Audiologists, or clinical doctors of audiology, are now required to complete doctorate level education prior to practicing audiology. Audiologists must be licensed in their state. Audiologists must also pursue continuing education to stay involved with the most up to date hearing and balance healthcare. Audiologists work with patients of all ages seeing newborns and following patients throughout their life.

You may only associate Audiologists with hearing aids however, their scope of practice is much broader. Audiologists are experts when it comes to the auditory system and are qualified to treat several conditions in addition to hearing loss. In addition to prescribing settings for hearing aids when treating hearing loss, Audiologists also assess for tinnitus and plan for tinnitus management (ringing in the ears), aural rehabilitation (strengthening the brain’s ability to process and understand sounds), balance disorders, dizziness and vertigo, auditory processing disorders (difficulty processing sound with or without hearing loss), and much more.

Specialties beyond diagnostic hearing evaluations require additional training, time, and experience. Many Audiologists have chosen to specialize in certain diagnoses or treatment plans.

Although most practicing audiologists have doctoral degrees, they are not medical doctors. Doctors who specialize in medical management of ear related disorders are known as Otolaryngologists (ENT, or Ear, Nose, and Throat). Audiologists work closely with ENT’s in identifying medical components of a patient’s hearing, if one is present.

Finding the right Audiologist

Improved hearing enhances your quality of life in many ways. It allows you to enjoy daily sounds, communicate effectively with others, and minimize misunderstandings. It allows you to enjoy life to the fullest without frustration, isolation, and withdrawal.

Researching and selecting the right audiologist for you can seem overwhelming. Your Audiologist is your partner in better hearing and balance. You will spend a great deal of time with your audiologist during the diagnosis and treatment process, so choose and Audiologist that you can feel comfortable partnering with during your care. 

We are local experts who are well-trained and certified in the field of audiology. We want to help you understand what type of hearing loss you have and the solutions available for you.