Audiology/Otolaryngology/difference

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 8/1/2008


Question
What is the difference between an audiologist and an ENT?  My 6 wk old son failed several hearing tests in one ear and we saw an audiologist who then refered us to an ENT because the ear drum wasn't moving with air(inner ear fluid we hope).  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Kaelyn,
The Audiologist is the healthcare professional trained in the evaluation and non-medical treatment of hearing and balance disorders.  We cannot "diagnose" in the traditional sense, although we interpret the test results and give them to the physicians.  Most of us now hold Doctorates in Audiology and have studied anatomy, physiology, neurology, pharmacology, etc. We have done at least a year of internship and at least a year of an externship before becoming licensed. Otolaryngologists (ENT) are medical doctors who hold the MD degree. They go through the years of medical school, internship, residency and specialty training.  They prescribe medicines, do the official "diagnosing" and perform surgery.  In your case, the audiologist did the test which showed middle (not inner) fluid and was then referred to the ENT for medical treatment.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

Audiology/Otolaryngology

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Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D.

Expertise

I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with 25 years of experience. I can answer questions regarding hearing loss, both general and specific, dizziness and vertigo, auditory processing disorders, hearing aids, aural rehabilitation as well as specialized audiologic testing, i.e., Auditory Brainstem Response, VideoNystagmography, Otoacoutic Emissions. I have worked with both pediatric and adult populations. Because of my extensive musical background, I am able to respond to questions regarding the special needs of musicians.

Experience

I have been an audiologist for over 25 years with a specialty in electrophysiology of the auditory and vestibular systems and pediatric evaluations. I currently work in my private consulting practice providing services to nursing homes and schools. My Doctoral research was on specialized techniques in Auditory Brainstem Responses.

Organizations
American Academy of Audiology, - American Speech Language Hearing Association, - Hearing Loss Association of America

Education/Credentials
Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology), Nova Southeastern University, 2000. Board Certified Doctor of Audiology (American Board of Audiology) Certificate in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

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