INDUSTRY INSIGHT
BETTER HEARING
SPONSORED CONTENT
Audiologists or
Ear, Nose and
Throat Physicians
I
t can be confusing to know what type of specialist to visit for health
conditions, and ears are no exception. Ears need the care of a specialist
when things go wrong. Hearing disorders should be evaluated by a
provider with a background in hearing health. There are two providers
of hearing health care with clinical backgrounds: Audiologists and Ear,
Nose and Throat Physicians (ENT).
There are many hearing disorders that require the care and attention
of both an audiologist and an ENT. Audiologists and ENTs work together
as a team for the care of patients with hearing loss, ear disorders and
communication disorders, and, in fact, may work together within
the same practice. Cross-referrals are commonplace between these
providers. As a consumer it’s hard to know where to start. Following are
some guidelines.
The majority of hearing disorders do not stem from medical issues. In
fact 90% of hearing losses are not treatable by medication or surgery.
Audiologists are trained to determine whether a hearing loss falls into
the category of medically treatable.
When hearing loss is present in the absence of trauma, illness,
infection, pain or sudden medical changes, going to an audiologist first
is recommended. Otherwise, an ENT should be seen first in order to
dispense medical care.
Not sure if you should see an audiologist? Try to answer these
questions:
Did hearing loss occur gradually?
Do you raise the television louder than others like it?
Do you ask people to repeat themselves?
Do you struggle to hear in crowds or restaurants?
Do other people voice concern about your hearing?
Do you hear people but not understand them?
Do you feel as though people are mumbling?
If you answered yes to some of these questions, a hearing evaluation
and consultation with an audiologist is a good first step.
Not sure if you should see an ENT? Try to answer these questions:
Do you have pain in your ears?
Do you have pressure or fullness in your ears?
Did you lose all your hearing suddenly in one or both ears?
Do you experience significant dizziness?
Do you have ears that drain or get infected?
Are your ears bleeding?
Is there an offensive odor coming from your ears?
Did you injure your ears?
Is there a foreign body in the ear?
Do you have a history of ear surgery?
If you answered yes to some of these questions, a medical
consultation with an ENT is a good first step.
If you are still uncertain which is the best provider to see first,
then start with someone local to your area with a good reputation.
Audiologists and ENTs alike will provide you with referrals when
necessary.
At HearWell Center we have a strong referral network with other
providers throughout Pittsburgh. If there is a need to refer for further
testing or medical treatment, we have many physicians who work closely
with us. You can be confident that no matter the cause of hearing loss or
ear disorder, we will point you toward the best solution. To schedule an
appointment for a hearing evaluation, call 412.271.3002. Most insurance
plans accepted.
This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Suzanne Yoder, Au.D.
HearWell Center 412.254.8934; [email protected],
www.hearwellcenter.com.
About HearWell Center — HearWell Center is a full-service,
independently owned audiology practice proud to be bringing better
hearing to the people of Pittsburgh since 2007. HearWell Center,
located in Forest Hills, is a hearing care practice that has helped over
1,000 patients with their hearing, tinnitus, and balance disorders —
and offers state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and expert fitting of hearing technology.
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