Audiologist

What is an audiologist?

Clinical audiologists are health care professionals who measure and evaluate a person's ability to hear sounds, and specialize in the treatment of people with hearing disorders. Audiologists often study and provide guidance for patients and families on the following topics:

• How language is learned and spoken

• The anatomy of the human ear, brain, and nerves

• Causes of hearing loss

• Aural rehabilitation. This involves techniques for the hearing impaired to improve speaking and communication. 

• The use of hearing aids

• Lip reading and sign language techniques

Audiologists conduct hearing examinations, test for middle ear disease, treat people with balance problems, and fit hearing aids. Audiologists may practice in a variety of settings, including the following:

• Hospitals

• Inpatient rehabilitation centers

• Long-term care facilities

• Home health settings

• Schools

• Private practice

• State and federal government agencies

• Community clinics. These include community hearing and speech centers.

• Colleges and universities 

Many audiologists hold a master's degree and some hold a clinical doctorate degree in audiology. Audiologists are certified nationally through the American Speech Language Hearing Association (Certificate of Clinical Competence - Audiology, or CCC-A) or the American Academy of Audiology.