What does an Audiologist do?
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who use relevant technology, problem-solving, and social skills to identify and treat auditory disorders including hearing, balance, or tinnitus. They assist patients living with these disorders to learn better communication and connection with the world. Audiologists work in healthcare settings, educational facilities, and in government agencies and work with other medical and rehabilitation professionals to care for their patients.
Audiologists provide services to various ages, from newborn to elderly adults. They counsel and educate patients, families, and caregivers and use the latest technology to evaluate and treat communication and related disorders. They develop skills to service supervisors, mentors, or administrators of services and programs. Audiologists must earn a doctorate degree from an accredited program by the Council on Academic Accreditation and pass a national exam.
- Administer and interpret a variety of tests to determine the type and degree of hearing impairment, such as air and bone conduction, and speech reception and discrimination tests, the site of damage, and effects on comprehension and speech
- Maintain patient confidentiality with written and verbal information per HIPAA.
- Conduct otoscopic examinations, cerumen management, and calibration checks of audiometric equipment.
- Make follow-up calls to patients to ensure satisfaction with their assistive listening and hearing device.
- Perform audiological diagnosis, case coordination, and treatment for a wide variety of multi-handicapped and complex cases.
- Implement audiology services primarily for children and for some adults.
- Full-time training and licensing program to become a licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in audiology or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrates excellent leadership and collaboration abilities, along with solid time management and problem solving skills.
- Strong command of English language, experience with writing protocols, and good communication skills.
- Requires good manual dexterity and calibration abilities.
Audiologist Salaries
Average Base Pay
Audiologist Career Path
Learn how to become an Audiologist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Audiologist Insights
Infant Hearing Screening Specialists“I love my job and it's easier to do your job when you have a supportive manager.”
Infant Hearing Screening Specialists“You grow and learn a lot from this job because you work independently alongside nurses.”
“No promotion salary not great”
Pediatrix“Work independently with little to no supervision and pay is good.”
Miracle Ear“Flexible schedule sometimes and no weekends.”
“Howard is the best doctor and boss.”
Health Service Executive“Job security as a temp is not good”
“When work is flowing salary is great”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of an Audiologist
- Physical Therapist
- Rehab Manager
- Clinician
- Speech Language Pathologist