Audiologists Vs. ENT Doctors in Cincinnati, OH
Learn More from the Experts at Ohio Hearing & Audiology
Some people experiencing hearing loss or other ear-related health issues might wonder if scheduling an appointment with an audiologist or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor is the right choice. Although there are some similarities between the two, audiologists and ENT doctors have different areas of expertise and perform different treatments. Knowing which hearing care professional is right for your situation is important. Below, the experts at Ohio Hearing & Audiology have included some helpful information explaining the difference between audiologists and ENT doctors. Contact us today for more information about our full suite of professional audiology services in Cincinnati, OH and the surrounding areas.
What Is an Audiologist?
An audiologist is a doctor and hearing healthcare professional specializing in diagnosing and treating auditory and vestibular issues within the ear. They’re experts in the technology that’s used to manage the symptoms of hearing loss, tinnitus, and other similar conditions. If you have hearing loss and need hearing aids fitted to manage the symptoms, an audiologist will take care of it. Audiologists can also:
- Help people cope with the symptoms of hearing loss and tinnitus
- Assist patients with the technology used to improve hearing
- Provide patient and family counseling to help deal with the emotional aspects of hearing loss
- Conduct comprehensive hearing evaluations
- Properly fit you for custom hearing protection solutions
- And more!
What Does an ENT Doctor Do?
ENT stands for ear, nose, and throat. ENT doctors can deal with medical issues in these three areas of the body, focusing on diseases, traumas, tumors, and abnormalities that can impact these areas. In some cases, visiting a professional allergist is more effective, but some ENT doctors can try to treat allergies that impact the ears, nose, and throat. When it comes to treating hearing loss, ENT doctors don’t have the same level of expertise as audiologists.
When Should You See an Audiologist or ENT Doctor?
If you’re experiencing hearing loss issues, such as asking people to repeat themselves or turning the volume up higher than normal, an audiologist can help you. They will conduct a comprehensive hearing evaluation, including an inspection of your inner ear, to determine the cause of your hearing loss. Audiologists sometimes refer patients to an ENT doctor for underlying issues causing hearing loss.
You may be referred to an ENT doctor if you have an ear infection that’s causing hearing loss, abnormalities like lumps around your ears, or other signs of a medical condition. If your ENT doctor determines you don’t have a medical condition, you will be referred to an audiologist for your general hearing loss. If your hearing loss is caused by aging or exposure to loud noises, an audiologist can recommend treatments for managing your symptoms, such as hearing aids.
Schedule an Appointment with Us Today
Audiologists and ENT doctors are both qualified healthcare professionals. While audiologists are trained to diagnose and treat hearing loss and other hearing-related issues, ENT doctors are trained to treat medical conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat. The hearing care professionals at Ohio Hearing & Audiology offer a wide range of audiology services for patients throughout Cincinnati, OH and the surrounding areas. If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, you can visit one of our hearing care centers for a risk-free evaluation. Contact us today to learn more, or schedule an appointment to take the first step towards better hearing.
