Are you curious about a career as an Audiologist in the United States of America? Now you can learn what audiologists do, the work environment, how to become one, salary, and job outlook.
Audiologists (also known as audiologists, audiologist, hearing specialists, or hearing therapists) evaluate and diagnose hearing disorders, especially conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. Audiologists may also be involved with the fitting of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive devices. Audiologists may practice in the medical field, the academic setting, or private practice.
Audiologists are health care providers who diagnose, treat, and prevent hearing loss, balance disorders, and tinnitus. Audiologists provide comprehensive care for patients with hearing loss, including hearing aids, counseling, and education. They also perform medical tests to determine if a patient has hearing loss. Audiologists work at hospitals, clinics, audiology centers, school systems, and private practices. Most audiologists have earned a bachelor’s degree in audiology or audiology and speech language pathology. In some states, audiologists need additional training to prescribe medications such as antibiotics and steroids. Audiologists work full time, and may be on-call.
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss. They evaluate and treat patients with hearing impairments and/or balance disorders. Audiologists may perform hearing tests or conduct tests of other sensory systems to help determine whether the patient is having problems with their senses such as vision, smell, taste, or touch. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) defines the following terms in relation to Audiologists:
Audiologist – A licensed medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of auditory and vestibular disorders and who uses a combination of knowledge and technology to provide services. An audiologist typically evaluates and treats patients with hearing loss, tinnitus, balance disorders, and/or vertigo.
Audiological Technician – A person who performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the audiology clinic under the supervision of an audiologist.
What do Audiologists do?
A common misconception is that audiologists only test hearing and fit hearing aids. Audiologists do much more than this, they diagnose hearing disorders. Audiologists can also assess speech intelligibility, sound localization, and tinnitus.
An audiologist must pass a certification exam to practice in the United States. Audiologists can earn a Master’s degree in Audiology or Audiology and Speech Language Pathology.