearing.
If you are experiencing hearing loss, it can be hard to determine when to see an audiologist vs. ENT. In general, if it is your first time having concerns with your hearing, starting with your primary care physician or ENT may be helpful. ENT doctors can evaluate the medical condition and, if they see fit, put in a hearing test order with an audiologist for further assessment.
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