Becoming an Audiologist: Everything You Need to Know

Currently, there are about 16,000 licensed audiologists in the United States. Audiology is a growing field that is also very dynamic. Audiologists, generally speaking, are responsible for helping people with hearing issues and other conditions related to the ear.

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) predicts that over the next 30 years, the public demand for audiologists will increase by about 60 percent. This figure is significantly higher than the expected increase in the population as a whole. It is also higher than many other specialties within the medical field.

With the market for audiologists expected to increase over the next few decades, many people are considering the possibility of pursuing a career in audiology. In this article, we will discuss the most important things for you to know about the field of audiology. By understanding everything that this exciting career path entails, you will be able to decide whether pursuing a career in audiology is right for you.

What is an audiologist?

Audiologists, by definition, are “the primary health-care professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children.”

Audiologists are trained to address a wide range of hearing issues including tinnitus, age-related hearing loss, certain ear infections, hyperacusis, and many others. Audiologists work in a wide variety of different settings, including hearing centers, at-home care, alongside ENTs, and many others.

To be successful, audiologists will need to familiarize themselves with the common causes of hearing loss and the best treatments that correspond with each condition. New audiology treatments are constantly being developed and updated, which is why it will be crucial for audiologists of all settings to actively continue their education.

What does an audiologist do?

Audiology is a broad discipline that incorporates a wide range of skills and knowledge. One of the most important things an audiologist needs to do is administer a complete hearing test. During a typical hearing test, an audiologist will examine a patient’s ability to hear different volumes, tones, and other types of sounds. From there, the audiologist can “grade” the patient's hearing capacity and, with additional information, diagnose any hearing conditions present.

Audiologists will also need to know how to prescribe, fit, and assist with hearing aids and cochlear implants. As their patient’s age, their ability to hear will change; remarkable audiologists are the ones able to make diagnostic and prescriptive changes that patients need. Furthermore, an audiologist may also be responsible for conducting sound therapy (including Tinnitus Retraining Therapy). Sound therapy addresses a variety of hearing issues, such as tinnitus, and can train patients to hear in a different way.

Audiologists need to work well as part of a team, especially at larger hearing centers. They also need to work with other doctors, such as otolaryngologists (ENTs) and general physicians. Audiology requires a strong understanding of hearing science and very strong communication skills. In some cases, knowing sign language can also be a major advantage.

What type of education/training is required to become an audiologist?

As an undergraduate, you can study almost any field. However, scientific fields, such as biology, chemistry, and pre-medicine, are usually recommended.

Specializing in communication sciences can also be quite beneficial. After completing an undergraduate degree, an audiologist must earn a Doctor of Audiology (AuD). This degree usually takes four years.

Currently, there are about 75 accredited programs where an individual can earn an AuD (in the United States). After that, an audiologist usually completes a training/preparation program at a medical clinic or hearing center. 

What are some of the different specializations within audiology?

Many audiologists, especially those running full-service hearing clinics, will offer a “full-service” approach to audiology. These audiologists usually treat all types of patients and refer to specialists only when needed. However, as you might expect, many specialists also work in audiology.

These specialists include:

• Tinnitus-Focused Audiologists: These individuals specialize in treating tinnitus, a hearing symptom that affects about 20 percent of American adults. Tinnitus is characterized by ongoing ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other phantom sounds in the ears.

• Pediatric Audiologists: need to be familiar with general audiology but focus specifically on treating children.

• Hearing Aid Specialists: these individuals work with hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other common hearing devices.

• Sensorineural Audiologists: focus on hearing conditions caused by problems in the inner ear, rather than the middle or outer ear.

By specializing and focusing on a specific type of audiology, these individuals can offer advanced help, when needed.

What are the best job options for an audiologist?

Audiology is a rapidly growing field with many job opportunities. As the nation's population grows and its average age increases, the number of opportunities for audiologists is expected to rise.

Many audiologists will choose to work directly at a hearing center. These centers provide a range of treatments, including tinnitus treatment, hearing tests, and hearing aid assistance. While the best hearing centers are usually independently owned, some hearing centers are owned by hearing aid manufacturers.

Other opportunities for audiologists include private practice, public clinics, schools, and the Veterans Administration (VA) hospital. Individuals under 50 should get their hearing tested every 5-10 years, while those over 50 should get tested every three years (or more often if they have tinnitus or other audiologic symptoms). Because the need for hearing testing and assistance is so common, audiologists can be expected to remain in demand.

Conclusion – Becoming an Audiologist

Audiologists help people of all kinds hear better. Audiologists need to be familiar with common hearing issues and the solutions needed to treat them. Audiologists will also need a degree in audiology, good communication skills, and a desire to help others. If all of these things sound appealing to you, then you may want to consider pursuing a career in the rapidly growing field of audiology.

If you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of tinnitus, hearing loss, or other hearing issues, schedule an appointment with the audiologists at Sound Relief. Sound Relief Hearing Center has 9 locations in Colorado and Arizona

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