Whether you’re facing age-related hearing loss or you have another hearing health concern, visiting a hearing specialist can be exactly what you need to get on the road to hearing better. With a variety of hearing healthcare professionals available, however, how do you know which hearing specialist to choose? It can be tricky at times, but we’re here to help.
If you’re not sure where to start, sometimes a visit to your primary care physician is a good idea. They know your medical history the best and can often point you in the right direction. Or, they can give you a referral to the hearing specialist that would best meet your needs and address your concerns.
Types of Hearing Specialists and What They Do
According to AARP, the list below includes three of the most common hearing professionals. Which hearing specialist is right for YOU depends on your specific situation, type of hearing difficulty, and medical history. Let’s take a closer look at what each specialist does so you have a better idea of what to expect.
1. Otolaryngologist – The Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist
Otherwise known as ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctors, these health professionals are experts in conditions of the ears, nose, and throat. Here are some of their primary functions:
- Diagnosis of ear, nose, and throat diseases
- Treatment of such diseases through medication or other means
- Head and neck surgery to correct or alleviate ear, nose, and throat conditions
- Image testing of the ear, nose, and throat via CT scan or MRI
An ENT physician may be the best hearing specialist to visit if you experience:
- Sudden hearing loss
- Ear drainage
- Ear pain
- Tinnitus (a sensation of ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness, vertigo, or other balance issues
- Profound hearing loss requiring a cochlear implant
2. Audiologist – The Hearing Specialist For Hearing Loss
Doctors of audiology (signified by the letters Au.D. after their names) primarily evaluate and treat hearing loss and related conditions. Audiologists can:
- Perform hearing tests and thorough hearing evaluations
- Diagnose and treat hearing loss
- Diagnose and treat balance disorders
- Provide aural rehabilitation
- Help you find the best hearing aids to meet your needs
- Diagnose and treat tinnitus
- Perform professional earwax removal
- Provide standard, digital, and custom hearing protection
An audiologist might be the best hearing specialist for you if you:
- Aren’t sure if you have hearing loss and want to get your hearing tested
- Have hearing loss and want hearing loss treatment
- Need assistance finding the best hearing aids to meet your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget
- Have experienced tinnitus and want to explore treatment options
- Are exposed to occupational noise hazards and want custom hearing protection
- Want to learn how to prevent hearing loss
- Have experienced dizziness or vertigo and want balance testing
3. Hearing Instrument Specialist
Just like the name implies, these are hearing specialists who are well versed in hearing technology. They are able to:
- Perform basic hearing tests to ensure proper hearing aid function
- Fit and dispense hearing aids
In most cases, a visit to an audiologist would be more beneficial but you could see a hearing instrument specialist if:
- There is no audiologist close to where you live
- You need programming adjustments to your current hearing aids
- Your hearing aids aren’t fitting properly
Hearing Specialists in Mesa and Scottsdale, AZ
The hearing specialists at Advanced Hearing Group are committed to your hearing health and finding ways to help you hear better. Whether you need a hearing test, want to find the best hearing aids, or have another hearing related concern, we are here for you every step of the way. And, if a thorough hearing evaluation reveals problems we can’t address, we’ll send you along to the best hearing specialist to meet your needs. Simply schedule an appointment with one of our Mesa or Scottsdale audiologists today and get started on the road to hearing better!
Read the full story here: What Type of Hearing Specialist Is Right For You?
