TL;DR

• Start with an ENT for hearing problems, especially sudden hearing loss, to get an accurate medical diagnosis.
• ENTs treat underlying ear conditions like earwax buildup, tinnitus, hyperacusis, sinus pressure, and ear disorders.
• Some hearing issues are medically or surgically treatable, which an audiologist cannot address.
• Audiologists handle hearing aids and long-term care once medical causes are diagnosed or ruled out.
• Ongoing ENT check-ins matter to ensure new or worsening hearing issues aren’t missed.

ENT VS Audiologist

If you’re dealing with hearing loss or other ear-related issues, you may be asking yourself, “Should I see an audiologist or an ENT first?” It’s a common question. While an audiologist specializes in hearing issues and hearing aid fittings, it is generally better to visit an experienced ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor first to get a proper diagnosis regarding what might be causing your hearing concerns.

TLDR:

• If you’re experiencing hearing problems, especially sudden hearing loss, it’s best to start with an ENT (ear nose and throat doctor) for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• ENTs can address ear-related medical issues like ear-wax buildup, tinnitus, hyperacusis, sinus pressure, and determine if a medical or surgical solution is needed.
• Once an underlying condition is diagnosed, or ruled out, an audiologist can fit and manage hearing aids, perform annual hearing tests, and handle long-term care.
• Staying in touch with your ENT for any hearing changes ensures that medical causes aren’t overlooked even while managing hearing loss with an audiologist

What an ENT Can Do

If you’re experiencing hearing problems or issues with your ears, you should see an otolaryngologist, commonly known as an ENT doctor, as soon as possible. This is especially important if you believe you’ve lost hearing, particularly if the loss happened suddenly. An ENT can assess your symptoms, make a diagnosis, and refer you to an audiologist later if needed.

An ENT doctor treats a variety of ear-related problems, including:

• Earwax buildup
• Sudden hearing loss or changes in hearing
• Sinus pressure and headaches
• Hyperacusis (a condition in which normal sounds are painfully loud)
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

In addition to treating ear issues, ENTs can determine if your hearing loss is linked to a specific medical condition.

If you’re diagnosed with hearing loss, an ENT doctor will either perform a hearing test at their office (if available) or refer you to an audiologist for a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Once diagnosed, you may need to visit an audiologist to be fitted for hearing devices, should the doctor recommend them.

In some cases, hearing loss might stem from another issue that can be corrected with surgery. An ENT is also qualified to perform surgical procedures related to the ear, including procedures involving the ear tubes.

What an Audiologist Can Do

If it’s determined that you need a hearing aid, you’ll be referred to an audiologist. Audiologists are hearing care professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating hearing loss, particularly for long-term or gradual hearing loss, when no underlying medical condition has been identified.

An audiologist can:

• Recommend a specific type of hearing aid or assistive listening device
• Fit you for professional earplugs by making molds of your ears
• Provide maintenance and adjustments to your hearing aids as needed
• Perform annual hearing tests to monitor any changes in your hearing

While audiologists play a crucial role in managing hearing loss, it’s essential to continue seeing your ENT doctor if you notice changes in your hearing. Having regular checkups ensures that you address any underlying medical issues that may be contributing to hearing problems.

Book An Appointment With A Boise ENT About Your Hearing Loss

If you are having trouble with your ears, it is important to make an appointment with an ENT specialist near you. They will be able to exam your ear canals and diagnose what is causing your issue, whether it be earwax build up, complications from chronic sinusitis, or even a specific ear disorder like Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Once a diagnosis is determined, the ENT will be able to suggest an effective treatment plan, which could include a visit to an audiologist.

If you live in or near Boise, ID and are looking for an experienced ENT who specializes in ear issues and hearing loss, we invite you to reach out to the friendly team here at Boise ENT. We have years of experience helping people hear better. Many of our treatment options can be done in the office. Contact our ENT clinic today to book your consultation.

Schedule an appointment online or call our office at (208) 229-2368