What Does an Audiologist Do? (And How They Differ From a Hearing Aid Dispenser)

When you start looking into hearing care, you run into a few different titles: audiologist, hearing instrument practitioner, hearing aid dispenser. They are not the same, and knowing the difference helps you choose the right care. Here is what an audiologist actually does.

The short version

An audiologist is a university-trained hearing and balance specialist. That advanced training means they do more than sell hearing aids. They diagnose hearing loss, get to the root of the problem, and manage a wide range of hearing and ear-related conditions.

What an audiologist does

• Diagnoses hearing loss. A full assessment measures your hearing across the range of speech and sound, checks your ear health, and pinpoints the type and degree of any loss.
• Explains your results. In plain language, so you actually understand what is going on and what your choices are.
• Selects and fits hearing aids. Not just any device, but the right one for your hearing, lifestyle, and budget, fine-tuned with real-ear verification so it sounds natural.
• Manages tinnitus. Assessment and a personalized plan for the ringing, buzzing, or hissing many people live with.
• Provides ear health checks.
• Fits custom hearing protection for musicians, workers, and swimmers.
• Supports children and seniors with age-appropriate testing and care.
• Follows up over time, because hearing needs change and hearing aids need adjusting.

Audiologist versus hearing aid dispenser

A hearing instrument practitioner or dispenser is trained to fit and sell hearing aids, which is valuable work. An audiologist has broader, university-level training in the science of hearing and balance, which means they can diagnose the cause of a problem, not just fit a device. For a clinic that is audiologist-led, you get that depth of expertise on every visit.

Do you need a referral?

No. You can book directly with an audiologist in Alberta, no doctor’s referral required.

See our audiologist in Edmonton and Calgary

Every hearing test and hearing aid fitting at Medicine Place Hearing Care is led by a registered audiologist, at our two Edmonton clinics and our Calgary location. Learn more on our audiologist page, or book a hearing test to get started.