What is an audiologist?

An audiologist holds a doctoral degree (Au.D. or Ph.D.) in audiology and is licensed to evaluate, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders. They are not physicians — they cannot prescribe medication or perform surgery — but they are the primary specialists for hearing evaluation, hearing aid fitting, and audiological rehabilitation.

Audiologists are distinct from hearing instrument specialists (HIS), who are licensed to test hearing and fit hearing aids but have less extensive clinical training. Both can help with hearing aids; audiologists can also diagnose and manage more complex hearing and balance conditions.

Clear signs it's time to see an audiologist

• You frequently ask people to repeat themselves — not occasionally, but as a pattern
• You struggle in noisy environments — restaurants, meetings, family gatherings
• You have tinnitus — ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears that persists
• You have not had a hearing test in 2+ years and are over 50
• A family member has expressed concern about your hearing
• You have been exposed to significant noise over your lifetime (military service, concerts, power tools, factory work)
• You are considering OTC hearing aids — a baseline audiogram helps confirm you are an appropriate candidate
• You already have hearing aids and they no longer seem to be working as well
• You experience dizziness or balance problems — audiologists also evaluate vestibular (balance) disorders
• You have a family history of hearing loss

When to see an ENT instead of (or before) an audiologist

Some hearing symptoms require medical evaluation before audiological treatment. See an ENT (otolaryngologist) first if you have:

• Sudden hearing loss (within 72 hours — this is a medical emergency)
• Hearing loss in only one ear
• Ear pain, discharge, or bleeding
• Dizziness or vertigo with hearing loss
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear that does not resolve

Many audiology practices work closely with ENT physicians, and some clinics have both under one roof. When in doubt, your primary care physician can help direct you to the right specialist.

What happens at an audiology appointment

A comprehensive audiological evaluation typically includes:

• Case history: Discussion of your hearing concerns, medical history, noise exposure, and family history
• Otoscopy: Visual examination of the ear canal and eardrum
• Pure-tone audiometry: You listen to tones at different pitches and volumes through headphones and indicate when you hear them. This produces your audiogram.
• Bone conduction testing: A vibrator placed behind the ear tests the inner ear directly, helping distinguish sensorineural from conductive loss
• Speech audiometry: Tests how well you understand speech at different volumes
• Tympanometry: Measures eardrum movement and middle ear pressure

The entire evaluation takes 45–90 minutes. Results are explained to you immediately, and the audiologist will discuss your options — whether that is monitoring, hearing aids, medical referral, or further testing.

How often should you have your hearing tested?

• Under 50, no symptoms: Every 10 years
• 50–64: Every 3 years, or sooner if symptoms develop
• 65 and older: Every 1–2 years
• Any age with symptoms or risk factors: As soon as possible, then annually