A career path for those wanting to work in a clinical setting and help people hear the world around them, without going through medical school.
What Audiologists Do
Audiologists are concerned with assessing and treating people with hearing and related disorders.
Audiologists may fit hearing aids and provide auditory training. They also may perform research related to hearing problems.
How to become an Audiologist
Most Audiologists complete a degree in biological sciences, health sciences or biomedicine.
After this, around 15% pursue a master degree, while over 75% continue into a PhD/Doctorate Audiology program.
It is important to look out for accredited degrees (in Australia) as they offer a competitive advantage when applying for work.
Relevant Jobs
Typical Tasks Include:
- Administer hearing tests and examine patients to collect information on type and degree of impairment, using specialized instruments and electronic equipment.
- Fit, dispense, and repair assistive devices, such as hearing aids.
- Maintain patient records at all stages, including initial and subsequent evaluation and treatment activities.
- Evaluate hearing and balance disorders to determine diagnoses and courses of treatment.
- Program and monitor cochlear implants to fit the needs of patients.
Audioprosthologists select and fit hearing aids for customers. They also administer and interpret tests of hearing, and assess hearing instrument efficacy. Hearing aid specialists take ear impressions and prepare, design, and modify ear molds.
Typical Tasks Include:
- Perform basic screening procedures, such as pure tone screening, otoacoustic screening, immittance screening, and screening of ear canal status using otoscope.
- Administer basic hearing tests including air conduction, bone conduction, or speech audiometry tests.
- Select and administer tests to evaluate hearing or related disabilities.
- Maintain or repair hearing aids or other communication devices.
- Train clients to use hearing aids or other augmentative communication devices.
Skills
Audiology requires/develops the following valuable skills
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