Dr. Armstrong Reappointed to Virginia Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians
July 18, 2024. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today his reappointment of Dr. Michael Armstrong, Otolaryngologist and Head & Neck Surgeon at Richmond ENT, to a second four-year term on the Virginia Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians. Originally appointed by Governor Ralph Northam in 2021, Dr. Armstrong has already served four years on this important regulatory board.
The Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians oversees the licensure, standards, and professional conduct of hearing aid specialists and opticians in Virginia, helping to ensure safe, ethical, and effective care for patients across the Commonwealth. Richmond ENT audiologist Holly Law has served on the board since 2024, further demonstrating our practice’s commitment to public service and professional leadership.
What’s the Difference Between an ENT, an Audiologist, and a Hearing Aid Specialist?
Understanding who does what in hearing care can be confusing—so here’s a simple way to break it down, using a common analogy from vision care.
- ENT (Otolaryngologist – Ear, Nose & Throat Doctor): Like an ophthalmologist in eye care, an ENT is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats medical and surgical problems of the ears, nose, and throat. This includes ear infections, hearing loss due to eardrum or nerve problems, and balance disorders. ENTs perform surgery when needed and oversee the full scope of ear-related health issues.
- Audiologist: Similar to an optometrist, an audiologist is a medical professional with an advanced degree (master’s degree or doctoral degree such as Au.D. or Ph.D.) who specializes in testing hearing and balance. Audiologists diagnose hearing loss, fit hearing aids, and provide long-term hearing rehabilitation. They do not perform surgery but are experts in non-surgical hearing care.
- Hearing Aid Specialist: Like an optician in vision care, a hearing aid specialist is licensed to test for hearing aid candidacy and fit hearing aids. They are trained in technology and hearing aid adjustments but do not diagnose medical problems or manage complex hearing disorders.
At Richmond ENT and Richmond Hearing Aids, our team includes ENT physicians, nurse practitioners, and audiologists working together to ensure you get the right diagnosis, the best technology, and compassionate care—all under one roof. We are honored to support the advancement of hearing health care throughout Virginia and proud of our team’s ongoing contributions to the state and our community.
For more information on hearing aids, see: https://richmondent.com/ears-hearing/hearing-aids/
Interested in becoming an audiologist in Virginia?
Learn about accredited AuD programs, including at James Madison University and other state schools, here:
👉 Virginia Audiology Programs – SHAV & University Listings
