There are several kinds of hearing specialists. The family physician usually refers his patient to the appropriate one. Hearing specialists will often work together to reach an appropriate diagnosis.
Audiologists are trained to evaluate the perceptual aspects of hearing. If the family doctor cannot locate any cause for a hearing loss, he will likely refer that patient to an audiologist for further testing.
An audiologist can assess the type of hearing loss, measure its severity, then evaluate and fit any hearing aid if it is needed and assist with any hearing rehabilitation.
Educational requirements include a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Audiology, with a mandatory year of fellowship training before being allowed to practice independently.
In North America, audiologists are certified by:
- ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)
- CASLPA (Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists)
In other countries, they will be certified by an equivalent board. In addition, most US states and Canadian provinces require audiologists to be licensed or registered in that particular state or province in which they practice.
Otolaryngologists are medical doctors trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the ears, sinuses, mouth, throat, larynx, and other structures of the head and neck. They also perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the same regions and are commonly called ENTs (ear, nose, and throat physicians).
Educational requirements include the completion of medical school with an additional minimum of five years of residency, or specialized training.
In the US, otolaryngologists must be certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology while in Canada, they must be certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons.
In other countries, they will be certified by an equivalent board. After residency, some will pursue an additional one- or two-year fellowship for more extensive training in a particular field.
Otologists are otolaryngologists who have completed a specialty fellowship that focuses on ear disorders. This means that they have the most training devoted to any physical problem or disease of the ear.
Some conditions they might treat include ear infections, facial paralysis, dizziness, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), tumors, congenital deformities, and any needed surgeries of the head and neck.
Hearing aid dealers or specialists are another category of specialist. They are technically equipped to handle all hearing aid questions and, in most places, they must be licensed. Requirements to be licensed usually means they have passed written and practical tests in the field.
Educational requirements are not as stringent as other specialists, and hearing aid dealers are not required to have a college degree. Many, however, do complete a distance learning course, pass a state-administered exam, and are licensed or registered by the state or province in which they work, as well as being certified by a national board.
It is critical that a reputable, honest, and qualified hearing aid dispenser be found and should be one whom your doctor can recommend. Although several internet sites sell hearing aids, this practice is illegal in some areas.
Hearing aids should not be purchased from anone who claims it is not necessary to see a dispenser in person. Purchasing a hearing aid in person guarantees a personal fit as well as a return policy that allows enough time for a good period of adjustment.
In the US, the FDA requires dispensers to obtain proof that a physician has been consulted first within six months prior to the purchase of a hearing aid; either that, or they expect a waiver to be signed by you.
Having a medical exam first will determine if medical treatment can improve the hearing loss or if a medical condition may prevent the use of a hearing aid. It is also a good idea to have a complete exam by an audiologist.
After this, the hearing aid dispenser will be able to discuss and decide which hearing aid is required and do the appropriate fittings and maintenance. They will also provide the necessary counselling during the readjustment period to the world of sounds.
