Who Treats Hearing Loss?

Your doctor may screen for hearing loss as part of a regular physical, but many do not. If you suspect a hearing loss, you can go to one of three types of professionals: a family physician or general practitioner, an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist, or a hearing professional.

A GP or ENT can determine if there is a medical condition causing the hearing loss, or whether medical treatment, such as surgery, could be helpful. If not, your doctor will probably refer you to a hearing professional.

Hearing professionals include audiologists and hearing instrument specialists.

Audiologists are professionals with a Master’s degree in audiology, the study of hearing. They specialize in testing, evaluating and treating hearing loss. An audiologist may also fit hearing instruments.

A hearing instrument specialist is trained in fitting and dispensing hearing instruments. Hearing instrument specialists are often state-licensed and board-certified to test for hearing loss and to fit consumers for hearing instruments.