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What is audiology?
The profession of audiology covers the diagnosis, management, treatment, and research of normal and disordered hearing, vestibular (balance) function and related areas. It includes the fitting and management of hearing aids, along with other hearing assistive devices. The specialist who practices audiology is known as an audiologist.
The idea of treating hearing problems has been around for centuries, but audiology didn't really develop as an organized discipline until the 1940s, 50s and 60s. According to the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), "Audiology was born out of the armed forces rehabilitation programs during and following World War II."1 Originally, audiologists diagnosed a hearing impairment and recommended amplification but could not dispense hearing aids. When ethical codes were relaxed by the Supreme Court in 1978, audiologists gained the ability to dispense hearing aids and this additional revenue stream resulted in more opportunities for private practices, according to Audiology Foundation of America (AFA).2
Audiology has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best careers in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. For the latest assessment: www.usnews.com/articles/business/best-careers/2008/12/11/best-careers-2009-audiologist.html.
What does an audiologist do?
Audiologists evaluate, treat and research hearing and balance disorders in adults and children. Their three main focus areas include hearing loss, vestibular disorders and tinnitus (ringing in the ears with no external cause).
As outlined by the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), audiologists also:
- Prescribe and fit hearing aids;
- Assist in cochlear implant programs;
- Perform ear- or hearing-related surgical monitoring;
- Design and implement hearing conservation programs and newborn hearing screening programs; and
- Provide hearing rehabilitation training, such as auditory training, speech reading and listening skills improvement. 3
Additionally, educational audiologists work in the school system. According to the Educational Audiology Association (EAA), their duties include coordination of hearing screening programs, providing management for hearing aids and assistive listening devices, creating individualized education plans (IEPs), participating in multidisciplinary team meetings, providing training to educational staff and student classmates, counseling families about the effects of hearing loss, assisting in program placement, providing community awareness about hearing, and evaluating the educational environment for noise.4
Where do audiologists work?
Audiologists work in private/group practices, hospitals, clinics, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat or "ENT") offices, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, healthcare agencies, school districts, the military, Veterans Affairs hospitals, and a number of other work environments.
What does one need to become an audiologist?
For years audiologists were required to hold a master's degree and appropriate licensing, but in the 1990s audiology began to transition to a doctoral profession, a move that had been called for 50 years earlier, according to the AFA.5 Starting in 2007, audiologists were required to receive an AuD (Doctor of Audiology) as the entry-level degree for practice; audiologists also can obtain a PhD degree. The AuD is a professional practice degree, whereas the PhD is a research-focused, academic degree. In addition, audiologists still need to meet state licensing requirements.
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited undergraduate institution is required to enter an AuD program. A degree in the area of science, particularly introductory level audiology or communication sciences and disorders, is preferable. Requirements, such as specific grade point averages, necessary testing scores and other certifications, vary for different institutions.
Audiologists also can pursue several other levels of certification, including a certificate of clinical competence in audiology (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and national board certification from the American Board of Audiology (ABA).
How long does it take to become an audiologist?
AuD programs typically take 3 to 4 years to complete. The AuD emphasizes clinical training and the practical application of course work, so expect to log countless hours in clinics.
Getting a PhD will take even longer. Some institutions admit students at the post-baccalaureate level, but most require the acquisition of an AuD or, at the very least, a masters degree in a discipline of communication science and disorders, according to the AAA.6 Most programs estimate that it will that 5 to 6 years to earn a PhD. Some programs combine the AuD with the PhD, which can reduce the overall time it takes to get dual degrees.
How much do audiologists make?
The ADVANCE 2009 Salary Survey, which was generated by the responses of 272 audiologists surveyed from June 28 to Sept. 28, indicated that the average salary for an audiologist ranges from $61,000 to $70,000 and that just 33 percent of audiologists fall below that range.
For more on the ADVANCE 2009 Salary Survey, including statistical breakdowns based on experience, professional title and gender: http://audiology.advanceweb.com/Article/ADVANCE-2009-Salary-Survey.aspx?rpid=56.
Where can I find schools to become an audiologist?
There are more than 70 AuD programs in the United States. For more information, check out our interactive map.
What types of scholarships and educational assistance are out there?
As with any degree, scholarships and educational assistance programs will vary from school to school. It is in a student's best interest to contact their school to see what options are available.
However, it is possible to find outside organizations that also offer scholarships. For example, AFA and AAA have partnered with various groups to offer scholarship opportunities. For more information: www.audfound.org/index.cfm?pageID=49, www.audiologyfoundation.org/NHCAScholarshipFoundation.htm.
Where can I find more information about audiology?
There are a number of organizations supporting the audiology profession, such as the AAA, ADA and AFA. For a complete list of organizations, check out our list of resources.
References
- Academy of Doctors of Audiology, Careers in Audiology. Accessed online at www.audiologist.org/pages/students/careers.php.
- Paarlberg, SB. AuD Gaining Ground in Audiology Profession. Audiology Foundation of America. Accessed online at www.audfound.org/index.cfm?pageID=238.
- American Academy of Audiology, What Is an Audiologist? Accessed online at www.audiology.org/resources/consumer/Documents/FSAudiologist08.pdf.
- Educational Audiology Association, What Do Educational Audiologists Do? Accessed online at www.edaud.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1.
- Audiology Foundation of America, History of AuD Transition. Accessed online at www.audfound.org/files/AFA%20History.pdf.
- American Academy of Audiology, PhD Facts. Accessed online at www.audiology.org/education/students/Pages/phdfacts.aspx.
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