Does an ENT Doctor Do Hearing Tests? What to Expect

You’ve noticed changes in your hearing. Maybe sounds feel muffled, or you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves more often. These changes can be frustrating and even a little scary. Naturally, you might wonder if seeing a specialist is necessary—and specifically, whether an ENT doctor can perform a hearing test. The answer is yes. ENT doctors, like the experienced team at Mid-Michigan ENT, play a key role in hearing evaluations, often working closely with audiologists to provide comprehensive ear care. Understanding how they approach hearing tests can help you feel more confident about your next steps toward better ear health.

Understanding the Difference: ENT vs. Audiologist

Before diving into hearing tests, it helps to know the roles of the professionals involved.

An ENT doctor, or otolaryngologist, is a medical doctor trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat. ENT specialists at Mid-Michigan ENT handle a wide range of ear-related issues, from chronic infections and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) to balance problems and surgical interventions such as ear tube placement. Their expertise goes beyond just hearing; they consider the entire head and neck system, which is crucial because the ears, nose, and throat are interconnected.

On the other hand, an audiologist is a hearing and balance specialist who holds a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree. Audiologists focus on hearing assessments, managing hearing loss, and providing hearing aid fittings. They often work alongside ENT doctors, including at Mid-Michigan ENT, ensuring patients receive a complete evaluation of both medical and functional hearing needs.

Some practices also include hearing instrument specialists, licensed professionals trained to test hearing and fit hearing aids. At Mid-Michigan ENT, , the collaboration between ENT doctors, audiologists, and hearing instrument specialists ensures patients receive a holistic approach to ear and hearing care.

Does an ENT Doctor Perform Hearing Tests?

Yes. At Mid-Michigan ENT, hearing tests are a key component of the care provided by ENT doctors. Typically, the ENT orders the hearing test and interprets the results, while an audiologist conducts the actual evaluation. This partnership with an ENT doctor in Lansing, MI is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

The ENT doctor needs to determine if hearing issues stem from a medical condition that can be treated with medication or surgery, such as fluid behind the eardrum, impacted earwax, or structural issues in the middle ear. The hearing evaluation provides essential data to make this determination. For long-term or sudden hearing loss, these test results are crucial in shaping the treatment plan, which might include hearing aids, medical intervention, or, in some cases, surgery.

Common Hearing Tests Performed at ENT Clinics

If your ENT at Mid-Michigan ENT recommends a hearing test, you can expect a detailed and mostly painless process. Here are some of the standard hearing evaluations you may undergo:

Initial Screening

Screening tests provide a quick, basic assessment of your hearing. One common method is the tuning fork test, where a simple metal instrument is struck and placed at various points on the head to identify certain types of hearing loss. This low-tech approach gives the ENT doctor preliminary information and helps determine if more comprehensive testing is needed.

Pure-Tone Audiometry

One of the most common hearing tests is pure-tone audiometry. You’ll sit in a sound-treated booth and wear headphones while the audiologist plays a series of tones at different frequencies and volumes. Your task is simple: raise your hand or press a button each time you hear a sound, even if it is faint.

The results produce an audiogram, a visual map of your hearing ability. This chart helps the ENT doctor at Mid-Michigan ENT see exactly which frequencies are affected and guide treatment decisions.

Speech Audiometry

Hearing involves more than detecting sounds—it’s about understanding speech. Speech audiometry tests how well you can hear and comprehend spoken words at varying volumes. This evaluation can differentiate between general hearing difficulties and issues processing speech, allowing your ENT and audiologist to recommend the most effective solutions.

Tympanometry

Tympanometry is another important test. A soft rubber tip is inserted into your ear canal, and you may feel slight pressure or hear a puff of air. This test measures the movement of your eardrum and middle ear pressure, helping your ENT identify fluid buildup, perforated eardrums, or eustachian tube dysfunction.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)

OAEs assess the function of the inner ear. A small probe is placed in your ear to play sounds and measure the “echoes” returning from the cochlea. This test is commonly used in newborn hearing screenings but is also valuable for adults. If OAEs are absent, it indicates inner ear or sensorineural hearing loss.

Why ENT Doctors Use Hearing Tests

All these tests provide your ENT doctor with a comprehensive view of your ear health. They can pinpoint the type of hearing loss you have, which guides the appropriate treatment plan. Hearing loss generally falls into three categories:

For conductive hearing loss, ENT doctors can often restore hearing fully with treatments such as earwax removal, antibiotics, or surgery. For sensorineural loss, which is usually permanent, ENT specialists collaborate with audiologists to recommend hearing aids or assistive listening devices. In severe cases, cochlear implants may be discussed as a treatment option.

The Patient Journey at Mid-Michigan ENT

Here’s what a typical patient experience looks like at Mid-Michigan ENT:

1. Scheduling an Appointment: You may be referred by a primary care physician or book directly online.
2. Initial Evaluation: The ENT examines your ears using an otoscope to check for redness, fluid, or blockages.
3. Hearing Test: The audiologist conducts the full evaluation, including pure-tone audiometry, speech testing, tympanometry, and possibly OAEs.
4. Results Review: The ENT interprets your audiogram alongside the physical exam and discusses findings in plain language.
5. Treatment Plan: Based on the results, the ENT may recommend medication, surgical intervention, hearing aids, or ongoing monitoring.

This step-by-step approach ensures no detail is overlooked, providing a thorough understanding of your hearing and overall ear health.

Tips for a Successful Hearing Evaluation

To get the most accurate results from your hearing test:

• Avoid loud noises for at least 24 hours before testing.
• Bring a list of medications and past ear health history.
• Be honest about your daily hearing experiences and challenges.
• Ask questions about follow-up care or hearing device options if needed.

Following these steps can help the ENT doctor and audiologist at Mid-Michigan ENT provide the best recommendations for your individual needs.

Conclusion

So, does an ENT doctor do hearing tests? Absolutely. At Mid-Michigan ENT, ENT doctors are central to the hearing evaluation process. While audiologists perform the technical assessments, ENT doctors interpret the results in the context of your overall ear health, diagnose underlying conditions, and create personalized treatment plans. Reach out to an audiologist in Lansing, MI today. 

Whether your hearing loss requires medication, a surgical procedure, or hearing aids, the coordinated care between ENT doctors and audiologists ensures a complete approach. Starting with an evaluation at Mid-Michigan ENT is a smart first step toward clearer hearing and a better quality of life. Don’t wait—early diagnosis and treatment are key to preserving your hearing for years to come.