Becoming an Audiologist

Audiologists and audiological technicians work with people who have hearing problems. Audiologists test the degree of hearing loss, make a diagnosis, and decide on a particular course of treatment. Audiological technicians assist audiologists. They also teach patients how to use hearing aids.

The job:

Audiologists conducted various tests to determine the degree of a person's hearing loss. They use audio meters to measure the point of loudness at which they begin to hear sound and to test their ability to distinguish between different sounds. They study their patient's medical records and case histories before prescribing treatment. Some of their patients are referred to them for a test by doctors or other medical practitioners. Others are identified during routine screening tests.

A course of treatment can involve cleaning the ear canal, feeding it personal hearing, or recommending other hearing any devices. If patients have a considerable degree of hearing loss, they may recommend attending signing classes and learning to the re-. They may also recommend that the patient should receive a government grant, where these exist, to enable them to employ a communicator, a person who is skilled in signing and can act as an interpreter between hearing and non-hearing people.

Audiologists also work with medical staff and technologists in developing new hearing aids and equipment. Some audiologist test and monitor noise levels in workplaces. They may work in hospitals or in hearing clinics. Where ever they are based, they work closely with professional colleagues, such as nurses, doctors, speech and language pathologist, and possibly social workers. They attend regular case conferences to discuss patient's progress.

Audiological technicians carry out routine screening tests, particularly on children, in order to detect any problems. It problems are revealed; they referred a patient to an audiologist. They measure a patient's hearing levels and it and adjust hearing aids. They set up electronic measuring instruments used in routine hearing test. They may also adjust and repair hearing aids. Most patients are children or elderly people, although people of all age groups are referred after accidents or illnesses that leave them with hearing difficulties.

Training involved:

A postgraduate or Masters Degree in audiology is the central to become an audiologist. The course includes theory and clinical experience. Some audiologists have a bachelor's degree in audiology. Others have first degrees in biology, physiology, physics, or psychology.

Audiological technicians normally train while in employment and attend a college part time in order to obtain qualifications.

Future prospects:

Employment prospects are increasing due to the fact that hearing test and remedial treatment programs for young children are becoming more common and also because the population is aging and many elderly people have hearing disorders.

Most jobs are in hospitals and clinics, although some audiologists have their own independent practices. They employ their own audiological technicians.

There are currently more jobs for technicians then for audiologists.

For further information, contact a national Association of audiologist or audiological scientists or audiological technicians.