There are many types of medical professionals who specialize in hearing issues and treating ear conditions. Ear-nose-throat doctors, audiologists, and audiometrists all specialize in diagnosing and treating various ear ailments. However, there are distinct differences between these professions. Here is everything you need to know about audiologists, audiometrists, and ear, nose, and throat doctors.
What Is an Ear-Nose-Throat Doctor?
Ear nose and throat doctors, officially called otolaryngologists, treat various neck and head conditions. They diagnose and treat conditions that affect the ears, sinuses, tonsils, voice box, and esophagus. Ear nose and throat professionals also specialize in treating smell and taste disorders, head and neck cancers, skin conditions, hearing ailments, and specific sleep disruptions.
Many otolaryngologists are also qualified to perform surgical procedures. These surgeries include:
- Cochlear implant
- Deviated septum
- Facial Plastic surgeries
- Tonsillectomies
- Removal of growths
To be qualified to diagnose ailments and perform surgeries, ear nose, and throat doctors must attend medical school and undergo several years of post-graduate training. Most doctors complete a residency and additional surgical training within a clinical setting. They must also pass rigorous licensing and board examinations.
What Is an Audiologist?
Like an ear nose, and throat doctor, an audiologist also specializes in treating disorders impacting the ears.
Specifically, audiologists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat conditions of hearing, balance, and other neural structures. Most audiologists perform the following tasks:
- Fits and manages hearing aids and other listening technologies
- Helps diagnose and prevent hearing loss by educating patients and providing protective hearing devices
- Performs research pertinent to hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance system issues
Most audiologists do not attend medical school. Instead, most have a clinical doctorate degree in audiology or a related subject from an accredited university. Many of the top professionals also obtain a doctorate in a closely related issue. Audiologists must complete an externship or fellowship before working in a clinical setting. They must also pass board exams and licensing requirements.
Most audiologists must receive separate certifications from state and federal associations to legally practice audiology.
What Is an Audiometrist?
Sometimes referred to as an audiometric officer or hearing screener, an audiometrist is a health care technician qualified to conduct hearing tests and use pure tone audiometry equipment. Schools, work organizations, and hospitals often employ these professionals to perform annual hearing tests. Audiometrists cannot diagnose hearing loss unless also trained as an audiologist.
In the U.S., audiometrists must receive education and accreditation in audiometric screening. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration manages this accreditation. The educational requirements vary depending on the organization employing the individual. Some professionals may have advanced degrees, while others may have technical or on-the-job training qualifications.
While audiometrists, audiologists, and ear nose and throat doctors specialize in hearing conditions, they perform very different functions. Talk to your primary care physician if you are experiencing hearing issues to obtain a referral for the proper medical professional.
Work With the HEAR Center
Are you experiencing hearing issues and don’t know which type of medical professional to see? Contact HEAR Center today. We provide comprehensive hearing services.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to make an appointment:
Call or text: (626) 734-6555
Email us at: appointments@hearcenter.org
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Also, for more information about our Audiological Evaluations (hearing test) please visit our webpage: https://www.hearcenter.org/services/audiology/