25,681
Audiologists
100%
Accepting patients
27%
Most common: AUD
FindClarity lists 25,681 audiologists nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is AUD (27%). 36% accept Medicare.
Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders. They hold a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree, which is a four-year doctoral program following a bachelor's degree. The program includes coursework in acoustics, anatomy, auditory neuroscience, and clinical rotations in hearing assessment, hearing aid fitting, cochlear implants, and vestibular (balance) testing.
Audiologists perform comprehensive hearing evaluations, fit and program hearing aids, manage cochlear implant programs, assess and treat tinnitus (ringing in the ears), evaluate balance disorders, and provide hearing conservation programs for people exposed to loud noise at work.
Audiologists differ from hearing instrument specialists, who are trained only to fit hearing aids and cannot diagnose medical conditions. Audiologists also differ from ENT doctors (otolaryngologists), who are physicians that treat ear conditions surgically and medically. When a hearing problem has a medical cause (infection, tumor, sudden hearing loss), the audiologist and ENT doctor work together.
See an audiologist if you have difficulty hearing conversations (especially in noisy environments), need people to repeat themselves frequently, turn up the TV louder than others prefer, experience ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus), have dizziness or balance problems, or were exposed to a loud noise that affected your hearing. Newborns who do not pass their hospital hearing screening are referred to an audiologist. Adults should have a baseline hearing test by age 50, or earlier if exposed to noise at work or through hobbies.
A hearing evaluation lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The audiologist will ask about your hearing concerns, noise exposure history, and medical history. Testing takes place in a soundproof booth and includes pure-tone audiometry (beep test), speech recognition testing, and middle ear function testing (tympanometry). Results are shown on an audiogram. If hearing loss is found, the audiologist will explain the type and degree and discuss options. For hearing aids, a separate fitting appointment (60 minutes) involves selecting devices, taking ear impressions or scans, and programming the aids to your hearing profile.
Hearing evaluation: $0-75 copay (diagnostic) · Hearing aids: $1,000-4,000 per ear · OTC hearing aids: $200-800/pair · Balance evaluation: $50-100 copay · Tinnitus evaluation: $50-100 copay
Hearing aids range from $1,000 to $4,000 per ear for mid-range to premium devices. This typically includes the device, fitting, programming, adjustments, and a trial period (30 to 60 days). Over-the-counter hearing aids (for mild to moderate loss) cost $200 to $800 per pair. Insurance coverage has been expanding, and Medicare Advantage plans increasingly include hearing aid benefits. Many audiologists offer payment plans.
Traditional Medicare does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. However, Medicare does cover diagnostic hearing tests ordered by a physician to evaluate a medical condition. Many Medicare Advantage plans now include hearing aid benefits ($500 to $2,000+ per ear every one to three years). Check your specific plan. The VA covers hearing aids for veterans.
Audiologists specialize in hearing testing, hearing aid fitting, and non-medical management of hearing and balance disorders. ENT doctors (otolaryngologists) are physicians who diagnose and treat ear, nose, and throat conditions medically and surgically, including ear infections, tumors, and hearing loss with a medical cause. For most hearing loss, you start with an audiologist. They will refer you to an ENT if your hearing loss may have a treatable medical cause.
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Diagnostic hearing evaluations ordered to investigate a medical complaint (hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness) are covered by most insurance plans and Medicare. Routine hearing screenings without a medical reason may not be covered. Hearing aid coverage varies widely: some plans include a benefit ($500 to $3,000 per ear every few years), while others exclude hearing aids entirely. Federal employee plans and many state Medicaid programs cover hearing aids. Over-the-counter hearing aids do not require a prescription and are not covered by insurance.