You’re having trouble hearing, so who should you see, an ENT physician or a Doctor of Audiology? If you live in the Tampa Bay area you have lots of choices.
ENT physicians are primarily interested in treating ear nose and throat diseases while Audiologists are totally focused on recovering a person’s ability to hear if they have an untreatable hearing loss. Most ENT physicians depend on a Doctor of Audiology to perform the diagnostic eval to determine recommendations.
Here is the best way to decide who to see first.
See an ENT physician if:
- If you have sudden hearing loss
- When you have vertigo or dizziness associate with your hearing loss
- If you suffer from ear pain or have discharges from your ear canal
- If you have the onset ringing or other noises in the ears, especially on one side
See an Audiologist if:
- You have a history of noise exposure
- Your hearing loss has occurred gradually over time
- You previously have consulted a doctor about your hearing.
The majority of hearing losses in the United States are caused by irreversible sensorineural damage to the inner ear. Because Audiologists work hand in hand with ENT physicians, they will refer you to a physician if their exam uncovers any medical concerns regarding your hearing.
Regardless of your decision, see a doctor not a salesman for a hearing test.
If you have any questions about whether to see an Audiologist or an ENT first, please contact Gardner Audiology at 1-800-277-1182, or email info@gardneraudiology.com. Be sure to include any symptoms you may be having so our staff can point you in the right direction.
