FAQ
An audiologist specializes in hearing and balance disorders. This includes hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness or balance problems, and helping patients hear better with hearing aids or other hearing technology.
An audiologist focuses on non-medical hearing and balance care, including testing and hearing aids. An ENT is a medical doctor who treats ear, nose, and throat diseases, often involving medication or surgery.
In most cases, no referral is required to schedule a hearing test with an audiologist. However, some insurance plans may require one.
A hearing test measures how well you hear different sounds and speech. It typically includes listening to tones through headphones and repeating words to evaluate hearing clarity and overall hearing ability.
Yes. Audiologists evaluate tinnitus and offer management options, such as sound therapy, hearing aids with tinnitus features, and counseling to reduce how disruptive the ringing feels.
No. Audiologists do not prescribe medication. If a medical issue is suspected, they refer patients to an ENT or other physician.
No. Hearing aids can help with mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss and are often recommended early to support communication and brain health.
Adults should have a baseline hearing test by age 50, or earlier if experiencing symptoms like difficulty hearing conversations, ringing in the ears, or frequent asking for repetition.
Yes. Audiologists can evaluate vestibular (balance) disorders and help determine whether dizziness or imbalance is related to the inner ear.
Yes. Hearing aids need regular cleanings, adjustments, and checkups to perform their best and stay comfortable.
Yes. Sudden hearing loss can occur and should be evaluated promptly. An audiologist can test your hearing and refer you to an ENT if a medical cause is suspected.
No. Some hearing loss is temporary, such as from earwax buildup or noise exposure. An audiologist can determine whether hearing loss is permanent or treatable.
Common signs include difficulty understanding speech, turning up the TV volume, asking people to repeat themselves, and trouble hearing in noisy environments.
Yes. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline and social isolation. Addressing hearing loss early may help support long-term brain health.
Modern hearing aids are small, discreet, and often nearly invisible, with many styles fitting behind or inside the ear.
Most people adjust within a few weeks. Follow-up visits with an audiologist help fine-tune settings and improve comfort and sound quality.
Yes. Many hearing aids can connect to smartphones via Bluetooth for calls, music, and app-based adjustments.
Yes. Audiologists regularly evaluate and manage presbycusis, which is age-related hearing loss.
Speech-in-noise testing measures how well you understand speech in background noise, which is a common challenge for people with hearing loss.
Yes. Straining to hear throughout the day can lead to listening fatigue, headaches, and mental exhaustion.
Hearing aids should be checked at least once a year, or sooner if sound quality changes or discomfort occurs.
Yes. Audiologists test and manage hearing loss in infants, children, and adults, using age-appropriate testing methods.