Benefits of Using an Audiologist Associated with an ENT
If you suspect you might have a problem with hearing loss, why should you pick an audiologist over a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) and why should you pick an audiologist who works with an ENT?
When it is time for a hearing loss assessment, you can go to an HIS or an audiologist. While both are licensed by the State of Florida to fit people for hearing aids, there are different educational requirements for each professional. The HIS must complete high school and pass a national exam, while an audiologist has a minimum of a Master’s degree, is licensed by the State of Florida to diagnose and treat hearing loss, in addition to balance disorders and tinnitus. After graduation, they must complete extensive supervised training in the field. They must also participate in continuing education as long as they practice.
When it comes to assessing your hearing levels, determining the causes of your hearing loss and prescribing treatment, an audiologist can provide a greater range of services than an HIS.
An Otolaryngologist or ENT is a medical doctor who has been trained in the medical and surgical treatment of people with diseases and conditions of the ears, nose and throat. Like an audiologist, they can assess hearing loss; however, if the hearing loss is the result of a medical condition, they are qualified to treat the underlying medical conditions.
The best possible situation is available when you can select an audiologist associated with an ENT. This way when you have a hearing evaluation, if an underlying medical condition is suspected, the ENT can work with your audiologist to treat your condition. The ENT and audiologist will work as a team for optimal results. If your audiologist isn’t associated or already work closely with an ENT, you may be stuck finding your own who will work independently of your current hearing care professional.
Also, if issues arise once you are wearing hearing aids (such as impacted ear wax), the ENT will be close at hand to treat the situation.
That means you don’t have to travel to multiple locations for treatment. Your hearing loss and medical conditions can be treated at one location with a team of dedicated professionals who have one goal in mind: meeting your individual needs.
I had never really thought about how an audiologist could benefits from being associated with an ENT. However, you do raise a really good point about the need for treating underlying illnesses. After all, if the audiologist recognizes that their is an illness responsible for your healing problems they’d want to find a way to fix it right away.
ReplyIt is good to know that an audiologist and an ear, nose, and throat surgeon are both required to have extensive education and that an ENT is able to treat hearing loss if it is because of a medical condition. If I were struggling with my hearing, I would want to go to specialists that could diagnose in a variety of ways like the combination of these two doctors could, and I would want to know that an ENT was available to treat me. If I know anyone with hearing loss or other ear issues, I will be sure to pass along your information to help them find the best doctors that they can.
ReplyI really liked this insight to look into getting help from an ear, nose, and throat doctor that works with an audiologist. What a wonderful way to make sure that these related conditions are being taken care of. My cousin would benefit from knowing this as she investigates her hearing loss.
ReplyI like what you said about you can determine the cause of your hearing loss and get treatment from an audiologist better than an ENT. My older brother is noticing that he’s having trouble hearing on his left side, so he’s considering seeing someone to help him assess the situation. Thank you for the information about how he can see an audiologist and unless it’s the result of a medical condition, they can help him treat the problem by themselves.
ReplyThat is really cool that an ENT has been trained in the medical and surgical treatment of people who have diseases and conditions of the ears, nose, and throat. That is someone that I would want to visit if I ever have any problems relating to any of those. That way I know that I am getting some of the best treatment that I can.
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