Without your ears functioning properly, it will be tough to lead a normal life. When you live in a busy and cosmopolitan place like Singapore, hearing problems can be difficult. However, like many people, you may feel unsure about what type of specialist to visit- an audiologist or a doctor dealing with hearing aids. These terms are used somewhat interchangeably, causing confusion.
Living with hearing loss in urban environments
Hearing loss makes life difficult for anyone, and those staying in busy urban regions like Singapore fare worse. It can affect working professionals and older people a lot, and the reasons could also be numerous.
Why do you think many people with hearing loss hesitate to seek professional help? This is often caused by the lack of knowledge and uncertainty about whom to consult. Should they book an appointment with an ENT or an audiologist?
Who are hearing aid doctors?
People use the term hearing aid doctor, but it is not exactly a medical designation. It can denote either an ENT specialist or a Hearing care professional.
An ENT specialist is a certified medical doctor with expertise in treating numerous ear, nose, and throat conditions and diseases. They treat various ear health problems, diagnose hearing loss issues in both genders and perform specialized ear surgeries like ear drum repair and cochlear implant procedures. They also work with audiologists for people requiring hearing aids.
You can book an appointment with an ENT doctor when you feel ear pain, experience sudden hearing loss, develop ear ringing, etc.
Hearing care professionals are not on the same level as ENTs, but they run basic hearing tests and offer hearing aids. They may lack clinical training and a university degree. They are not best suited to treat cases of complex hearing disorders.
Who is an audiologist?
An audiologist is a specialized healthcare professional with a degree in audiology. In Singapore, you will find such audiologists in specialist clinics and hospitals. To find trusted and professional audiologists for your needs, check out https://hearingbalance.sg/.
An audiologist conducts detailed hearing and balance tests and diagnoses specific hearing loss types. They recommend and customize hearing aids and guide you through a hearing care regime.
You can seek an appointment with an audiologist when you experience gradual hearing loss, persistent tinnitus, cope with vertigo or dizziness, etc. Audiologists do not perform surgeries, but you can rely on them for hearing aid fitting, adjustment, etc.
What if you need the services of both professionals?
In many instances, ENT specialists and audiologists work together. Integrated care is standard, and a multidisciplinary approach ensures you get the best treatment for hearing deficit management. Both audiologists and ENT doctors can refer a patient to another based on the condition.
Final words
For physical symptoms like dizziness, changes in hearing, and ear pain, you can visit an ENT doctor. However, seeing an audiologist would be ideal for gradual hearing loss without other ear health conditions. In any case, you must check the credentials of such professionals and analyze their online profiles and websites for their expertise and patient feedback.
