What Is an Audiologist? Education, Expertise, and When to See One

An audiologist is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and managing hearing loss, tinnitus, sound sensitivity, and balance disorders. Audiologists have advanced education in how the ears and brain process sound and use specialized testing, hearing technology, and treatment approaches to help patients hear and function better.

As a Doctor of Audiology who has spent much of my career focused on tinnitus and hearing healthcare, I regularly meet patients surprised by how much a thorough evaluation can reveal. Some have already passed a basic hearing screening but still struggle to follow conversations. Others live with constant ringing in their ears or find everyday sounds increasingly difficult to tolerate. These experiences can be frustrating, particularly when previous appointments haven't provided clear answers.

Understanding what an audiologist does, how they're trained, and where their clinical expertise lies can help you find the right care for your particular concerns.

What Does an Audiologist Do?

Audiologists evaluate how the ears and brain work together to detect and process sound. They also assess the vestibular system, which plays an important role in maintaining balance. Their work extends beyond identifying hearing loss; depending on their clinical specialty, they may evaluate tinnitus, investigate sound sensitivity, assess dizziness and balance problems, and develop individualized treatment plans.

Common audiology services include:

• Comprehensive hearing evaluations: Measuring hearing sensitivity, speech understanding, and auditory system function.

• Tinnitus evaluation and treatment: Investigating ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds perceived without an external source and developing strategies to reduce their impact.

• Hearing aid selection and fitting: Choosing, programming, and verifying hearing technology based on individual hearing needs.

• Hyperacusis and sound sensitivity management: Evaluating decreased sound tolerance and helping patients become more comfortable with everyday sounds.

• Balance and vestibular testing: Investigating certain causes of dizziness, vertigo, and balance difficulties.

• Earwax management: Identifying and, when within their training and scope of practice, removing earwax that can interfere with hearing or hearing aids.

• Hearing conservation: Helping patients protect their hearing from hazardous noise exposure.

• Aural rehabilitation: Improving communication through hearing technology, listening strategies, education, and ongoing support.

Although audiologists share a common educational foundation, their clinical practices can look quite different. Some focus on pediatric hearing care or cochlear implants, while others specialize in vestibular disorders, hearing rehabilitation, or tinnitus. If your symptoms are complex or previous treatment hasn't helped, finding an audiologist whose experience matches your needs can be particularly important.

What Education and Training Does an Audiologist Have?

Most audiologists entering clinical practice in the United States today earn a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree, which typically requires four years of graduate-level education after a bachelor's degree. Their training combines advanced coursework with extensive supervised clinical experience in auditory and vestibular science, diagnostic testing, hearing technology, rehabilitation, and related areas of healthcare.

The Au.D. is a clinical doctorate focused on patient care. Some audiologists hold Ph.D. degrees, which generally emphasize research, while professionals who entered the field under earlier educational requirements may hold master's degrees. Regardless of their degree, audiologists must meet applicable state licensing requirements and maintain the qualifications necessary to practice.

What Do Au.D., CCC-A, and CH-TM Mean?

You may notice several credentials following an audiologist's name.

Au.D. — Doctor of Audiology: A clinical doctoral degree focused on hearing and balance disorders.

CCC-A — Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology: A voluntary professional certification awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

CH-TM — Certificate Holder in Tinnitus Management: A professional credential reflecting additional education in tinnitus management.

These credentials provide useful information about education and professional development, but they don't necessarily show how often an audiologist treats a particular condition or how much specialized experience they've developed. That becomes especially relevant when choosing a provider for a complex concern such as tinnitus.

Audiologist vs. ENT vs. Hearing Instrument Specialist: What's the Difference?

Patients often ask whether they should see an audiologist, an ear, nose, and throat physician (ENT), or a hearing instrument specialist. All three work with people experiencing hearing-related concerns, but their training, responsibilities, and approaches to care are different.

Audiologist

An audiologist specializes in diagnosing and managing hearing and balance disorders. They perform diagnostic audiologic evaluations, fit and verify hearing technology, and may provide specialized treatment for tinnitus, hyperacusis, and vestibular disorders. Their role includes determining how auditory findings relate to a patient's symptoms and recognizing when additional medical evaluation is needed.

Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Physician

An ENT, also called an otolaryngologist, is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases and conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, and related structures. ENT physicians can prescribe medications, treat infections and other medical conditions, and perform surgery when necessary.

Audiologists and ENTs frequently work together, particularly when hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, or other symptoms suggest an underlying medical condition. In these cases, the two professions provide complementary expertise.

Hearing Instrument Specialist

A hearing instrument specialist is licensed to test hearing to select, fit, and dispense hearing aids. Their scope of practice varies by state, and they play a valuable role in helping people access hearing technology.

However, hearing instrument specialists do not receive the same graduate-level diagnostic education as audiologists. Their training and scope of practice generally focus on hearing aid services rather than the comprehensive assessment of auditory and vestibular disorders.

This distinction can be important for patients with tinnitus. Hearing aids may provide meaningful relief for some individuals, particularly when hearing loss is also present. But a comprehensive tinnitus evaluation may require additional diagnostic testing, assessment of sound tolerance, identification of potentially concerning symptoms, and treatment planning that goes beyond hearing technology.

Even among audiologists, tinnitus expertise varies greatly. If tinnitus is your primary concern, I recommend finding an audiologist who regularly evaluates and treats it, rather than choosing a provider solely because they offer hearing aids with tinnitus features.

Which Professional Should You See?

Gradual hearing difficulty: An audiologist can evaluate your hearing and recommend appropriate treatment.

Ringing or buzzing in the ears: An audiologist experienced in tinnitus care can evaluate you and recommend a medical referral when indicated.

Hearing aid evaluation or adjustments: An audiologist or qualified hearing instrument specialist can help with hearing technology.

Ear infections, drainage, or persistent ear pain: See a physician or ENT for medical evaluation.

Sudden hearing loss: Seek immediate medical attention, preferably through an ENT or emergency medical service.

Persistent dizziness or balance problems: Begin with medical evaluation, which may include specialized vestibular testing by an audiologist.

Hyperacusis or severe sound sensitivity: Consider an audiologist experienced in decreased sound tolerance.

For many patients, effective care involves collaboration between specialists rather than choosing one profession over another.

What Happens During an Audiology Appointment?

A comprehensive audiology appointment should provide considerably more information than whether you can hear a series of beeps. The process begins with a discussion of your symptoms, hearing history, medical history, and the situations where you're experiencing difficulty. That information helps the audiologist determine which tests are most appropriate.

Examining the Ears and Measuring Hearing

An otoscopic examination allows the audiologist to inspect the ear canal and eardrum for visible concerns such as earwax buildup or irritation.

Pure-tone audiometry measures the softest sounds you can detect across different frequencies, while air- and bone-conduction testing help determine the type and degree of hearing loss. Additional testing may include middle-ear measurements or extended high-frequency audiometry when clinically appropriate.

Evaluating Speech Understanding

Speech audiometry assesses how accurately you recognize spoken words. Speech-in-noise testing can be especially useful for patients who hear reasonably well in quiet environments but struggle in restaurants, meetings, or group conversations. These difficulties aren't always fully reflected by a traditional hearing test.

Specialized Testing and Recommendations

Depending on your symptoms, an audiologist may also evaluate tinnitus characteristics, sound tolerance, auditory processing, or vestibular function. Once testing is complete, the audiologist should explain the findings, discuss treatment options or referrals, and answer your questions.

I have seen many patients with similar hearing test results who experience completely different challenges in everyday life. One may struggle primarily with understanding speech, while another experiences significant tinnitus or sound sensitivity. A good evaluation helps us understand those differences so the recommendations are based on the person, not just the audiogram.

Can an Audiologist Treat Tinnitus?

Yes. Audiologists are trained to evaluate and manage tinnitus, but not all audiologists specialize in tinnitus treatment, and the differences in their experience, testing protocols, treatment approaches, and available appointment time can substantially influence the care patients receive.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source. Patients may describe ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, or other sounds that vary in pitch, loudness, and persistence. Although tinnitus often occurs alongside hearing loss, it can also involve neurological processing, sound sensitivity, medications, medical conditions, and how the brain responds to the tinnitus signal.

Some patients have mild tinnitus that rarely interferes with daily life. Others experience persistent symptoms that disrupt their sleep, concentration, work, and relationships. Still others struggle with both tinnitus and hyperacusis, making ordinary environmental sounds difficult to tolerate. These patients may all describe ringing in their ears as their primary complaint, but their needs can differ greatly.

Through my years of treating tinnitus, I've come to place particular importance on four things: specialized training, the amount and variety of tinnitus cases an audiologist sees, the diagnostic and treatment tools they use, and the time they devote to understanding each patient.

Specialized Tinnitus Training Matters

All audiologists receive foundational education about tinnitus, but the amount of dedicated instruction and supervised clinical experience can vary considerably between training programs. Some audiologists pursue additional education in auditory neuroscience, tinnitus assessment, sound therapy, hyperacusis, counseling, and the neurological processes involved in tinnitus perception and distress.

Tinnitus research also continues to evolve. Advances in our understanding of auditory pathways, neuroplasticity, somatosensory influences, and the brain's response to sound create opportunities to refine clinical care. Audiologists who specialize in tinnitus need to stay connected to that research and understand how to distinguish promising findings from treatments that have not yet demonstrated reliable clinical benefits.

Specialized credentials can show additional education, but I encourage patients to look beyond certifications alone. Ask what specific tinnitus training the audiologist has completed, how they continue their education, and how their treatment approach has developed with experience. Google reviews and patient testimonials that cover tinnitus success with a particular audiology practice.

How Many Tinnitus Patients Does Your Audiologist See?

This is one of the most useful questions a patient can ask, though it rarely comes up when people choose an audiologist.

Consider two audiologists who earned the same doctoral degree. One spends most of the week performing routine hearing evaluations and fitting hearing aids, occasionally seeing someone with bothersome tinnitus. The other evaluates and treats tinnitus throughout the week, working with patients whose symptoms involve hearing loss, sound sensitivity, sleep problems, or previous unsuccessful treatment attempts.

Both may be excellent clinicians, but their day-to-day experience is quite different. Someone who works with tinnitus frequently has more opportunities to recognize complex patterns, understand why certain approaches may not help, and gain experience adjusting treatment when a patient's response differs from expectations.

For example, a person whose tinnitus becomes more bothersome after everyday sound exposure may need a different approach than someone whose primary difficulty involves hearing loss and reduced access to environmental sound. Patients with severe sound sensitivity can also require careful consideration when selecting and introducing sound therapy.

No established number of tinnitus patients qualifies an audiologist as a specialist, and seeing more patients does not automatically mean better outcomes. Nevertheless, the frequency and variety of cases a clinician handles are reasonable indicators of relevant experience.

I encourage patients to ask how often an audiologist treats tinnitus, what percentage of the practice is dedicated to tinnitus care, and whether the provider regularly works with complex cases involving hyperacusis or other auditory concerns. The answers can tell you much more than a simple statement that a clinic offers tinnitus treatment.

The Diagnostic Tools and Testing Protocols Matter

A standard hearing test is an important part of evaluating tinnitus, but it may not provide enough information to understand everything a patient is experiencing. Depending on the symptoms, a comprehensive tinnitus evaluation may incorporate extended high-frequency testing, tinnitus pitch and loudness matching, sound tolerance assessment, and other measures of auditory function.

Each tool provides a different piece of information. Extended high-frequency testing can identify hearing changes that may not appear on a conventional audiogram. Tinnitus matching can help characterize the perceived sound, although it does not necessarily tell us how disruptive that sound is in a patient's life. Sound tolerance assessment may be especially relevant for someone experiencing hyperacusis, but testing must be performed carefully and adapted to the individual's comfort.

We also need to understand tinnitus's impact on daily life. Validated questionnaires such as the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) can help assess symptoms and measure changes over the course of treatment. This information may be particularly useful because changes in tinnitus-related distress don't always correspond directly to changes in perceived loudness.

Not every patient needs every test. The more important question is whether the audiologist understands which assessments are appropriate, how to interpret the findings, and how to use that information when developing a treatment plan.

A peer-reviewed survey published in 2022 examined tinnitus assessment and management practices among audiologists in the United States and Canada. Researchers found considerable variation in clinical approaches, with relatively few respondents performing a comprehensive tinnitus assessment. The findings illustrate that the quality and depth of a tinnitus evaluation can vary even among licensed audiologists.

Read the study: Tinnitus Assessment and Management — A Survey of Practicing Audiologists.

Treatment Requires More Than Hearing Technology

Treating tinnitus involves considerably more than fitting hearing aids or turning on a sound generator. Although hearing technology can be extremely helpful for some patients, particularly those with hearing loss, it is only one of several approaches available. The challenge is determining which combination of treatments makes the most sense for a particular patient, and that requires specialized knowledge, clinical experience, and a thorough evaluation.

Depending on the findings, treatment might include prescriptive sound therapy, hearing technology, tinnitus education and counseling, or strategies for managing decreased sound tolerance. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also play an important role, particularly for patients experiencing significant tinnitus-related distress. When CBT is appropriate, an audiologist may recommend working with a qualified mental health professional experienced in treating tinnitus.

I've seen how differently patients can respond to treatment, even when their hearing tests and symptoms initially appear similar. That's one reason I place so much importance on understanding the patient's history, identifying contributing factors, and monitoring progress over time. Sometimes adjustments are necessary, and occasionally the initial approach needs reconsideration. That is part of thoughtful, individualized care.

The updated 2026 Clinical Practice Guideline: Tinnitus reinforces the importance of comprehensive evaluation, patient education, hearing technology when appropriate, and evidence-based interventions such as CBT. These recommendations provide a foundation for care, but applying them effectively still requires clinical judgment and an understanding of the individual patient.

Read the 2026 Tinnitus Clinical Practice Guideline.

Time With Your Audiologist Makes a Difference

I consider time one of the most overlooked aspects of tinnitus treatment. Many patients arrive at their first appointment with months or even years of questions, frustration, and sometimes fear. Some have already been told that nothing can be done or that they simply need to learn to live with the sound. Others have been reassured that their hearing is normal without ever receiving an explanation for why their tinnitus remains so disruptive.

A thorough tinnitus evaluation takes time. We need to understand when the symptoms began, whether they fluctuate, what seems to make them better or worse, and how they affect sleep, concentration, relationships, and everyday activities. Patients also need an opportunity to understand their results, ask questions, and discuss which treatment options are appropriate for them.

The initial appointment is only part of that process. Follow-up visits allow the audiologist to assess progress, address concerns, and make adjustments when needed. They also give patients an opportunity to discuss how treatment is working in their actual daily lives rather than relying solely on measurements collected in the clinic.

There is no single appointment length that guarantees good tinnitus care, but patients should have enough time to feel heard and understand the reasoning behind their treatment recommendations. I've found that the conversations we have with patients can provide information that is every bit as valuable as the diagnostic measurements.

What Makes Tinnitus Care Different at Sound Relief?

I founded Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center in 2011 with the intention of making tinnitus a central focus of the practice rather than an occasional service provided alongside hearing aid care. That decision influences how we train our providers, structure our evaluations, and approach treatment.

Our Doctors of Audiology regularly work with patients experiencing tinnitus and decreased sound tolerance. We emphasize continuing education, comprehensive diagnostic assessments, individualized treatment planning, and ongoing follow-up because these are all important components of specialized tinnitus care.

Our patients also arrive with very different needs. Some have significant hearing loss, while others have normal hearing sensitivity on conventional tests. Some experience intermittent tinnitus, and others have constant symptoms accompanied by severe sound sensitivity. Understanding those differences helps us determine which treatment approaches are appropriate and when additional medical evaluation may be necessary.

We cannot promise that tinnitus will disappear, and treatment outcomes vary from person to person. What we can provide is a careful evaluation, a clear explanation of the findings, and an individualized approach that considers the patient's symptoms and goals.

Learn more about our comprehensive tinnitus evaluation.

Why Hearing Aid Fitting Requires More Than Choosing a Device

Hearing aid technology has advanced tremendously, but even sophisticated devices need to be properly selected, programmed, and verified. An audiologist considers the degree of hearing loss along with speech understanding, lifestyle, ear anatomy, listening environments, sound tolerance, and individual preferences when recommending hearing technology.

An important component of hearing aid fitting is Real Ear Measurement (REM). This procedure uses a small probe microphone in the ear canal to measure the sound a hearing aid actually delivers. The audiologist compares those measurements with appropriate prescriptive targets and makes adjustments based on the patient's hearing needs.

Without REM, clinicians may rely largely on manufacturer programming estimates, which do not always reflect how hearing aids perform in an individual's ear. Real Ear Measurements are part of our standard hearing aid fitting protocol at Sound Relief because we believe fitting decisions should be based on objective verification rather than assumptions about how a device is performing.

Of course, the initial fitting is not the end of hearing aid treatment. Follow-up adjustments, counseling, and ongoing support help patients adapt to their devices and address challenges as they arise.

How Do You Choose the Right Audiologist?

Credentials and professional qualifications are a good starting point, but I encourage patients to learn more about how an audiologist practices before scheduling an appointment. The right questions can help you understand whether a provider's approach is a good match for your needs.

• Does the audiologist regularly treat your specific condition? Someone seeking routine hearing care may have different needs than a patient experiencing complex tinnitus or hyperacusis.

• How comprehensive is the evaluation? Ask what testing will be performed and how those findings influence treatment recommendations.

• Does the practice follow evidence-based protocols? For hearing aid fittings, ask whether Real Ear Measurements are routinely performed. For tinnitus, ask how treatment decisions are made and how progress is measured.

• How much time will you spend with the audiologist? You should have enough time to discuss your symptoms, review the results, and understand your options.

• What happens after the initial appointment? Follow-up appointments, counseling, and treatment adjustments can be important components of successful hearing and tinnitus care.

I also encourage patients to pay attention to how comfortable they feel during the appointment. You should be able to ask questions, understand why certain recommendations are being made, and feel that your concerns are being taken seriously.

Why Specialized Audiology Care Matters

Two people can have almost identical hearing test results and very different experiences. One may struggle to understand speech in a noisy restaurant, another may have tinnitus that interferes with sleep, and a third may find ordinary sounds uncomfortable because of decreased sound tolerance. The findings on a hearing test are valuable, but they are only part of the information we need to understand the person sitting in front of us.

This is why I believe clinical experience and specialization deserve as much attention as professional credentials when choosing an audiologist. Advanced training provides the foundation, but the knowledge gained through regular patient care, careful evaluations, and thoughtful follow-up can make a meaningful difference in how treatment is approached.

Frequently Asked Questions About Audiologists

Is an audiologist a doctor?

Many audiologists hold a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree, which is a clinical doctorate. They are Doctors of Audiology, not medical doctors or physicians. Audiologists specialize in evaluating and managing hearing and balance disorders.

Do you need a referral to see an audiologist?

Not always. Many audiology practices allow patients to schedule directly. However, some insurance plans require referrals or authorizations, so it's worth checking your coverage before scheduling.

Can an audiologist diagnose hearing loss?

Yes. Audiologists perform diagnostic hearing evaluations and identify the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss. They can also recognize findings that may require additional medical investigation.

Can an audiologist treat tinnitus?

Yes. Audiologists are trained to evaluate and manage tinnitus, although the depth of their tinnitus-specific training and clinical experience varies. For persistent or bothersome tinnitus, consider an audiologist who regularly works with tinnitus patients and provides comprehensive assessment, individualized treatment, and follow-up care.

Do all audiologists specialize in tinnitus?

No. While tinnitus is included in audiology education, some audiologists primarily work with hearing aids, pediatric patients, balance disorders, or other specialties. Audiologists who focus on tinnitus may have additional training, specialized assessment tools, and extensive experience managing complex cases.

What should I ask an audiologist before starting tinnitus treatment?

Ask how often they see tinnitus patients, what additional training they have completed, which diagnostic tests they use, what treatment approaches they offer, and how they measure progress. It's also reasonable to ask how much time is scheduled for the initial evaluation and what follow-up care is included.

Can an audiologist help with tinnitus if my hearing test is normal?

Yes. Tinnitus can occur even when a conventional hearing test shows hearing sensitivity within normal limits. An audiologist experienced in tinnitus can assess additional factors, evaluate the impact on daily life, and recommend appropriate management strategies.

Can an audiologist prescribe medication?

In the United States, audiologists generally do not prescribe medication. When medical treatment is needed, they coordinate care with an appropriate physician.

Is an audiologist better than a hearing instrument specialist?

That depends on your needs. Both may provide hearing aid services, but audiologists have broader diagnostic education and training. For tinnitus, unexplained hearing difficulties, sound sensitivity, or complex auditory conditions, an audiologist may offer a more comprehensive evaluation and range of management options.

When is hearing loss an emergency?

Sudden hearing loss, particularly when it develops over hours or a few days, requires immediate medical assessment. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is time-sensitive, and delaying treatment may reduce the chances of recovery.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Hearing Health

Whether you're having difficulty understanding conversations, experiencing tinnitus, or considering hearing aids, a comprehensive audiologic evaluation can help clarify what's happening and which treatment options may be appropriate.

At Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center, our Doctors of Audiology provide hearing evaluations, specialized tinnitus care, and individualized treatment across our Colorado and Arizona locations. We believe patients should understand their test results, why a particular treatment is being recommended, and what they can realistically expect from care.

Schedule an Appointment with Sound Relief

About the Author

Dr. Julie Prutsman, Au.D., CH-TM

Dr. Julie Prutsman is the founder and owner of Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center. A third-generation hearing healthcare professional and Doctor of Audiology, she has dedicated much of her clinical career to tinnitus, decreased sound tolerance, and hearing healthcare. She founded Sound Relief in 2011 to provide specialized, individualized care for patients experiencing tinnitus and related auditory concerns.

Meet Dr. Julie Prutsman

References & Professional Guidelines

The following professional resources and peer-reviewed publications support the clinical information presented in this article.

1. American Academy of Audiology. (2023). Scope of Practice.
Defines the clinical responsibilities, qualifications, and professional scope of audiologists.
Read the guideline

2. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2018). Scope of Practice in Audiology.
Describes audiologists' role in the diagnosis and management of hearing and balance disorders.
Read the guideline

3. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Audiologist and Hearing Aid Dispenser: What Is the Difference?
Compares professional education, training, licensure, and clinical responsibilities.
Read the resource

4. Tinnitus Assessment and Management: A Survey of Practicing Audiologists in the United States and Canada. (2022).
American Journal of Audiology.
Examines variation in clinical tinnitus evaluations, diagnostic tools, counseling, and treatment recommendations.
Read the study on PubMed

5. Adams ME, et al. (2026). Clinical Practice Guideline: Tinnitus Update.
Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 175(Suppl. 1), S1–S62.
Updated evidence-based recommendations for tinnitus assessment, education, hearing technology, CBT, sound enrichment, and treatment follow-up.
Read the clinical guideline

6. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense. (2024). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Tinnitus.
Evidence-based recommendations for evaluating and managing tinnitus, including sound-based and behavioral interventions.
Read the guideline