When you have a problem with your hearing, who should you actually see? An audiologist, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, or a specialist in fitting hearing aids?
These professionals all play a role in hearing care, but their training and responsibilities are different.
October is Audiology Awareness Month, a time to recognize the professionals who help people understand, manage, and improve their hearing. It is also an opportunity to learn more about audiology, a healthcare field that goes beyond hearing tests and hearing aids.
Here is what you should know about audiologists, how they differ from ENT specialists, and how they fit into the wider hearing care system in the United States.
What Is an Audiologist?
An audiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in hearing and balance. They evaluate hearing, identify the type and degree of hearing loss, and help people find ways to communicate more comfortably.
Audiologists work with people of different ages, from newborns who need hearing screening and follow-up assessments to older adults experiencing age-related hearing changes.
Their work can include:
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Hearing assessments: Measuring how well someone hears different sounds and understands speech.
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Hearing aid fitting and management: Helping patients select suitable devices, adjust their settings, and learn how to use them.
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Balance assessment: Evaluating certain balance problems that may involve the inner ear.
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Tinnitus management: Helping people manage ringing or buzzing sounds in their ears.
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Hearing rehabilitation: Teaching communication strategies and helping people adapt to hearing changes.
Audiologists also work with families, explain assessment results, and refer patients to other healthcare professionals when medical treatment may be needed.
Their role is not simply to recommend a hearing aid. It is to understand a person's hearing needs and help them find an appropriate way forward.
Is an Audiologist a Doctor?
Yes, an audiologist can hold a doctoral degree, but that does not make them a medical doctor.
In the United States, the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) is the standard entry-level clinical degree for new audiologists. It prepares graduates to evaluate hearing and balance, provide hearing-related care, and manage hearing loss within their professional scope.
Some audiologists also hold a PhD, which is generally associated with research, teaching, or other academic work.
An audiologist with an AuD may use the title "Doctor," but they are not a physician simply because they hold that degree. Physicians typically hold a medical degree, such as an MD or DO, and complete the required training and licensing to practise medicine.
This distinction matters because the two professions have different areas of expertise. Audiologists specialize in hearing and balance assessment and rehabilitation, while physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions within their fields.
Audiologist vs. ENT: What Is the Difference?
An ENT specialist, also called an otolaryngologist, is a physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, and related areas of the head and neck.
Audiologists and ENT specialists often work together, but they approach hearing problems from different perspectives.
An audiologist focuses on how well a person hears, what type of hearing loss may be present, and what can help improve communication. An ENT specialist investigates medical conditions that affect the ear and may recommend medication, procedures or surgery when appropriate.
For example, someone experiencing hearing difficulties because of a medical condition may need an ENT evaluation. Once the condition has been assessed or treated, an audiologist can evaluate any remaining hearing loss and discuss suitable rehabilitation options.
An audiologist may also refer a patient to an ENT specialist if an assessment suggests that medical evaluation is needed.
Neither professional replaces the other. Their skills complement each other, helping patients receive the right care for their circumstances.
What Does It Take to Become an Audiologist in the United States?
Becoming an audiologist requires advanced education, supervised clinical training and the appropriate professional credentials.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, audiologists typically need a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree to enter the profession.
The usual pathway involves several steps.
1. Complete a bachelor's degree. Students first complete undergraduate education and meet the admission requirements for an audiology doctoral program.
2. Earn a Doctor of Audiology degree. An AuD program typically takes four years and includes coursework in hearing science, anatomy, assessment, hearing disorders and treatment. Students also complete supervised clinical practice.
3. Meet examination and licensing requirements. Graduates must satisfy the requirements of the state in which they intend to practise. These commonly include an approved degree, examinations and evidence of clinical training.
4. Maintain professional credentials. Audiologists must follow applicable licence renewal requirements. Depending on their credentials and state rules, they may also need continuing education to maintain their licence or professional certification.
The pathway can vary depending on when someone qualified and where they practise. Some experienced audiologists entered the profession under earlier educational requirements.
Audiology is therefore a specialized healthcare career that requires more than product knowledge or training in how to fit hearing aids.
Who Regulates Audiologists? Understanding Federal and State Requirements
In the United States, audiology regulation involves both federal rules and state-level requirements. Understanding the difference helps explain what qualifies someone to practise.
Federal requirements
There is no single federal audiology licence that authorizes someone to practise in every state.
Federal agencies and laws may establish requirements that apply to particular services, workplaces or healthcare programs. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates hearing aids as medical devices, including the rules for devices sold over the counter.
However, FDA regulation of hearing aids is different from licensing the professionals who provide hearing care.
State licensing
Audiologists must be licensed in all states, although the requirements differ by jurisdiction.
State licensing boards generally establish the education, examination, clinical training and other requirements applicants must meet. Some states also have continuing education requirements for licence renewal.
For example, California has specific requirements relating to doctoral education, supervised clinical training and a national examination. Other states have their own rules and may recognize particular professional credentials as part of their licensing process.
Anyone seeking to verify an audiologist's licence should consult the relevant state licensing board.
What is ASHA certification?
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) offers the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A).
This professional certification recognizes audiologists who meet ASHA's education, clinical training, and examination standards. It is separate from a state licence, although some states may recognize professional certification when assessing licensing eligibility.
In simple terms, state licensure establishes legal permission to practise under the applicable state rules, while professional certification demonstrates that an individual has met the requirements of a professional credentialing organization.
You can find further information through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the American Academy of Audiology's state licensing guide, and ASHA's audiology certification information.
Do Audiologists Work With Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids?
Yes. Audiologists are not limited to prescription hearing aids.
In the United States, adults aged 18 and older who perceive mild to moderate hearing loss can purchase FDA-regulated over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids without a prescription, medical examination, or audiologist fitting.
Audiologists can also help people understand OTC options, evaluate their hearing and discuss whether a particular device is suitable for their needs. They can provide additional guidance when someone needs a more detailed assessment or a different type of hearing aid.
The important distinction is that OTC devices do not require professional involvement to purchase, while prescription hearing aids are obtained through a licensed hearing care professional under the applicable rules.
If you're exploring hearing aids, compare Eara's hearing aid options to find a device that suits your hearing needs and preferences.
Which Hearing Care Professional Should You See?
Choosing the right professional depends on the help you need.
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For a hearing assessment: An audiologist can evaluate your hearing and explain the results.
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For hearing aids: An audiologist can discuss suitable options, fit and adjust prescription devices, and provide ongoing support. OTC devices are another option for eligible adults.
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For ear pain, discharge or suspected infection: A physician or ENT specialist can assess possible medical causes.
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For sudden hearing loss: Seek urgent medical evaluation rather than waiting for a routine hearing appointment.
Some people may need both an ENT specialist and an audiologist. The professionals can work together to investigate the cause of a hearing problem and address its effects on communication.
Recognizing the Professionals Behind Hearing Care
Audiology plays an important role in helping people understand their hearing and find practical ways to manage hearing difficulties.
Audiologists bring specialized knowledge of hearing and balance, while ENT specialists provide medical and surgical care for conditions affecting the ears and related structures. Together with other hearing care professionals, they help people access the services and support they need.
This October, during Audiology Awareness Month, take a moment to learn about the profession and the different ways hearing care can support everyday communication.
Understanding who does what is a useful first step toward making informed decisions about your hearing health.
