Audiologist - Nature of Work
- Employment of audiologists is expected
to grow rapidly because the expanding population in older age
groups is prone to medical conditions that result in hearing
- More than half worked in healthcare facilities,
and most others were employed by educational services.
- A master’s degree in audiology is
currently the standard credential; however, a clinical doctoral
degree is expected to become the new standard.
Audiologists work with people who have hearing,
balance, and related ear problems. They examine individuals of
all ages and identify those with the symptoms of hearing loss
and other auditory, balance, and related neural problems. They
then assess the nature and extent of the problems and help the
individuals manage them. Using audiometers, computers, and other
testing devices, they measure the loudness at which a person
begins to hear sounds, the ability to distinguish between sounds,
and the impact of hearing loss or balance problems on an individual’s
daily life. Audiologists interpret these results and may coordinate
them with medical, educational, and psychological information
to make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment.
Hearing disorders can result from a variety
of causes including trauma at birth, viral infections, genetic
disorders, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, or aging.
Treatment may include examining and cleaning the ear canal, fitting
and dispensing hearing aids, fitting and tuning cochlear implants,
and audiologic rehabilitation. Audiologic rehabilitation emphasizes
counseling on adjusting to hearing loss, training on the use
of hearing instruments, and teaching communication strategies
for use in a variety of listening environments. For example,
they may provide instruction in lip reading. Audiologists also
may recommend, fit, and dispense personal or large area amplification
systems and alerting devices.
Audiologists provide direct clinical services
to individuals with hearing or balance disorders. In audiology
(hearing) clinics, they may independently develop and carry out
treatment programs. Audiologists, in a variety of settings, work
with other health professionals as a team in planning and implementing
services for children and adults, from birth to old age. Audiologists
keep records on the initial evaluation, progress, and discharge
of clients. These records help pinpoint problems, track client
progress, and justify the cost of treatment when applying for
Some audiologists specialize in work with
the elderly, children, or hearing-impaired individuals who need
special therapy programs. Others develop and implement ways to
protect workers’ ear from on-the-job injuries. They measure
noise levels in workplaces and conduct hearing protection programs
in factories, as well as in schools and communities.
Audiologists who work in private practice
also manage the business aspects of running an office, such as
developing a patient base, hiring employees, keeping records,
and ordering equipment and supplies.
Audiologists may conduct research on types
of—and treatment for—hearing, balance, and related
disorders. Others design and develop equipment or techniques
for diagnosing and treating these disorders.