What’s the Difference Between an Audiologist and an ENT Specialist

If you’re dealing with a hearing challenge, most people will recommend you speak to a medical specialist about the best way to optimize your hearing – but who do you talk to, an audiologist or an ENT specialist? 

Both professions offer different concentrations within the medical world, but there are some significant overlaps that may lead to confusion about who to turn to for issues with your ears.  

Before you book an appointment with either professional, learn the differences between the two so you can rest assured that you’re headed to the right expert for your challenges. 

Audiologists 

Audiologists are experts in hearing loss challenges and damages to your ears, specifically. Some audiologists are also well-versed in matters of balance and dizziness, since the vestibular system is housed within the ears, and hearing loss can often lead to balance issues. 

Doctors of audiology can test your hearing capabilities and address challenges with hearing loss, whether through prescribing hearing aids, removing stubborn earwax impactions, or recommending a specialist for cochlear implants. 

ENT Specialists 

ENT specialists, also known as otolaryngologists, provide surgery and medication options for hearing impairment, tonsillitis, and sinus infections and have more to do with the ear, nose, and throat.  

Another form of ENT specialist, known as an otologist, focuses more on surgeries to do with the ear versus the nose and the throat. 

ENT doctors will typically deal with concerns to do with allergies, head and neck injuries and surgeries, facial surgeries, neurological disorders, and other concerns that require medication or surgical intervention to help in recovery. 

Key Differences Between Audiologists and ENT Specialists 

While both audiologists and ENT specialists are highly trained medical professionals, there are some significant differences to keep in mind when you’re looking for someone to address specific challenges you’re facing. 

Audiologists are very specialized in dealing with hearing challenges and complete a doctorate degree in audiology in order to practice audiology at all. 

On the other hand, ENT specialists must obtain a medical degree, as well as attend medical school and undergo extensive training to be licensed as a professional otolaryngologist or otologist. 

What matters is what you’re dealing with: if your hearing challenge doesn’t affect your nose or throat or requires surgery to alleviate it, contact an audiologist first. Your audiologist can also refer you to an ENT specialist if your symptoms need medication to help fix them. 

Visit Your Local Audiologists at Audicles! 

For hearing health concerns and questions about hearing aids, we’re here to help with every step of your hearing health journey! 

Our team of audiologists can help you address hearing challenges with personalized treatments and curated technology to fit your unique needs.