Audiologist

The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in audiologist roles:

• Operate audiometers to test patients for hearing loss
• Recommend and fit patients for hearing aids and other hearing amplification devices
• Teach patients how to protect their ears to prevent hearing loss
• Teach patients with severe hearing loss how to cope by teaching sign language and lip reading skills
• Diagnose and treat vertigo and other inner-ear diseases and issues

A Day in the Life

Audiologists commonly work with other ear, nose, and throat providers and treat patients who are suffering from hearing loss or other ear issues and diseases. When hearing loss is suspected, audiologists test patients to determine the extent of the hearing loss using specialized testing devices called audiometers. Audiometers play sounds at different frequencies, and by determining which sounds a patient is and isn’t able to hear, the audiologist is able to determine the extent of hearing loss and form a treatment plan for the patient.

Often, treatment for hearing loss is performed by fitting the patient for a hearing aid. Audiologists work with hearing aid manufacturers and distributors to select a variety of products to offer patients, and they explain the benefits and disadvantages of different devices to patients. Once a device is chosen, the audiologist takes measurements of the patient’s ear to order the device, and then teaches the patient how to use the device once it arrives.

Audiologists also diagnose and treat vertigo and other inner-ear diseases. Additionally, when patients are suffering from hearing loss that is too severe to be fully treated with hearing amplification devices, audiologists may teach patients how to cope by training them to speak and understand sign language, or by teaching them to read lips. Audiologists may specialize in treating children or seniors, or they may work with people over the entire course of their lives to ensure patients with hearing loss enjoy the highest quality of life using the most advanced hearing amplification devices.

Typical Work Schedule

For the most part, audiologists work full-time during normal business hours. However, part-time schedules may also be available, and some audiologists work evenings or weekends to accommodate patient schedules.

Projected Job Growth

Demand for audiologists is expected to grow significantly in the coming decade as a result of the aging Baby Boomer generation reaching ages where hearing loss is more common.

Typical Employers

Audiologists commonly work in private practices with other ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors. Some may also be employed by school systems, administering hearing tests to students, or they may work for pharmacies and other healthcare retail stores that administer hearing tests.