Recognizing the importance of selecting the right healthcare professional is crucial when seeking appropriate treatments and services. When dealing with hearing loss or changes in your hearing, it is advantageous to consult an audiologist rather than a general practitioner. Understanding where to seek expert advice is key, as audiologists offer specialized hearing care tailored to address your specific hearing concerns.

Reasons to See a Hearing Specialist Instead of a General Practitioner

General practitioners are often the first point of contact for patients if they feel unwell, they detect unusual or suspicious symptoms, or they notice changes in their health. General practitioners or physicians may be able to offer advice or provide treatments that ease or alleviate symptoms, but often, they refer individuals to specialists. Patients may require further tests and assessments or specialist treatments and services.

If you experience hearing loss, you have problems with your ears, or you notice a change in your hearing, you may be thinking about visiting your general practitioner. In many cases, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist like an audiologist. Here are some key reasons to see a hearing specialist instead of a general practitioner:

Access Specialist Knowledge and Expertise

General practitioners undertake several years of training and studying to develop an incredible breadth of knowledge. Often, general physicians can diagnose, treat and manage illnesses and ailments, but they don’t have the specialist knowledge of professionals who undertake advanced study in specific areas of medicine. If you see a hearing specialist, you’ll have access to highly trained audiologists who have specific knowledge and experience linked to hearing loss and the problems and risk factors that are linked to hearing and balance problems. You can rest assured that you’ll receive expert advice and access to the best treatments and therapies that are available at the time.

Get the Testing You Need

One of the main benefits of seeing a hearing specialist for hearing problems and symptoms linked to hearing loss is saving time. If you require further tests to get a diagnosis, or you need to wear hearing aids, for example, a general practitioner will refer you to an audiologist. Going directly to a hearing specialist will ensure that you get a diagnosis promptly and speed up the treatment process.

Seek Advice and Gather Information

Hearing specialists don’t just carry out tests and assessments and recommend suitable treatment options. They also provide tailored advice and information for patients. If you see a hearing specialist and they tell you that you have hearing loss, you might have lots of questions. Your audiologist will be able to answer your questions, give you information and help you decide what to do next.

Explore Treatment Options in Detail

There are multiple causes of hearing loss. In some cases, it is possible to treat an underlying cause, for example, an infection or a buildup of earwax, which improves hearing. In many cases, however, hearing loss is associated with aging, prolonged exposure to loud noises or damage to the delicate internal workings of the ears. Visiting a hearing specialist is an excellent way to understand and explore treatment options.

An audiologist can give you detailed information about the treatments and therapies that are available to you and make recommendations based on your requirements and preferences. If you would benefit from using hearing aids, for example, your audiologist will guide you through the different types, discuss how they work and how to use them and help you decide which devices are best for you.

Gain a Better Understanding of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a subject that many people don’t like to discuss. Most people will experience hearing loss as they get older, but they may be reluctant to reach out and seek advice. Seeing a hearing specialist provides an opportunity to gain a better understanding of hearing loss. It’s natural to have questions. An audiologist can bust myths, provide accurate information and help you learn more about hearing loss and how it is treated and managed.

If you are having trouble hearing, or you’ve noticed a change in your hearing, you may be wondering whether to see a hearing specialist or a general practitioner. General practitioners work with individuals who have a hugely diverse range of symptoms while audiologists are specialists in hearing care and disorders that affect hearing and balance. Seeing an audiologist is beneficial because it gives you access to expert advice and it can save time, as most people will be referred to a hearing specialist by their general practitioner.

If you have any questions about hearing loss, or you’d like to speak to an experienced audiologist, contact Memphis Audiology by calling 901-708-2916.