Audiologists are healthcare professionals who evaluate, diagnose, and treat hearing loss and other auditory conditions like tinnitus and balance disorders. Audiologists also provide valuable insight and products to help prevent hearing loss, like protective custom earplugs. Audiologists are trained to work with all ages, from newborns to the elderly; however, some specialize in certain age groups or conditions. An audiologist holds an advanced degree in audiology. Currently, audiologists are required to obtain a doctoral degree and must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Additionally, audiologists are regulated by the Division of Consumer Affairs.

In addition to their education and state licensure, an audiologist may be awarded the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), otherwise known as the CCC-A. With additional training and expertise, the audiologist may receive the Honor of Fellow, awarded by the American Academy of Audiology (AAA).

There are a number of different hearing healthcare professionals available, but each has different education and training requirements. An audiologist and a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) are two of the most common professionals when seeking treatment for hearing loss. To better understand which professional is best for you, it’s important to distinguish the differences between the two.

Audiologist. An audiologist is trained to diagnose, treat, and monitor disorders of the hearing and balance system. They are trained in anatomy and physiology, amplification devices, cochlear implants, electrophysiology, acoustics, psychophysics, and auditory rehabilitation. Doctors of Audiology complete, at a minimum, an undergraduate and doctoral-level degree in audiology, as well as a supervised externship prior to state licensure and national certification. This usually requires 8 years of post-secondary education (4 years of college and 4 years of graduate school). The graduate school years focus on the medical, diagnostic, and rehabilitative aspects of hearing loss, hearing aids, and the vestibular system. Upon completion of training, audiologists must also pass a national standardized examination to be eligible for state licensure. Continuing education requirements must be met for an audiologist to maintain state licensure. For individuals with hearing loss, auditory issues, or balance problems, an audiologist is the most qualified professional to assist with diagnosis and treatment.

Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS). A hearing instrument specialist is licensed to perform audiometric testing to sell and fit hearing aids. To obtain a license, a HIS generally has to take a certification program in hearing aids, complete in-the-field training hours, and pass an exam. Hearing instrument specialists can fit and repair hearing aids; however, they cannot diagnose a hearing loss.

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