Audiology involves identifying and assessing a person’s ears and hearing and any illness linked to the ear, for example vertigo which affects balance. All of our hearing aid audiologists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as hearing aid dispensers (HADs). This is a register of health and care professionals who meet the required standards for training, professional skills, behaviour and health. It is the role of our HADs to assess patients’ hearing and, if needed, find hearing aids that suit their lifestyle and type of hearing loss, they are also trained as earwax removal audiologists.
What does an audiologist do?
How to become an audiologist? Audiologists work across a broad spectrum of patients and areas including children, special needs groups, rehab, research and teaching – they can be based in the high street, in hospitals and universities.
How to become an audiologist?
The training and educational requirements to become an audiologist will depend very much on the level you wish to attain and in what area you will specialise – research/paediatrics etc.
What are the education requirements to become an audiologist?
The HSE has also outlined the education requirements you’ll need to pursue your career in audiology, it will depend very much on what route you’ll take and specialise in.
What to expect at an audiology appointment
Everybody’s hearing is different. That’s why we use a number of techniques and the latest technology to allow us to assess your individual needs. We’ll do a variety of tests, chat about any concerns you might have, and discuss options for any hearing loss you might be experiencing. You find out more here
What does a hearing aid dispenser do?
A hearing aid dispenser will test your hearing and diagnose the type of hearing loss you might have. From there they can find the best solution to help you hear better or manage the loss you have; this might be with hearing aids, wax removal or assistive listening devices. HADs can also refer you on to ENT if they spot something more serious or that needs further investigation.
What is the difference between an audiologist and a HAD
You’ll typically find that when you visit the high street you’ll be seen by a HAD and if you visit the hospital you’ll be seen by an audiologist. The main reason for this is because clinicians on the high street are registered with the HCPC and will use their registered title. The role in itself is the same.
What is an ear doctor?
ENT consultants specialise in disorders that affect the ear, nose and throat (hence the name ENT) and the impact that can have on other areas of the body. They typically work in a hospital setting and in some cases are trained to perform surgery.
What is an ENT consultant?
ENT consultants specialise in disorders that affect the ear, nose and throat (hence the name ENT) and the impact that can have on other areas of the body. They typically work in a hospital setting and in some cases are trained to perform surgery.
What does an
otolaryngologist do?
Otolaryngologists diagnose and treat a broad range of people, including children, who are experience problems relating to their ears, nose and throat. They might be hearing or balance problems, issues with smell and taste, breathing and swallowing and even removing tumours in the head and neck.
You might see an ENT consultant or otolaryngologist for tonsillitis, glue ear, perforated ear drums or if you have had trauma to the ear, nose and throat that requires medical attention or reconstructive surgery.
What is the difference between an audiologist and an ENT consultant?
Audiologists and ENT consultants will often deal with similar issues relating to the ears but, in the case of an ENT consultant, they are medically trained doctors who can offer surgery and more advanced diagnosis for serious problems. Audiologists tend to diagnose and treat cases of common hearing loss.
Should I see an ear doctor or an audiologist?
This will depend very much on what your condition is, if you’re not sure what route is best, we’re always happy to offer advice on when and with whom to book an appointment.
Book an appointment
Head to our book an appointment page if you’d like to book a free hearing test, or the hearing hub for more information on hearing, and our ear health hub for more details on different ear conditions.