Understanding Hearing Loss and the Role of an Audiologist
Hearing loss is far more common than many people realize. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hearing loss is the third most common health condition in the United States, ranking higher than cancer and diabetes. Approximately 37.5 million American adults report some degree of hearing difficulty, and hearing loss affects people of all ages—not just older adults.
Children are also impacted. Nearly 15 percent of school-aged children in the U.S. have some degree of hearing loss, and tens of thousands of infants are born each year with hearing impairment. Despite how common hearing loss is, many people are unsure when—or why—they should see an audiologist.
At ENT & Allergy Associates, our audiologists and ENT physicians work together to provide comprehensive hearing care for patients of all ages.
What Is an Audiologist?
An audiologist is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis, evaluation, and non-medical management of hearing, balance, and related neural system disorders. Most audiologists today hold a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree, which requires extensive academic coursework, clinical training, a supervised internship, national board examinations, and state licensure.
Audiologists are experts in hearing health, hearing rehabilitation, and long-term hearing management. While they do not perform surgery or treat medical diseases of the ear, they play a critical role in identifying hearing loss and improving communication and quality of life.
If an audiologist suspects that a medical condition is contributing to hearing loss, they will refer the patient to an ENT physician for further evaluation and treatment.
What Does an Audiologist Do?
Audiologists provide care for patients ranging from newborns to older adults and are involved in nearly every aspect of hearing and balance health. Their responsibilities include:
- Identifying, testing, diagnosing, and managing hearing loss, balance disorders, and tinnitus
- Conducting comprehensive hearing evaluations and follow-up testing
- Recommending, fitting, programming, and maintaining hearing aids and assistive listening devices
- Assessing candidacy for cochlear implants and other implantable hearing technologies
- Providing hearing rehabilitation and communication strategies
- Counseling patients and families on hearing health and prevention
- Evaluating and managing tinnitus and auditory processing disorders
- Providing newborn hearing screenings
- Designing hearing conservation programs to prevent noise-induced hearing loss
- Examining ear canals, removing excess earwax, and making custom ear molds
- Working collaboratively with ENT physicians during medical and surgical care
Audiologists focus on preserving your remaining hearing, optimizing hearing ability, and supporting long-term hearing health.
When Should You See an Audiologist?
Because hearing loss often develops gradually, it can be difficult to recognize when it’s time for a professional evaluation. Scheduling a visit with an audiologist is recommended if you experience any of the following:
- Trouble hearing on the phone
- Difficulty following conversations, especially in noisy environments
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Believing people are mumbling
- Difficulty understanding women’s or children’s voices
- Misunderstanding conversations or responding inappropriately
- Avoiding social situations due to hearing difficulties
- Missing everyday sounds like doorbells or phones
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
Only a comprehensive hearing test can determine whether hearing loss is present and how severe it may be.
Reasons to See an Audiologist
Routine Hearing Checkups
Just like vision exams, hearing evaluations should be part of routine healthcare—especially as we age. Annual hearing checkups allow audiologists to detect early changes and address issues before they significantly impact daily life.
Tinnitus
Approximately 25 million American adults experience tinnitus each year. Tinnitus often presents as ringing, buzzing, or whistling sounds in the ears and is frequently associated with hearing loss. In many cases, hearing aids can improve hearing and help reduce tinnitus symptoms.
Excessive Earwax
While earwax is normal and protective, excessive earwax buildup can cause temporary hearing loss and discomfort. At-home removal methods such as cotton swabs, ear candling, and irrigators can worsen the problem. Audiologists can safely remove earwax using professional tools.
Sudden Hearing Loss
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can occur without pain and may seem temporary, but it is a medical emergency. If you or a loved one experiences sudden hearing changes, seek immediate evaluation by an audiologist and ENT physician.
Children’s Hearing Concerns
Hearing loss in children is not always obvious. Signs may include speech delays, inattentiveness, learning difficulties, social withdrawal, or needing higher volume levels. Early detection is critical for speech, language, and academic development.
Audiologists and ENT Physicians: How They Work Together
Audiologists specialize in hearing and balance rehabilitation, while ENT physicians diagnose and treat medical and surgical conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat. At ENT & Allergy Associates, audiologists and ENT doctors collaborate closely to ensure patients receive complete, coordinated care—from diagnosis through treatment and long-term management.
Where Do Audiologists Work?
Audiologists practice in a variety of healthcare settings, including ENT clinics, hospitals, private practices, schools, universities, and medical centers. At ENT & Allergy Associates, audiology services are integrated directly into our ENT practices for seamless patient care.
Schedule an Audiology Appointment at ENT & Allergy Associates
Seeing an audiologist is just as important as visiting your primary care provider. While a primary doctor may look into your ears, only an audiologist can perform in-depth hearing evaluations and provide a full assessment of your hearing health.
If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing difficulties, balance problems, or tinnitus, contact ENT & Allergy Associates today. With multiple convenient locations, our audiology team will review your health history, evaluate your hearing, and—if hearing loss is diagnosed—help you select hearing solutions tailored to your lifestyle, comfort, and quality of life.