What do your hearing professional’s credentials really mean?

Do you know the difference between a Hearing Instrument Specialist and a Hearing Aid Practitioner? How about the difference between an Audiologist and an Otolaryngologist? They’re all hearing professionals, but they have different specialties and academic backgrounds. If you’ve ever been confused by these titles, read below and find out what your hearing professional’s credentials really mean!

1. Audiologist

Every audiologist in Canada has, at minimum, a master’s degree in Audiology. Their high level of education allows them to qualify, assess and treat a wide range of hearing disorders including tinnitus, balance disorders associated with hearing, and auditory processing disorders with the brain. Audiologists can assist with hearing aids and other assistive listening devices as well.

2. Hearing Instrument Specialist

Hearing Instrument Specialists, (or Hearing Aid Specialists) have a more narrow field of expertise than an Audiologist does. These hearing professionals are trained in a two-year program to conduct hearing tests, select and fit hearing aids, recommend additional assistive listening devices and counsel hearing aid patients.

3. Hearing Aid Practitioner

A Hearing Aid Practitioner has the same qualifications as a Hearing Instrument Specialist. In Ontario, a Hearing Aid Practitioner is referred to as a Hearing Instrument Specialist.

4. Otolaryngologists or ENTs

Otolaryngologists, or ear, nose, throat specialists (ENTs). These physicians diagnose diseases of the ears, nose, sinuses, larynx, mouth, and throat. ENTs also manage diseases within the structures of the neck and face. Otolaryngologists typically deal with ear, nose and throat diseases that require surgery such as hearing loss caused by trauma, severe infection and tumors.

Each practitioner plays an important role in our hearing health, whether the hearing loss is minimal or severe. If you think you may have hearing loss, speak to your doctor or visit a hearing professional.


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The purpose of this hearing assessment and/or demonstration is for hearing wellness and to determine if the consumer may benefit from using hearing aids, which may include selling and fitting hearing aids. Products demonstrated may differ from products sold. Assessment conclusion is not a medical diagnosis and further testing may be required to diagnose hearing loss. The use of any hearing aid may not fully restore normal hearing and does not prevent future hearing loss. Hearing instruments may not meet the needs of all hearing-impaired individuals. One offer per consumer and offer cannot be combined with any of our promotional offers, coupons or discounts. Offer not available to any consumer who has private or federal health insurance coverage. Other terms may apply, see office for details.

Please note: Complimentary hearing assessment is not valid at the following locations: Anderson Audiology, 3120 S. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 202, Las Vegas, NV 89146 | COLORADOHearing, a HearingLife Company, 3030 North Circle Drive, Suite 300, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 | COLORADOHearing, a HearingLife Company, 6031 E. Woodmen Road, Suite 300, Colorado Springs, CO 80923 | HearingLife, 5147 North 9th Avenue, Suite 315, Pensacola, FL 32504 | HearingLife, 141 Mack Bayou Loop, Suite 202, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 | Metro Hearing, 13934 N. 59th Avenue #120, Glendale, AZ 85306 | Metro Hearing, 13657 W. McDowell Road #200, Goodyear, AZ 85395 |