Hearing Aid Audiologist vs. ENT: Who’s the Right Expert for Hearing Solution
When dealing with hearing problems, you must seek the right professional to help you with accurate diagnosis and treatment. However, at this point, you might get confused about whom to consult - a hearing aid audiologist or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor. Both these professionals deal with hearing issues; however, there is a significant difference in their role and expertise. So, if you are still unsure whom you should consult, follow this guide.
Who Is a Hearing Aid Audiologist?
Audiologists, also known as hearing aid audiologists, are healthcare providers who help you treat and diagnose balance disorders. They have an audiology degree and have undergone rigorous training to conduct comprehensive hearing evaluations. They can also diagnose different hearing loss types and help find the proper fitted program or hearing aid. Audiologists provide aural rehabilitation, counseling, and hearing protection solutions to improve your hearing and communication.
However, they do not prescribe any medication or perform surgery as the focus is entirely non-medical treatment.
Who Is an ENT Doctor?
An otolaryngologist, also known as an ENT doctor, is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions associated with the ear, nose, and throat. They undergo extensive medical training, allowing them to help you treat balance disorders, ear infections, and more. They also have the certification to perform surgical procedures, including cochlear implants. If you suffer from hearing issues, they can diagnose and manage the throat, sinus, and nasal conditions. They can prescribe medication, treat inflammations, and treat structural abnormalities through surgery.
When To See a Hearing Aid Audiologist?
If your hearing ability is reducing or there is a problem in understanding conversations, you must consult an audiologist. They can help you with hearing aids or hearing protection solutions. Also, if you feel dizziness or balance issues without any pain or infection, then these concerns are settled by an audiologist. Other than this, concerns about ringing in the ear or while speaking non-medical hearing rehabilitation, a hearing aid audiologist is the best bet. Overall, these professionals at hearingbalance.sg can help you improve your communication by adjusting the hearing aid.
When To See an ENT Doctor?
If you find medical symptoms associated with your hearing issue, you have to seek help from an ENT doctor. Conditions such as sudden hearing loss, ear pain, infection, drainage, dizziness, or even severe balance problems are addressed by an ENT doctor. If you hear ringing in your ear with pain or feel fullness or blockage in the ear, then these professionals should be consulted. Also, suppose you have a history of ear surgery or structural abnormality. In that case, an ENT can perform the necessary procedure or treatment to help you return to your usual conditions.
Conclusion
If you are not sure whether to consult a hearing aid audiologist or an ENT, the basic point you should remember is to start with an audiologist if the primary concern is hearing loss or if you need a hearing aid. However, if you have ear pain or structural issues and need medications to treat the problem, then you have to consult with an ENT.
