'aurist' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'auris', where 'aur-' meant 'ear', formed in English with the agent suffix '-ist'.

'aurist' changed from Late Latin/Medieval Latin forms such as 'aurista' and was influenced by French forms (e.g. 'auriste'), eventually becoming the modern English word 'aurist'.

Initially it meant 'one who treats the ear' and that core meaning has been largely retained, though the term is now somewhat archaic and often replaced by 'otologist'.