Audiologist

What is an audiologist?

Clinical audiologists are health care professionals who measure and evaluate a person's ability to hear sounds, and specialize in the treatment of people with hearing disorders. Audiologists often study and provide guidance for patients and families on the following topics:

• How language is learned and spoken
• The anatomy of the human ear, brain, and nerves
• Causes of hearing loss
• Aural rehabilitation. This involves techniques for the hearing impaired to improve speaking and communication. 
• The use of hearing aids
• Lip reading and sign language techniques

Audiologists conduct hearing examinations, test for middle ear disease, treat people with balance problems, and fit hearing aids. Audiologists may practice in a variety of settings, including the following:

• Hospitals
• Inpatient rehabilitation centers
• Long-term care facilities
• Home health settings
• Schools
• Private practice
• State and federal government agencies
• Community clinics. These include community hearing and speech centers.
• Colleges and universities

Many audiologists hold a master's degree and some hold a clinical doctorate degree in audiology. Audiologists are certified nationally through the American Speech Language Hearing Association (Certificate of Clinical Competence - Audiology, or CCC-A) or the American Academy of Audiology.

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