Who Are Audiologists, and What Do They Do?
Audiologists are experts who can help to prevent, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders for people of all ages.
Audiologists provide professional and personalized services to improve people's involvement in important activities in their lives and better their quality of life. An audiologist has completed 8–10 years of education and clinical training, with an AuD (doctor of Audiology), PhD, or an AuD/PhD combination degree. Audiologists' services can help with managing issues that affect hearing and balance, including:
Hearing Loss – Evaluate and treat hearing, balance, and tinnitus disorders.
Hearing Aids/Assistive Technology – Select and custom-fit hearing aids and assistive technology.
Cochlear Implants – Help determine whether someone is a candidate for an implant and assist with device selection before surgery. After surgery, audiologists place the external sound processor and adjust the fit, turn on the device and assess what the patient hears, and program the processor so the patient hears as well as they can.
Dizziness and Balance – Evaluate and treat balance problems.
Hearing Screening and Testing – Perform a pass or fail test to identify possible hearing loss that may need further evaluation. Audiologists can run the screening themselves or manage hearing screening programs across the lifespan.
Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention – Explain how to protect hearing from the effects of noise and coordinate hearing conservation programs.
Tinnitus – Evaluate and manage individuals who have ringing in the ears.
Where can I find an audiologist?
- Private practices
- Physicians' offices
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Colleges and universities
- Rehabilitation centers, long-term and residential health care facilities
To find an audiologist near you, visit ProFind.
To learn more about hearing loss and hearing-related issues, check out ASHA’s library of Audiology Patient Education Handouts (available in English and Spanish).
