What Does an Audiologist Do?

Audiologists are doctoral-level healthcare professionals

Audiologists are trained at the doctoral level in audiology. In the United States, this commonly means earning an Au.D., or Doctor of Audiology, along with meeting state licensing requirements. Their education focuses on the science of hearing, balance, communication, assessment, and rehabilitation.

An audiologist is not a medical physician unless that person is separately licensed as a physician. Audiologists do not replace medical care from a physician. When symptoms or test results suggest that medical evaluation could be important, an audiologist may recommend or coordinate referral to an ear, nose, and throat physician or another clinician.

What concerns can an audiologist evaluate?

People see audiologists for many reasons. You might notice that speech sounds less clear, that busy restaurants are tiring, that one ear seems different from the other, or that family members are commenting on television volume. Audiologists can evaluate hearing changes across the lifespan and help place test results in the context of the situations that matter to you.

They may also help evaluate ringing or other sounds in the ears, known as tinnitus; sensitivity to everyday sounds; difficulty processing speech in challenging listening settings; concerns related to noise exposure; and certain balance or dizziness symptoms. An evaluation does not automatically identify a cause or provide a diagnosis. It creates information that can guide the next conversation and, when appropriate, a medical referral.

Common hearing and balance tests

A visit usually begins with a conversation about your health history, communication needs, sound exposure, medications, and symptoms. The testing plan depends on your age, your concerns, and what the clinician needs to understand. A comprehensive hearing evaluation often includes pure-tone testing, where you respond to soft sounds through headphones, and speech testing, which looks at how you hear or recognize spoken words.

The results are often shown on an audiogram. An audiologist may also use tympanometry or other middle-ear measures to learn more about how the eardrum and middle ear are functioning. For infants and young children, objective tests that do not require a verbal response can be used. If balance is a concern, testing may examine eye movements, positional responses, or how your balance system responds in a carefully controlled setting.

No single test tells the whole story. The clinician considers the results together with your symptoms and your everyday listening needs. Ask what each part of the evaluation measures, what it cannot determine, and whether any follow-up is recommended.

Hearing-aid evaluation, fitting, and follow-up

When hearing technology may be worth considering, an audiologist can discuss options in relation to your hearing test results, comfort, communication goals, dexterity, listening environments, and budget. They can explain how different styles and features may fit your needs without promising that one device is right for every person.

Hearing-aid services can include selecting and fitting devices, verifying how they perform, teaching you how to use and care for them, and scheduling follow-up adjustments. Communication strategies, assistive listening devices, and realistic expectations are often part of this process. Getting used to amplification can take time, and follow-up support is an important part of care.

Tinnitus and cochlear-implant support

Tinnitus is the perception of sound, such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing, when there is no outside source. An audiologist can document your hearing status, discuss how tinnitus is affecting sleep, concentration, or well-being, and provide education or management approaches within their scope of practice. They may also recommend medical assessment when the pattern of symptoms calls for it.

Audiologists also play a key role for many people considering or using cochlear implants. Services may include testing to help determine whether a referral for an implant evaluation could be appropriate, counseling about the evaluation process, device programming after surgery, and ongoing listening rehabilitation. Cochlear implant surgery and medical eligibility decisions are handled by the appropriate medical and implant-care team.

Pediatric audiology services

Children do not always describe hearing concerns directly. They may miss instructions, seem inattentive, have speech or language concerns, or struggle in noisy classrooms. Pediatric audiologists use age-appropriate techniques, from playful response tasks to objective measurements for babies, to gather useful information while helping families understand the process.

If a child has a known hearing difference, services can include hearing-device support, family education, school communication, and collaboration with other members of the care team. Families should discuss individual concerns with the child’s pediatrician and qualified hearing-care professionals.

Audiologist, ENT physician, or hearing-aid specialist?

These professionals can have complementary roles. An audiologist is a doctoral-level healthcare professional who evaluates hearing and balance and provides non-medical hearing rehabilitation services. An ENT physician, also called an otolaryngologist, is a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathic medicine who diagnoses and treats medical conditions of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures. ENTs can prescribe medication and perform surgery.

A hearing-aid specialist, sometimes called a hearing instrument specialist, is trained and licensed to evaluate hearing for the purpose of fitting and dispensing hearing aids. Scope of practice, training, and licensing requirements vary by location. If you are unsure which professional to start with, describe your symptoms and ask whether an audiology evaluation, medical evaluation, or both would be appropriate.

When should you schedule an appointment?

Consider scheduling an appointment if hearing conversations takes more effort, you often ask others to repeat themselves, you avoid noisy settings, you have persistent ringing, or you notice a change in balance. A visit can also be useful after significant noise exposure, when a child’s hearing or communication raises questions, or when you want advice about hearing protection or hearing technology.

Bring a short list of the situations that are hardest for you and any questions you have. This makes it easier to have a focused, useful conversation. You can learn more about what happens during a hearing test and read our introduction to audiology before your visit.

Explore Hearing Tests and read What Is Audiology? for more patient education.

When to seek urgent medical care

Seek urgent medical care for a sudden change or loss of hearing, especially in one ear; severe dizziness accompanied by neurological symptoms such as weakness, facial drooping, confusion, trouble speaking, severe headache, or difficulty walking; ear trauma; severe ear pain; bleeding or drainage after an injury; or other symptoms that feel severe or rapidly worsening. These warning signs need timely medical assessment and should not wait for routine online guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral to see an audiologist? Requirements vary by insurance plan, location, and care setting. Contact the clinic and your health plan to ask what is needed before you book.

Can an audiologist prescribe medicine? Audiologists are not medical physicians unless separately licensed as physicians. They do not prescribe medication in the usual physician role and may refer you for medical evaluation when appropriate.

Will I need hearing aids after a hearing test? Not necessarily. A hearing evaluation gives you information; the next step depends on the results, your goals, and the guidance of your care team.