Find a Hearing Specialist
Find an Audiologist Near You
By Dan McCoy, Audiology Industry Professional · Updated June 2026
When you're ready to take the next step, here's how to find the right provider. Search over 13,000 audiology practices and hearing care centers across the United States — ranked by proximity, with full profiles for clinics that have connected their listing.
When to Go
Signs It Is Time to See a Professional
What is an Audiologist?
An audiologist is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in evaluating and treating hearing and balance disorders. Audiologists hold a doctoral degree (Au.D.) and are qualified to diagnose hearing loss, prescribe and fit hearing aids, and provide audiological rehabilitation.
Sometimes the signs show up in your daily habits before you notice them yourself. Reaching for the captions app in every conversation, or seeing the sound level meter read loud when things seem quiet — these are your hearing trying to tell you something.
Your hearing screening shows loss
Any LSTN hearing test result above 25 dB is worth confirming with a professional evaluation and full audiogram.
Your hearing changed suddenly
Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency. See a physician or ENT immediately — prompt treatment improves outcomes.
You hear ringing in your ears
Tinnitus is often associated with underlying hearing loss. An audiologist can evaluate both and recommend management options.
One ear seems worse than the other
Asymmetric hearing loss has specific causes that a clinical evaluation can identify. It should not be left unexamined.
You rely on captions to follow conversations
Frequently using a speech-to-text app just to keep up is a clear signal — not a coping strategy. Earlier intervention leads to better outcomes, and most people wait far too long.
The sound meter reads loud but things seem quiet
If LSTN's sound level meter shows 70-80 dB but the room seems quiet to you, that gap is a meaningful sign of hearing loss — not just a noisy environment.
What to Expect
Your First Audiologist Appointment
A standard audiology evaluation typically takes 45-90 minutes and includes several types of tests. Knowing what to expect makes the appointment easier.
Case history and intake
The audiologist will ask about your hearing concerns, noise exposure history, ear infections, and family history of hearing loss.
Audiometric testing
Pure-tone testing in a sound booth establishes your hearing thresholds. Speech recognition testing checks how clearly you understand speech.
Results and recommendations
You receive your audiogram and a discussion of what the results mean for your daily life, with specific recommendations for next steps.
Who to See
Types of Hearing Care Providers
Audiologist
Au.D. — Doctorate in Audiology (AAA)
Diagnostic evaluations, complex hearing loss, tinnitus management, cochlear implant candidacy, and pediatric hearing.
Hearing Instrument Specialist
Licensed by state board
Hearing aid selection, fitting, and adjustment for adults with established hearing loss.
ENT Physician
M.D. — Otolaryngologist
Medical causes of hearing loss — infections, otosclerosis, tumors, sudden hearing loss, and surgical options.
Common Questions
Audiologist FAQ
What is the difference between an audiologist and a hearing instrument specialist?
Do I need a referral to see an audiologist?
How much does a hearing test cost?
How do I prepare for my first audiology appointment?
Does LSTN verify the clinics in its directory?
Not sure if you need a specialist yet?
A free online hearing screening is a useful first step. It takes under five minutes and gives you a baseline result you can bring to your appointment.
Take the Free Hearing Test →Browse the Directory
Find Audiologists by City
13,000+ US hearing clinics listed by city. Select yours to see full profiles, contact details, and a map.
Not sure where to start?
Take the free hearing test first. Five minutes — gives you a baseline to share with any provider you call.