What does an Audiologist do?
Published 3 min read
An audiologist is a health care professional who specializes in identifying, diagnosing, and managing disorders of the auditory and vestibular systems.
Audiologist job duties include:
- Administer hearing tests to patients and interpret the results
- Identify patients’ hearing problems and recommend solutions
- Provide patients with information about hearing loss and its effects
- Fit patients for hearing aids and other assistive devices
- Teach patients how to use and care for their hearing aids
- Monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatment plans as needed
- Consult with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care
- Keep detailed records of patient care
- Stay up-to-date on new developments in audiology
Audiologist Job Requirements
Audiologists must have a doctorate in audiology (Au.D.), which is a four-year program beyond a bachelor's degree. They must complete an internship and a fellowship, and pass a state licensing exam. Audiologists also must complete continuing education credits to maintain their license. Some audiologists may choose to become certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Audiologist Skills
- Communication
- Listening
- Critical thinking
- Patience
- Detail oriented
- Organizational
- Interpersonal
- Technical
- Problem solving
- Active learning
- Writing
Related: Top Audiologist Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become an Audiologist
Audiology is the study of hearing and balance disorders. Audiologists are healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat and manage these disorders.
If you’re interested in becoming an audiologist, you will need to complete a 4-year undergraduate degree, followed by a 4-year doctoral degree in audiology. During your studies, you will take courses in anatomy and physiology, physics, acoustics and psychology. You will also complete clinical rotations in order to gain experience working with patients.
After completing your degrees, you will need to obtain a state license in order to practice. Once licensed, you can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices and research laboratories.
If you’re interested in helping people with hearing and balance disorders, then a career in audiology may be for you. With hard work and dedication, you can become an expert in this field and make a difference in the lives of those who need your help.
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