Understanding the Difference Between an Audiologist and an ENT

A Guide for Patients

When dealing with hearing or balance issues, knowing whether to consult an audiologist or an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist is crucial. Both professionals play vital roles in auditory health, but their areas of expertise and the services they offer differ. This guide aims to help you understand these differences, decide which professional to see, and highlight how they can work together for comprehensive patient care.

What is an Audiologist?

An audiologist is a healthcare professional specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing hearing and balance disorders. Audiologists hold advanced degrees and are trained to handle a wide range of auditory and vestibular issues.

Services Provided:

  • Performing Hearing Evaluations: Comprehensive assessments to diagnose hearing loss and other auditory issues.
  • Fitting Hearing Aids: Recommending, fitting, and fine-tuning hearing aids.
  • Performing Objective Dizziness Assessments: Diagnosing and managing balance disorders like spinning, dizziness, vertigo or feeling off-balance.
  • Tinnitus Management: Providing strategies and treatments for managing tinnitus.
  • Hearing Protection: Advising on, and manufacturing custom earplugs and protective devices to prevent hearing loss.
  • Assessing and Managing Sound Sensitivity or irritation: Hyperacusis and misophonia can be assessed and helped.
  • Auditory Processing Assessment and management: Helping children and adults learn skills to support the processing of sound information.

Why Consult an Audiologist?

If you experience problems with the effective function of your auditory and balance system, like hearing loss, tinnitus, balance issues, or need hearing aids, an audiologist is the specialist to consult. They offer a medical and rehabilitative approach to managing auditory health, ensuring personalized care for your specific difficulties.

What is an ENT Specialist?

An ENT specialist, or otolaryngologist, is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the ear, nose, and throat. ENT specialists complete medical school followed by specialized training in otolaryngology.

Services Provided:

  • Medical and Surgical Treatment: Addressing conditions like chronic ear infections, sinus problems, and throat disorders.
  • Surgical Procedures: Performing surgeries related to the ear, nose, and throat, including cochlear implants and sinus surgery. Often requiring the assessment results from an audiologist for diagnosis.
  • Diagnosis of Complex Conditions: Identifying and managing complex disorders that may require medical or surgical intervention, such as tumors or structural abnormalities. Often requiring the assessment results from an audiologist for diagnosis.
  • Allergy Treatment: Managing allergies that affect the ear, nose, and throat.

Why Consult an ENT Specialist?

If you have: ear pain; are running a temperature, or experience; have chronic ear infections, structural issues in the ear, throat or sinus; severe sinus problems; or conditions requiring medical or surgical intervention, an ENT specialist is the professional to see. They provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for ENT-related issues.

How Audiologists and ENTs Work Together

While their primary roles are different, audiologists and ENTs often collaborate to provide comprehensive care for patients with hearing and balance disorders.

Collaborative Scenarios

  1. Complex Hearing Loss

An audiologist may refer a patient to an ENT for further evaluation if hearing loss is suspected to have a medical or surgical cause, such as an infection or tumor.

  1. Cochlear Implants

An ENT performs the surgical implantation of cochlear implants, while the audiologist handles the programming and management of the device post-surgery.

  1. Balance Disorders

Both professionals may work together to diagnose and treat balance disorders. The audiologist conducts the initial assessments, and the ENT manages any underlying medical issues.

  1. Tinnitus Management

Audiologists provide non-medical management strategies, while ENTs address any medical conditions contributing to tinnitus.

Multidisciplinary Care Can Enhance Quality of Life for Patients

By working together, audiologists and ENTs can ensure comprehensive care. For personalized hearing healthcare or to explore the best solutions for your hearing and balance needs, schedule a consultation with one of our NB Hearing & Balance audiologists today. Your journey to better hearing and overall health starts here.