Business Insight presented by Northwest Speech and Hearing Center The Difference Between an ENT Specialist and an Audiologist If you are having problems with your hearing as 1 in 8 Americans does, you may wonder if you should see an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor (ENT) or a Doctor of Audiology (Audiologist). The division of responsibility is fairly clear, but the starting point is not as simple. Let's start with a very general description of what each does. Among many other services, an ENT identifies and treats medical conditions impacting the ears, nose, or throat. They have a specific focus on diseases, traumatic injury, and abnormalities in these three connected areas of the body. They provide medical services such as treating ear infections, prescribing tubes for children with chronic infections, or removing and treating causes of earwax buildup. An Audiologist will test, diagnose, and treat concerns related to the ear, often focusing on vestibular (balance) issues or hearing loss. An Audiologist will also offer comprehensive care and support for the personal aspects related to hearing loss. It should be noted that only 10% of hearing loss is medically treatable. The remaining 90% of patients with hearing loss will ultimately be treated with devices like hearing aids and cochlear implants which are provided by Audiologists, not ENTS. If you are experiencing hearing loss, begin with an evaluation by an Audiologist. You will find an appointment with an Audiologist can usually be scheduled much sooner than with an ENT. The Audiologist will perform a thorough hearing evaluation, the results of which will help determine if you should see an ENT or continue working with the Audiologist. It is important to note that these two professions are Northwest Speech and Hearing Center Ltd. Marie Vetter-Toalson, Au.D not competitors - they simply do different things and, in many cases, work together on evaluation and treatment. Both typically take most insurance coverage, including HSAs. If you are suffering from tinnitus, you will find more treatment options with an Audiologist. Because tinnitus has no cure, an ENT will generally not be able to assist. An Audiologist specializing in tinnitus will work with patients on comprehensive and holistic lifestyle changes that can minimize the impact of tinnitus. Northwest Speech and Hearing is one of two Modern Tinnitus Specialty Centers in Illinois. Our staff has met the rigorous criteria to operate as a Modern Tinnitus Specialty Center, so we can now offer you the benefits of that expertise. Both the American Academy of Audiology and the American Doctors of Audiology can be a resource for more information. To schedule your hearing evaluation, give Northwest Speech and Hearing a call at 847-392-2250 or visit www. nwhearing.com. | Northwest Speech and Hearing Center 1100 W. Central Rd., Ste. 409 Arlington Heights, IL 60005 847-392-2250 Business Insight presented by Northwest Speech and Hearing Center The Difference Between an ENT Specialist and an Audiologist If you are having problems with your hearing as 1 in 8 Americans does , you may wonder if you should see an Ear , Nose and Throat doctor ( ENT ) or a Doctor of Audiology ( Audiologist ) . The division of responsibility is fairly clear , but the starting point is not as simple . Let's start with a very general description of what each does . Among many other services , an ENT identifies and treats medical conditions impacting the ears , nose , or throat . They have a specific focus on diseases , traumatic injury , and abnormalities in these three connected areas of the body . They provide medical services such as treating ear infections , prescribing tubes for children with chronic infections , or removing and treating causes of earwax buildup . An Audiologist will test , diagnose , and treat concerns related to the ear , often focusing on vestibular ( balance ) issues or hearing loss . An Audiologist will also offer comprehensive care and support for the personal aspects related to hearing loss . It should be noted that only 10 % of hearing loss is medically treatable . The remaining 90 % of patients with hearing loss will ultimately be treated with devices like hearing aids and cochlear implants which are provided by Audiologists , not ENTS . If you are experiencing hearing loss , begin with an evaluation by an Audiologist . You will find an appointment with an Audiologist can usually be scheduled much sooner than with an ENT . The Audiologist will perform a thorough hearing evaluation , the results of which will help determine if you should see an ENT or continue working with the Audiologist . It is important to note that these two professions are Northwest Speech and Hearing Center Ltd. Marie Vetter - Toalson , Au.D not competitors - they simply do different things and , in many cases , work together on evaluation and treatment . Both typically take most insurance coverage , including HSAs . If you are suffering from tinnitus , you will find more treatment options with an Audiologist . Because tinnitus has no cure , an ENT will generally not be able to assist . An Audiologist specializing in tinnitus will work with patients on comprehensive and holistic lifestyle changes that can minimize the impact of tinnitus . Northwest Speech and Hearing is one of two Modern Tinnitus Specialty Centers in Illinois . Our staff has met the rigorous criteria to operate as a Modern Tinnitus Specialty Center , so we can now offer you the benefits of that expertise . Both the American Academy of Audiology and the American Doctors of Audiology can be a resource for more information . To schedule your hearing evaluation , give Northwest Speech and Hearing a call at 847-392-2250 or visit www . nwhearing.com . | Northwest Speech and Hearing Center 1100 W. Central Rd . , Ste . 409 Arlington Heights , IL 60005 847-392-2250