Audiologist
Alt Names: Licensed Audiologist, Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Instrument Specialist
Career Description
Audiologists are responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing people who have hearing, balance, and/or other ear related issues. They are also authorized to fit, test, and supply hearing aids to patients should they require them.
Job Responsibilities
Examine patients who have hearing, imbalance, or any other difficulties with their ears
Assess and administer treatment
(treatments may include) fitting, testing, and supplying hearing aids for patients
Keep tabs on patients (during and after treatment) for progress
Help patients and their families find alternative ways to communicate with loved ones (sign language, lip reading, etc)
Conduct research to stay on top of latest technologies, and to find out about latest research studies in causes and treatments of hearing and balance disorders
Education & Training
Completion of accredited 4 years of college (Bachelors degree)
Earn Doctoral degree in Audiology (Au.D or PhD)
- Minimum of 1,820 hours of supervised clinical practice
License and/or Certification
MUST earn license in all states in order to work
Can earn Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) – Offered by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Can earn credential from American Board of Audiology
Salary
2010 Median salary $66,660* [Source: www.bls.gov]
Valuable Skills & Qualities
This occupation is good for people who are:
- Organized
- Empathetic
- Decisive
- Interested in developing psychomotor skills
- Trustworthy
Work Environment/Setting
Ear, Nose, & Throat clinics, Private Practices, Hospitals, School Systems including colleges and universities, VA Hospitals