Audiology is a health care profession focusing on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of a patient’s hearing, balance, or ear-related problems.
How do I become an audiologist?
To become an audiologist you need to complete a four-year doctoral degree in Audiology. A bachelor’s degree of any kind should be completed before entering a doctoral program. There are many types of bachelor’s degrees that successfully prepare you for this career. A few of these degrees include: communication disorders, speech and language pathology, public health, linguistics (English, foreign language, American Sign Language), psychology, and education.
Graduate coursework typically includes the study of physics, anatomy, physiology, genetics, pharmacology, communication development as well as diagnosis and treatment. Supervised clinical practice is also an important part of these programs. This involves working in hospitals and offices under the direction of a licensed audiologist. Most states require graduation from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation before practicing audiology.
Audiologists must be licensed in all states, however, licensing requirements vary from state to state. Additional certifications are available, including Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) which is offered by the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Credentials are available through the American Board of Audiology. Certification can by earned by graduating from an accredited doctoral program and passing a standardized exam.
What does an audiologist do?
Audiologists use technology to test a patient’s hearing and balance. They determine the extent of hearing damage and identify the underlying cause. Audiologists also measure the loudness at which a patient can hear sounds. They determine a patient’s ability to distinguish between sounds and understand speech. Other treatment related to hearing loss may include: cleaning out ear canals, fitting hearing aids, and working with doctors to fit cochlear implants.
An audiologist may also help their patients understand other ways to cope with hearing loss. Often this includes lip reading or adaptive technologies. They work with other professionals like Speech and Language Pathologists, educators, American Sign Language interpreters, physicians, and engineers to help adults and children with hearing loss thrive socially.
Audiologists also help patients with balance issues. This is done by providing patients with exercises involving head movement and positioning. In this capacity they work with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physicians to improve balance and prevent falls.
The audiology profession is a rewarding field, helping both young and old improve their quality of life. Good listening and communicating skills, the ability to problem-solve, and an excellent bedside manner are all important traits for someone considering this profession.
What is an audiologist’s salary?
Audiologists who work in hospitals have the highest median wage at $83,820, with those in school settings following closely behind at $81,190. Other settings, such as therapy or doctor offices average around $75,500 annually.
Audiologists are in high demand in California, Florida, Texas, and New York. North Dakota is the top-paying state in the country, with audiologists averaging $119,780 annually. California, Washington, D.C., and Oklahoma also offer competitive salaries ranging from $94,900 to $101,540.
What is the job outlook for audiologists?
The job outlook for audiologists is expected to grow by 13% in the next ten years, which is higher than many other professions in the health care industry. As the population ages, the need for audiologists will only increase demand for this vital profession.