March 12, 2023
Audiologist
An audiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. They have extensive knowledge of the auditory and vestibular systems. Audiologists use a variety of tests and techniques to assess and manage hearing and balance problems. Typically, audiologists have a doctoral degree, which involves 4-5 years of postgraduate study. In the past audiology was a masters degree so not all audiologists have their doctorate.
Audiologists work with patients of all ages and provide a range of services including hearing evaluations, hearing aid fitting and programming, tinnitus management, cerumen removal, and auditory rehabilitation. They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and speech-language pathologists, to provide comprehensive care for patients.
When at Denison Hearing, patients will see a Doctor of Audiology. You can read more information about doctor Margaret Denison here.
Is everyone that sells hearing aids an audiologist? The quick answer is no. Both audiologists and hearing instrument specialists can sell hearing aids. So, you may be asking yourself, who is a hearing instrument specialist?
Hearing Instrument Specialist
Hearing instrument specialists typically have a 2-year degree in hearing instrument sciences. Their training is focused on the fitting, programming, and maintenance of hearing aids and other hearing devices. They are licensed to conduct hearing tests and fit hearing aids. Hearing instrument specialists do not have the same breadth of training in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders that audiologists have.
In summary, while both audiologists and hearing instrument specialists work with people who have hearing loss and may fit hearing aids, audiologists have a broader scope of training and can provide a wider range of services related to hearing and balance. If you want to be sure you are seeing a doctor of audiology look for the letters “AuD” after their name.
