
Common Causes
Medical doctors who treat hearing loss are known as otolaryngologists and neurotologists. An otolaryngologist, also known as an ENT, is a medical doctor trained in the medical and surgical management of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck.
Related Conditions
Some audiologists have areas of specialty including pediatrics, balance disorders, cochlear implants, hearing conservation or hearing aids. If they dispense hearing aids or other assistive devices, they are licensed by the state, and they can find solutions for every patient based on hearing loss, budget, style preference and lifestyle.
What kind of Doctor treats hearing loss?
The branch of science that deals with hearing is called audiology. So, technically, a “hearing doctor” is a Doctor of Audiology. They are also sometimes called “audiologists.” But, not every audiologist is a Doctor of Audiology. Let us explain.
What are the specialty areas for audiologists?
He or she will likely give you a medical exam to see if an infection, injury, or other condition (such as a buildup of ear wax) might be causing your hearing loss. Your primary care provider might then refer you to an otolaryngologist or other hearing health provider for more specific tests and treatment.
Is an audiologist a Doctor of Audiology?
Why would a Doctor refer you to an otolaryngologist?

Which type of physician would diagnose Blepharoptosis quizlet?
Which type of physician would diagnose blepharoptosis? (The combining form blephar/o means eyelid, and an ophthamologist is an eye doctor.
What does the combining form ot o in otolaryngology mean?
otoscopy. The combining form ot/o means ear and suffix -scopy process of viewing.
What does the combining form Schiz o mean?
schizo- a combining form meaning “split,” used in the formation of compound words: schizogenetic.
What is the meaning of the suffix in the term keratotomy?
The suffix in the medical term keratotomy means. a surgical incision.
What is the suffix of otorhinolaryngology?
The prefix, “ot/o” is related to the ear, “rhino” is related to the nose, laryng/o is related to the larynx and “logy” is the study of something. One could then deduce that “otorhinolaryngology” is the study of the ear, nose and larynx.
What does the medical term myring o mean?
the eardrumCombining form denoting the eardrum.
What does the suffix schizo mean?
splitDefinition of schizo- (Entry 1 of 2) 1 : split : cleft schizocarp. 2 : characterized by or involving cleavage schizogony.
What's schizoid?
Schizoid personality disorder is an uncommon condition in which people avoid social activities and consistently shy away from interaction with others. They also have a limited range of emotional expression.
What does the suffix Phrenia mean?
mental disorder[Gr. phrēn, diaphragm, region around the heart, seat of emotion, mind] Suffix meaning mental disorder.
What does Adipoid mean?
Resembling fat1. Resembling fat. 2. Former term for lipid.
What is a radial keratotomy performed to treat?
Radial Keratotomy (often abbreviated RK) is a type of refractive surgery meant to correct myopia or nearsightedness.
What does oculo mean in medical terms?
eyeOculo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “eye” or “ocular,” a term that means “of or relating to the eye.” It is used in some medical terms, especially in anatomy and pathology. Oculo- comes from the Latin oculus, meaning “eye.” See more about oculus at our entry for the word.
Why is it important to see a hearing specialist?
It is important to see a hearing specialist because this form of hearing loss is not detectable on standard hearing tests. Sensorineural hearing loss: This occurs when the hair follicles in the cochlea become damaged due to loud noise exposure.
What is a hearing doctor?
Hearing doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating hearing conditions. The various types of hearing doctors focus on different specialties, so they must complete different training programs.
What kind of doctor can help with cochlear implants?
Some audiologists may specialize in pediatrics and balance disorders. Audiologists may also give people advice and information on cochlear implants or hearing aids and offer follow-up visits.
What type of hearing loss does an audiology doctor treat?
According to the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), audiologists can treat almost every type of hearing loss, including: Hearing loss due to ototoxicity: This type occurs when a person experiences hearing loss or loss of balance as a result of using certain medications.
What does an audiologist do after fitting a hearing aid?
, such as adjusting the devices and giving people advice on handling and fitting. They may also continue checking a person’s hearing after fitting a hearing device to ensure that the product is meeting their needs.
What is an audiologist?
Audiologists. Audiologists are medical professionals with a master’s degree, a clinical doctorate, or a research-based doctorate in audiology. They are licensed to diagnose and evaluate hearing loss and other related conditions, such as balance disorders and tinnitus.
What causes hearing loss?
Possible causes of hearing loss include: exposure to loud noises. ear infections. earwax accumulating or hardening. a ruptured eardrum. People who experience signs of hearing loss should see a hearing specialist. These healthcare professionals can give a diagnosis and form a treatment plan.
What do audiologists do?
What Can Audiologists Do? 1 Provide comprehensive hearing evaluations 2 Recommend, fit, service, and adjust hearing aids 3 Recommend and provide assistive listening devices (products to enhance telephone conversations, television viewing, etc.) 4 Diagnose and treat dizziness/balance disorders 5 Provide tinnitus evaluation, treatment and management 6 Provide education regarding the effects of noise on hearing and prevention of hearing loss, along with recommending and fitting hearing protection 7 Deliver counseling and aural rehabilitation (counseling, education, auditory training/exercises) 8 Make medical referrals to a physician when appropriate for issues such as ear pain, drainage from the ear, sudden hearing loss, cochlear implantation, medical conditions, etc.
What is the job of a hearing protection counselor?
Provide education regarding the effects of noise on hearing and prevention of hearing loss, along with recommending and fitting hearing protection. Deliver counseling and aural rehabilitation (counseling, education, auditory training/exercises)
Why are hearing aids required?
Because hearing aids are medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they must be recommended, prescribed, and fitted by licensed professionals. This standard is in place to protect the individual with hearing loss.
What degree do audiologists need?
Audiologists receive extensive education in hearing and balance disorders. These professionals have earned postgraduate masters and/or doctoral degrees. A doctoral degree is now required for graduates practicing after 2012.
When to make a referral to a physician?
Make medical referrals to a physician when appropriate for issues such as ear pain, drainage from the ear, sudden hearing loss, cochlear implantation, medical conditions, etc.
What is assistive listening device?
Recommend and provide assistive listening devices (products to enhance telephone conversations, television viewing, etc.) Provide education regarding the effects of noise on hearing and prevention of hearing loss , along with recommending and fitting hearing protection.
Where is the special sense of hearing located?
The special sense of hearing, or audition, is centered within the cornea, which contains sensory receptors that respond to mechanical vibrations.
What is the instrument used to diagnose ear problems?
The instrument he will utilize to perform the examination is called an otoscopy.
What is the name of the disease of the eye where the fluid pressure within the anterior chamber of the eyeball rises?
In the disease of the eye known as glaucoma, a loss of vision occurs when the fluid pressure within the anterior chamber of the eyeball (called intraocular pressure) rises above normal.
What does ENT stand for in medical terms?
ENT stands for ear, neck, and throat.
What is an optometrist?
An optometrist is a physician who can perform surgical procedures to treat diseases of the eye.
Can ear disease affect hearing?
Diseases of the ear may affect the functions of hearing or equilibrium or, in some cases, both.
What type of doctor can help with hearing loss?
Listed below are the types of professionals who can help you with hearing loss. A primary care provider is a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who provides general health care to patients by identifying and treating common medical conditions. Primary care providers often refer patients to medical specialists when necessary.
What is the name of the doctor who treats the throat and ear?
An otolaryngologist (oh-toe-lair-in-GAH-luh-jist) is a physician who provides medical and surgical care, diagnosis, and treatment of the ear, nose, throat, and neck. Sometimes called an ENT, an otolaryngologist will work with you to find out why you’re having trouble hearing and offer specific treatment options.
What is a hearing instrument specialist?
A hearing instrument specialist, also known as a hearing aid specialist, is a state-licensed professional who conducts basic hearing tests, fits and dispenses hearing aids, and educates individuals and their family members about their hearing loss.
What to do if you have hearing loss?
If you or a family member might have hearing loss, consult a qualified health professional for early and appropriate care. Several types of professionals can help. Each has a different type of training and expertise, and each can be an important part of your hearing health care.
How long does it take to become an audiologist?
Audiologists are not physicians, but they have a doctor of audiology graduate degree (Au.D.), which typically requires four years to complete after earning a bachelor’s degree. They must also pass an exam and complete a clinical fellowship. Audiologists are licensed to fit and dispense hearing aids; they can also work with you ...
What kind of doctor treats hearing loss?
People may also see an otolaryngologist or “ear, nose and throat” doctor (ENT), depending on the cause and severity of their hearing loss. Otolaryngologists are physicians who typically treat profound hearing loss where surgery or cochlear implants are required. They’ll usually refer patients to an audiologist if hearing aids or counseling are recommended.
Who is a hearing instrument specialist?
When researching who to visit for hearing help, you might also encounter a Hearing Instrument Specialist, who is neither a master’s-level audiologist nor a Doctor of Audiology. A Hearing Instrument Specialist is anyone who has completed the clinical requirements set forth by the state — and has passed a state examination — certifying them to fit and dispense hearing aids.
What is an ear doctor called?
Physicians who specialize in the treatment of ear disorders are known as otolaryngologists. An otolaryngologist focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of problems to the ear, nose and throat. This is why these physicians are also referred to as ENT’s (Ear, Nose & Throat). Otologists or neurotologists are a sub-specialists of ENT physicians; they specialize only in disorders of the inner-ear, auditory nerve and base of the skull.
What is the branch of science that deals with hearing called?
The branch of science that deals with hearing is called audiology. So, technically, a “hearing doctor” is a Doctor of Audiology . They are also sometimes called “audiologists.” But, not every audiologist is a Doctor of Audiology. Let us explain.
What is an audiologist?
An audiologist is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating hearing, balance and tinnitus disorders and who has, at minimum, a master’s degree. Many, however, also go on to get a doctorate degree (Au.D.), and only then become a Doctor of Audiology.
Where is the special sense of hearing located?
The special sense of hearing, or audition, is centered within the cornea, which contains sensory receptors that respond to mechanical vibrations. T/F
What is the instrument used to diagnose ear problems?
The instrument he will utilize to perform the examination is called an otoscopy. T/F
What is an optometrist?
An optometrist is a physician who can perform surgical procedures to treat diseases of the eye. T/F
What is the name of the disease of the eye where the fluid pressure within the anterior chamber of the eyeball rises?
In the disease of the eye known as glaucoma, a loss of vision occurs when the fluid pressure within the anterior chamber of the eyeball (called intraocular pressure) rises above normal. T/F
Where is the special sense of hearing located?
The special sense of hearing, or audition, is centered within the cornea, which contains sensory receptors that respond to mechanical vibrations.
What is the instrument used to diagnose ear problems?
The instrument he will utilize to perform the examination is called an otoscopy.
What is the name of the disease of the eye where the fluid pressure within the anterior chamber of the eyeball rises?
In the disease of the eye known as glaucoma, a loss of vision occurs when the fluid pressure within the anterior chamber of the eyeball (called intraocular pressure) rises above normal.
What is an optometrist?
An optometrist is a physician who can perform surgical procedures to treat diseases of the eye.
Can ear disease affect hearing?
Diseases of the ear may affect the functions of hearing or equilibrium or, in some cases, both.
