Vertigo is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
While it can be caused by various factors, such as inner ear problems, head injuries, or certain medications, seeking medical attention from an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist or audiologist is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is an ENT?
An ENT specialist is a physician who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat. They are also known as otolaryngologists.
They undergo extensive training, which includes four years of medical school and at least five years of residency training in otolaryngology.
Some common conditions an ENT specialist treats are sinus infections, allergies, ear infections, and hearing loss. They are experts in diagnosing and treating disorders of the head and neck, including the inner ear.
These doctors have extensive training in both medicine and surgery to treat conditions affecting the head and neck.
What is an Audiologist?
An audiologist, on the other hand, is a healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosing and treating hearing and balance disorders.
They have a degree in audiology.
They are trained to conduct various tests to evaluate a patient’s hearing and balance functions.
They specialise in the rehabilitation of hearing and balance disorders through various techniques, such as fitting and adjusting hearing aids.
Diagnosing Vertigo
Various underlying conditions can cause Vertigo, such as inner ear problems, vestibular migraines, or Meniere’s disease. Hence, proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Both ENT specialists and audiologists are qualified to diagnose vertigo.
ENT Specialists:
- Qualified to Diagnose Vertigo: Yes.
- ENT specialists are medical doctors trained to diagnose and treat conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. They can diagnose vertigo caused by various issues, such as:
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- Inner ear problems (e.g., vestibular disorders like Ménière’s disease or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, BPPV).
- Neurological issues (e.g., vestibular migraines).
- Other medical conditions contributing to vertigo (e.g., infections, tumors, or trauma).
- ENTs can perform medical evaluations, imaging, and prescribe treatments or surgical interventions.
Audiologists:
- Qualified to Diagnose Vertigo: Partially.
- Audiologists are healthcare professionals specialising in hearing and balance disorders. While they are not medical doctors, they can:
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- Perform diagnostic tests to assess balance and vestibular function, such as video-nystagmography (VNG), caloric testing, or vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs).
- Help determine if the vertigo is linked to vestibular (inner ear) dysfunction.
- Refer patients to an ENT or other specialists for further evaluation if needed.
Key Difference:
- ENTs: Provide comprehensive medical diagnosis and treatment for vertigo and its underlying causes.
- Audiologists: Focus on identifying vestibular and balance-related issues, and work collaboratively with ENTs for complex cases requiring medical intervention.
Treatment Options
ENT specialists may treat vertigo caused by inner ear problems through medication or surgery.
In contrast, audiologists may use vestibular rehabilitation exercises to retrain the brain’s balance system and reduce symptoms of vertigo.
When to See an ENT Specialist vs. Audiologist
Many factors determine whether a patient should see an ENT specialist or an audiologist for vertigo. These include the severity and frequency of symptoms, medical history, and underlying conditions.
In general, if a patient experiences severe or recurring vertigo episodes accompanied by hearing loss, an ENT specialist is recommended. If the patient is experiencing mild symptoms or has a history of hearing problems, an audiologist may be the first point of contact.
Takeaway
Both ENT specialists and audiologists are qualified healthcare professionals who can diagnose and treat vertigo effectively. Depending on the severity of symptoms and underlying conditions, patients may need to see one or both specialists in their treatment journey.
It is essential to seek medical attention from either specialist as soon as possible if you experience vertigo to ensure
Consult Our Audiologist in Singapore
If you are experiencing vertigo or any other hearing-related issues, our audiologists at Amazing Hearing can help. Our team of experienced professionals provides comprehensive diagnostic testing for various balance disorders and offers individualised treatment plans tailored to your needs.
Schedule a consultation with us today to take the first step towards better hearing health. So, if you experience vertigo or any other hearing-related issue, such as tinnitus or hearing loss, do not hesitate to seek medical attention from an ENT specialist or audiologist.
