How to Become an Audiologist
How to Become an Audiologist
Assessing, diagnosing, and treating issues related to hearing and balance can transform a person’s health and quality of life. Audiologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in this knowledge and work.
What is Audiology? What do Audiologists do?
Audiology is the study of hearing and balance systems. This includes the disorders and issues related to those systems. Audiologists are health care professionals that specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating conditions related to hearing and balance. These specialists are specifically trained to identify and treat issues like hearing loss, balance disorders, and tinnitus. Audiologists work in a variety of health care settings like hospitals, hearing aid clinics, private hearing healthcare practices, and research institutions.
Audiologists are trained to conduct various assessments and provide effective treatment options. This includes the following:
– Diagnosing and treating hearing loss, balance disorders, tinnitus
– Facilitating various diagnostic tests that identify issues related to hearing and balance
– Recommending and providing hearing aids
– Providing cochlear and other hearing implants
This involves comprehensive knowledge about hearing devices and educating patients about hearing health as well as their respective treatment plans.
How to Become an Audiologist
Pursuing a career in audiology involves a few qualifications. In the United States, people are required to have a Bachelor’s degree (in any subject) and a Doctorate in Audiology (AuD). AuD programs are typically four years and involve academic coursework as well as clinical training that prepares people for a career in the field of audiology. Coursework spans anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, audiological assessment, visual communication, etc. CLinical training typically involves a clinical externship where students work full-time in a clinical setting under the supervision of a licensed professional.
After completing degree requirements, audiologists must also receive licensure from their individual states. Certification usually involves written and practical exams that evaluate the scope of one’s expertise. In addition to fulfilling degree requirements and receiving state licensure, other types of certification boost one’s profile and expertise in the field of Audiology. This includes certifications from the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) as well as the American Academy of Audiology (AAA).
Key Differences Between Audiologists and Other Experts
In addition to audiologists, other specialists are also trained to work with the auditory system – the sensory system, including the ears and brain which work together to absorb, process, and understand sound. It is useful to understand the key differences between these specialists:
– Ear, nose, throat specialist (ENT): an ENT, also referred to as an otolaryngologist, is a medical doctor who completed medical school. This training differs from an audiologist who does not have a medical degree but rather a degree that is specifically in audiology. An ENT specializes in otolaryngology which involves diagnosing and treating conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat. While both ENTs and Audiologists can diagnose and administer treatment options for issues related to the ears and hearing, an audiologist has greater specialized knowledge in these specific conditions. It is also important to note that while audiologists can diagnose conditions related to hearing, they can’t also administer all treatment options. Audiologists do not perform surgeries that may be the most suitable option to treat hearing loss whereas ENTs can. Audiologists often work closely with ENTs if this is the case.
– Hearing instrument specialist (HIS): these specialists are specifically trained to conduct hearing assessments as well as to fit hearing aids. Their expertise is far more narrow than an audiologist who is an expert on the entire auditory system.
Audiologists have the most specialized knowledge in the auditory system. This expertise makes them go to a health provider when navigating hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance issues.
Benefits of a Career in Audiology
A career in audiology can be incredibly fulfilling and sustainable. A few major benefits include:
– Increasing Need for Audiologists: the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for radiologists will be 13% higher in 2029 than it was in 2019. Shifting demographics help explain this increasing demand. The population of people above the age of 60 is rising, a group most vulnerable to developing hearing loss.
– Emphasis on Prevention: in addition to treating hearing health concerns, audiologists do a lot of work in prevention. This includes helping patients protect their hearing health, reducing their risk of developing hearing loss as well as conducting research in the field.
Audiologists can transform hearing health which is critical to overall health and wellness! Whether you are thinking of a career change or looking for the best audiological services, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more.
