Hearing Loss Treatment Professionals

Article taken from the Better Hearing Institute website

To find the most comprehensive list of hearing healthcare professionals near you, consult the yellow pages under “audiologist”, “audiology”, “hearing aids” or “Physicians – Ear Nose Throat (Otolaryngology)”. Here is a brief description of each hearing healthcare profession:

Audiologists identify and assess disorders of the hearing and balance systems of children and adults. Audiologists select, fit, and dispense amplification systems such as hearing aids and related devices; program cochlear implants; and provide instruction, rehabilitation, and counseling services to enhance human communication. A graduate (doctorate or master) degree is required for practice.

Hearing aid specialists assess hearing and select, fit, and dispense hearing aids and related devices. They provide instruction, rehabilitation, and counseling in the use and care of hearing aids and related devices to enhance human communication. The nationally accepted credential for hearing aid specialists is certification by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Aid Sciences.

Otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat physicians) perform a complete medical history and physical examination of the head and neck. They also perform and supervise hearing and balance testing, which leads to the medical diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of diseases of the hearing and balance systems in children and adults. This may include prescribing medications; performing surgery including implanting cochlear implants; and selecting, fitting, and dispensing hearing aids and related devices. The nationally accepted credential for otolaryngologists is board certification by the American Board of Otolaryngology. A medical degree (MD or DO) is required.