An audiologist is a healthcare professional specializing in the diagnosis, management, and non-medical treatment of hearing, balance, and related disorders. Although their training is extensive and culminates in a doctorate-level degree, they are not a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). Audiology is a distinct field focusing on auditory and vestibular function, separate from the medical or surgical treatment of ear diseases.
The Definitive Answer: Audiology Degrees
The required credential for a practicing audiologist in the United States is the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree. This degree is a clinical doctorate, meaning the program is designed to prepare students for direct patient care, not solely for academic research. The Au.D. is the entry-level degree for the profession and has replaced the master’s degree as the standard qualification since 2007.
The four-year program typically involves three years of academic coursework and supervised clinical practice, followed by a one-year clinical externship. Training includes detailed study of anatomy, physiology, acoustics, and diagnostic and rehabilitative procedures for auditory and vestibular systems. Graduates often obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) after passing a national examination and completing supervised clinical experience. This educational path establishes the audiologist as a doctoral-level professional, distinct from medical physician training.
Professional Scope of Audiologists
An audiologist’s primary role centers on the functional aspects of hearing and balance, offering non-medical management and treatment. They use specialized tools, such as audiometers, to perform comprehensive hearing evaluations and interpret the results. These diagnostic procedures help identify the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss.
The management aspect of their work is technology-focused, including the selection, fitting, and programming of hearing aids and other assistive listening devices. Audiologists also provide auditory rehabilitation, counseling patients on communication strategies and adjusting to hearing loss. They are experts in the non-medical management of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and vestibular (balance) disorders through techniques like habituation exercises.
They also perform routine procedures such as cerumen (earwax) removal and provide preventative care by consulting on hearing conservation programs. When a medical condition is suspected, the audiologist refers the patient to a physician, often an Otolaryngologist, for medical diagnosis and intervention. Their expertise lies in the functional diagnosis and technological or rehabilitative treatment of hearing and balance issues.
Differences from Medical Doctors
The fundamental difference lies in the scope of practice, which is dictated by the type of education received. An audiologist (Au.D.) manages the physical and functional consequences of hearing and balance issues, whereas an Otolaryngologist (M.D. or D.O.), commonly known as an ENT, is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. The ENT completes four years of medical school, followed by a multi-year residency, focusing on medical and surgical interventions.
The ENT’s training allows them to perform surgical procedures, such as placing cochlear implants or treating ear trauma and tumors. They can also prescribe medication to treat conditions like ear infections or other underlying medical causes of hearing loss or dizziness.
When a patient presents with hearing loss, the audiologist identifies the problem and determines the best non-medical solution, such as a hearing aid. If the evaluation suggests a medical issue, such as a sudden loss, infection, or tumor, the patient is immediately referred to the ENT for medical diagnosis and treatment. The two professionals frequently work together: the ENT handles medical diagnosis and surgery, while the audiologist manages non-medical rehabilitation, such as fitting a hearing device. An audiologist cannot perform surgery or prescribe medication, confirming their role as a non-physician, doctoral-level healthcare provider.