Audiologists are sometimes referred to as hearing doctors, but at other times they aren’t. Which is correct? This is a common question in the hearing professional world and one that’s easy to get confused by. For prospective patients, it’s an important question to answer because it helps clarify which type of hearing health professional (with which credentials) is most qualified to address particular hearing needs. It also establishes trust. After all, “doctor” is a title we’re familiar with and can generally count on to deliver quality care.

Training audiologists receive

The answer to this question boils down to credentials – those initials after an audiologist’s name. Since 2007, the entry educational level for a prospective audiologist is the AuD, a doctorate of audiology. This requires the standard four-year bachelor’s degree and up to four additional years of doctorate studies. Comparing this degree to the medical field, it is roughly the equivalent of a PhD. So yes, they are doctors in the sense that they hold a doctorate degree, but they are not doctors in the sense of physicians, who generally practice a wider scope of medical expertise. It’s such a common misunderstanding that some audiologists choose to avoid the title “doctor” to avoid being confused for medical doctors, but you’ll still see this distinction in their credentials.

Beyond the degree

 In addition to academic studies, accredited AuD programs require audiologists to log extensive clinical experience practicing audiology in various settings. Like physicians, all audiologists must also be licensed in their state of practice. Most go on to earn additional certifications to prove their competency in specialized areas like pediatric audiology or cochlear implants and to support their commitment to lifelong learning. Many seek to affiliate themselves with reputable organizations like the American Board of Audiology (ABA) or American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to further bolster their credibility within the field.

Combining knowledge and experience

Looking at the way audiologists practice, you can see many similarities between the processes a doctor of audiology and a medical doctor use to treat their patients. During appointments, they perform various tests to assess hearing capability and diagnose hearing disorders. They then prescribe a treatment and rehabilitation plan that may involve hearing aids, medications, therapy, or referral to another specialist or surgeon if the patient’s needs are beyond the scope of their expertise. Finally, they follow up with additional appointments to ensure these treatments are effective and lasting.

With a vast combination of education and clinical experience, audiologists are incredibly qualified in their field and capable of effectively diagnosing and treating a wide range of hearing conditions. Knowing that an audiologist has extensive educational training, possesses additional certifications and licensing, and engages in many of the same treatment methods as a physician can help you feel more comfortable while in their care.