Nature of the Work
Hearing is one of our most vital senses, and audiologists are experts in the non-medical management of the auditory and balance systems. They specialize in the study of:
- Normal and impaired hearing
- Prevention of hearing loss
- Identification and assessment of hearing and balance problems
- Rehabilitation of persons with hearing and balance disorders
In addition, audiologists may:
- Prepare future professionals in colleges and universities
- Manage agencies, clinics or private practices
- Engage in research to enhance knowledge about normal hearing, and the evaluation and treatment of hearing disorders
- Design hearing instruments and testing equipment
Work Sites
Audiologists provide services and work in many different types of facilities:
- Public and private schools
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Residential health facilities
- Community clinics
- Colleges and universities
- Private practice offices
- Health departments
- State and federal government agencies
- Industry with hearing conservation programs
- Long-term care facilities
- Community hearing and speech centers
- Physicians offices
- Research laboratories
In the areas of industrial audiology, positions are available for audiologists to plan and execute programs of hearing conservation for workers. Audiologists frequently work with other medical specialists, speech-language pathologists, educators, engineers, scientists, and allied health professionals and technicians.
Entry Requirements
To enter this career, one must have the ability to relate to patients/clients and their families/care givers about the diagnosis of disability and audiologic rehabilitation plans; explain technology developments and devices that assist children and adults with hearing loss. Audiologists should be able to effectively communicate diagnostic test results, and interpret and propose treatment in a manner easily understood by their clients and other professionals. They must be able to approach problems objectively and provide support to clients and their families. A client' s progress may be slow, so patience, compassion and good listening skills are necessary.
During high school, prospective audiologists should consider a program with courses in biology, physics, mathematics, and psychology. On the undergraduate level, a strong liberal arts focus is recommended, with course work in linguistics, phonetics, psychology, speech and hearing, mathematics, biological sciences, physical sciences and social sciences. A program of study in audiology is not available at the undergraduate level. Typically, students obtain an undergraduate degree in communication sciences which provides introductory course work in audiology. About 120 colleges and universities offer Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) accredited graduate programs in audiology in the United States. Course work includes anatomy and physiology, basic science, math, auditory, balance and normal and abnormal communication development.
Those individuals who have a graduate degree with major emphasis in audiology, are eligible to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) issued by the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) of ASHA. Under the 1993 Certification standards, to earn the CCC, a person must have earned a graduate degree with specific professional area coursework, they must have completed at least 375 hours of supervised clinical experience, have completed a 36-week postgraduate clinical fellowship and they must have passed a written examination. In most states, audiologists and speech-language pathologists also must comply with state regulatory (licensure) standards to practice and/or have state education certification. The requirements for state licensure or state education certification are very similar or identical to ASHA's CCC requirements.
Earnings
Salaries of audiologists depend on their educational background, specialty and experience, along with the geographical location and type of setting in which they work. Good benefits packages, such as insurance programs and leave, are usually available to these professionals.
Audiology Salary Reports
Working Conditions
Audiologists typically work in clinical service delivery or educational settings such as, hospitals, residential health facilities, clinics, hearing and speech centers, private practice offices, schools, physician offices, universities and industries with hearing conservation programs. The job does not require physical labor, but does require the ability to relate to patients/clients and their families/care givers about the diagnosis of disability and audiologic rehabilitation plans; explain technology developments and devices that assist children and adults with hearing loss and related disorders; and consult with other professionals and paraprofessionals, the public, and policy makers about the effects of hearing loss, balance disorders and tinnitus on the quality of life and the needs of persons with these disabilities. Most full-time audiologists work 40-50 hours per week and some work part-time. Typically, the audiologists interacts with a broad range of professionals in interdisciplinary teams.
Size of the Profession
The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) represents over 130,000 professionals. Certified audiologists represented 11,647 members at year end 2006. About one-half provided services in non-residential health care facilities, including private physician offices, private practices, and speech and hearing centers. More than 71% were employed in hospitals, and 17% in educational facilities including 9% in schools and 8% in colleges and universities. Some audiologists contract to provide services in schools, hospitals or nursing homes or work as consultants to the industry. The majority of audiologists provide direct clinical services but others serve as program administrators, university professors, scientists, consultants and expert witnesses. Some provide consultation about community noise. Also, there are 1,256 persons who hold dual ASHA certification. That is, they are certified as both audiologists and speech-language pathologists. These individuals hold many major positions in clinical, academic, and research fields.
Future Outlook
Audiology is expected to grow faster than average through the year 2012. Because hearing loss is strongly associated with aging, rapid growth in the population age 55 and over will cause the number of persons with hearing impairment to increase markedly. In addition, members of the baby boom generation are now entering middle age, when the possibility of neurological disorders and associated hearing impairments increases. Medical advances are also improving the survival rate of premature infants and trauma and stroke victims, who then need assessment and possible treatment. Many States now require that all newborns be screened for hearing loss and receive appropriate early intervention services.
Employment in educational services will increase along with growth in elementary and secondary school enrollments, including enrollment of special education students. Federal law guarantees special education and related services to all eligible children with disabilities. Greater awareness of the importance of early identification and diagnosis of hearing disorders will also increase employment.
The number of audiologists in private practice will rise due to the increasing demand for direct services to individuals as well as increasing use of contract services by hospitals, schools, and nursing care facilities.