What is an Audiologist?

Audiologists are clinicians who specialize in the identification, diagnosis, and intervention of hearing and balance disorders for all ages. In providing evidence-based services to those who suffer from these disorders, audiologists improve their patients' quality of life. Often, undergraduate students are not aware of the many exciting areas that audiologists address and the wide range of people that they serve. Audiology has various subspecialties, including:

• Cochlear Implants: A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that is surgically implanted in the inner ear with electrodes that transmit sound to the brain. It is designed for persons with more severe hearing loss. Audiologists help determine which patients are candidates for cochlear implants and program the devices post-implantation.

• Vestibular: Dizziness is the third most common symptom reported in primary care practices in the United States and the most common chief complaint reported by patients 75 years and older. Recent advancements in balance function testing allow audiologists to complete a more thorough and comprehensive evaluation of the vestibular system.

• Tinnitus: Tinnitus is the perception of sound that has no external source and affects more than 50 million people in the United States. Audiologists receive extensive training not only in the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of tinnitus, but also in the counseling and interpersonal skills needed to guide patients and their families through the rehabilitative process.

• Pediatrics: A late hearing loss diagnosis and lack of the appropriate intervention can have significant negative effects on a child's speech and language development. Pediatric audiologists collaborate closely with speech-language pathologists and educators to ensure children who are deaf and hard of hearing can reach their full potential.

Learn more about the Audiology from ExploreHealthCareers.org and the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Timeline for Applying to Audiology School