Click here to view video.
Audiologists work with hearing-impaired people to improve the accuracy of their hearing. They perform tests and evaluate hearing problems to determine the range and degree of hearing loss. They develop treatment programs so people can adapt to their problems or have them corrected. Audiologists might prescribe a hearing aid or teach a person to read lips. Since many hearing-impaired people have difficulty with speech, audiologists work closely with speech pathologists.
Audiologists work in rehabilitation settings, hospitals, schools, speech and hearing centers, and private practice. They do their evaluations in specially constructed “quiet” rooms suitable for hearing tests.
$84,300
Employment of audiologists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Hearing loss increases as people age, so the aging population is likely to increase demand for audiologists.
An audiologist acquires a master’s degree after earning a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders or in a variety of other fields. Doctoral programs are also offered and will be required for licensure.
Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: Connecticut requires completion of an approved Master’s or Doctorate degree in Audiology; approved supervised professional experience; NTE Specialty Area Test in Audiology or current certificate of clinical competency in audiology.
American Academy of Audiology
11480 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 220
Reston, VA 20191
703-790-8466
www.audiology.org
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard
Rockville, MD 20850
800-638-8255
www.asha.org