Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 7/30/2009

Question
My hearing aid dispenser and Audiologist of 5 years was apparently and quietly bought out by a medical team.  Even as a longtime patient, I've received no word from the newbies as to whether my contract for service will be honored - seems to me I should.  My question, though, asks for a continuum-type definition of dispenser, audiologist, AuD, and (new term for me) Audioprosthologist. (When I first heard of it last week, I thought it was audioproctologist....)  I was told today that AuD people completed all the medical educ of an MD but specialized in the ear.  Hard to believe.  Is this true? With an 30-year-old earned PhD in statistics, psychometrics, and experimental design, I have a sense of people's need for honorifics.  In sum, I'd like to have a handle on the training of the person treating me, especially if he/she calls himself "Doctor."  I know what a proctologist is...

Answer
Hi Jack,
I can certainly understand your confusion.  Personally, I am convinced that some of these names are made up just to do that - confuse the consumer.

Now...for your first concern.  I don't know what state you reside in, but all states have some type of law in place that, if a medical or healthcare practice ceases to exist, they must provide you with someone who will give you continuum of care. Have you contacted the new practice?  Sometimes it takes time for them to notify all the previous patients.  The bottom line, if you paid for something, it must be honored and it is the responsibility of the outgoing team to provide you with a new team.

Now, for all the different terms.  I have the Doctor of Audiology Degree (AuD).  No, I have not completed all the medical education of an MD (if I did, I would be an MD!). But, our educational curriculum is geared towards having medical-type courses, such as pharmacology, neurology, gerontology, genetics, etc. By no means are they the same courses that MDs take. Additionally, we take in-depth studies in the physiology, anatomy and neurology of the auditory and balance systems, diagnostics and treatment in addition to technology, acoustics, speech and cognition...not to mention hearing aids.  In those areas, we actually have more knowledge than the MDs. After completing our coursework, we then take a fellowship year in the field for actual hands-on experience. All in all, the AuD takes about 4-5 years to complete after getting the bachelor degree.

Hearing Aid dispensers are just that...dispensers, and nothing more.  Their short training (usually six months)gives them basic knowledge of the ear and hearing and how to fit a hearing aid.  They do not take any type of medical courses that audiologists do and certainly do not have the extensive knowledge and training that audiologists do.  This is not to say they do not qualify to dispense hearing aids; but that is all they can do.  They cannot do any diagnostic testing at all nor can they treat with the exception of dispensing hearing aids.

An Audioprosthologist falls somewhere in between.  Their training is more than the dealer but nowhere near as extensive as the AuD.  Again, their focus is on hearing loss and treatment, i.e., hearing aids.

Unless they have an earned doctorate, the Hearing Aid Dealer and the Audioprosthologist are not allowed to use the title "Doctor."  The audiologist who has the Doctor of Audiology degree is legally allowed to be addressed as "Doctor."

Hope this helps.
Dr. Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology