According to the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), Audiologists are:
Experts in the non-medical management of the auditory and balance systems. They specialize in the study of:
- Normal and impaired hearing
- Prevention of hearing loss
- Identification and assessment of hearing and balance problems
- Rehabilitation of persons with hearing and balance disorders
- Prepare future professionals in colleges and universities
- Manage agencies, clinics or private practices
- Engage in research to enhance knowledge about normal hearing, and the evaluation and treatment of hearing disorders
- Design hearing instruments and testing equipment
Work Sites
Audiologists provide services and work in many different types of facilities:- Public and private schools
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Residential health facilities
- Community clinics
- Colleges and universities
- Private practice offices
- Health departments
- State and federal government agencies
- Industry with hearing conservation programs
- Long-term care facilities
- Community hearing and speech centers
- Physicians offices
- Research laboratories
Entry Requirements
To enter this career, one must have the ability to relate to patients/clients and their families/care givers about the diagnosis of disability and audiologic rehabilitation plans; explain technology developments and devices that assist children and adults with hearing loss. Audiologists should be able to effectively communicate diagnostic test results, and interpret and propose treatment in a manner easily understood by their clients and other professionals. They must be able to approach problems objectively and provide support to clients and their families. A client' s progress may be slow, so patience, compassion and good listening skills are necessary.During high school, prospective audiologists should consider a program with courses in biology, physics, mathematics, and psychology. On the undergraduate level, a strong arts and sciences focus is recommended, with course work in linguistics, phonetics, psychology, speech and hearing, mathematics, biological sciences, physical sciences and social sciences. A program of study in audiology is not available at the undergraduate level. Typically, students obtain an undergraduate degree in communication sciences which provides introductory course work in audiology. About 75 colleges and universities offer Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) accredited graduate programs in audiology in the United States. Course work includes anatomy and physiology, basic science, math, auditory, balance and normal and abnormal communication development.
Those individuals who have a graduate degree with major emphasis in audiology, are eligible to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) issued by the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) of ASHA. Applicants in audiology must earn a doctoral degree, complete the required clinical experience and pass a national exam. In most states, audiologists and speech-language pathologists also must comply with state regulatory (licensure) standards to practice and/or have state education certification. The requirements for state licensure or state education certification are very similar or identical to ASHA's CCC requirements.
