Audiologist

Audiologists are professionals that treat patients with loss of hearing, balance and related disorders. It requires subtle skills of observation and the ability to use technology for appropriate tests.

Audiology is a challenging profession and has its own set of entry, licensure and certification requirements. Students opting for the profession pursue masters or doctoral degree with full-time residency followed by a tough national competency test. Besides, they also sit for the state licensure examinations conducted by 50 states in the US.

Audiologists perform a variety of tests to assess the extent of hearing and balance related disorders. They also prescribe the treatment options ranging from hearing aids and other assisted hearing devices, cochlear implants to surgical procedures.  Specializations in audiology include newborn and infant hearing screening, hearing conservation and testing.

Besides qualifying as an audiologist one would need to obtain the license to be a certified hearing aid dispenser. 

There is no dearth of settings in which audiologists are essential.  This is primarily because rising urbanization and industrialization means greater exposure to higher and higher levels of noise pollution.  Moreover, the specialized skills of the audiologist are necessary to assess the hearing-related medical and psychiatric problems.

As an audiologist one would find work in hospitals, health maintenance organizations, schools, government and not-for-profit agencies.  One could build private practice as well.  Another suitable option would be teaching and research at colleges and universities.

Whether one works in active clinical setting or pursues academic research, audiologists need to hone their skills befitting their status as a highly respected profession. Hence, they need to be members of the American Academy of Audiologists and qualify for specified number of hours continuing education training credits. 

www.audiology.org
www.in.gov
www.audrehab.org