Audiologists
Audiologists assess and treat persons with hearing and related disorders. They fit hearing aids and provide auditory training. They may perform research related to hearing problems.
Audiology is the science of hearing, balance and other related disorders. Audiologists use progressive technology and procedures to diagnose and treat a patient's hearing and balance problems. The responsibilities of an audiologist include maintaining patient records at all stages. Moreover, they fit, dispense, and repair assistive devices, such as hearing aids, administer hearing tests and examine patients to collect information on type and degree of impairment. Alongside, they monitor patients' progress and provide ongoing observation of hearing or balance status.
If you want to know how to become an audiologist, then the first step would be to pursue a bachelor of Audiology and Speech for 4 years (3 years study + 1year internship) or B.Sc with programs that include anatomy, physiology, physics, genetics, normal and abnormal communication development, diagnosis and treatment, pharmacology, and ethics. The doctoral degree in audiology (Au.D.) is a graduate program that typically takes 4 years to complete which must be licensed and vary by state.
An audiologist’s salary is an average of ₹16 to ₹24 lakhs per annum. Most audiologists work in healthcare facilities, such as physicians’ offices, audiology clinics, and hospitals and also travel between facilities. The role of audiology will continue to evolve as the ageing population is likely to increase the demand for audiologists.
For a successful career as an audiologist, one should be empathetic and supportive of patients and their families along with being patient, a critical thinker and a problem solver.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Ph.D. Audiology
- M.Sc. Audiology
- M.Sc. Audiology and Speech Language Pathology
- B.Sc. Audiology
- B.Sc. Audiology and Speech Language Pathology
Tasks
- Examine and clean patients' ear canals.
- Educate and supervise audiology students and health care personnel.
- Develop and supervise hearing screening programs.
- Counsel and instruct patients and their families in techniques to improve hearing and communication related to hearing loss.
- Evaluate hearing and balance disorders to determine diagnoses and courses of treatment.
- Program and monitor cochlear implants to fit the needs of patients.
- Participate in conferences or training to update or share knowledge of new hearing or balance disorder treatment methods or technologies.
- Conduct or direct research on hearing or balance topics and report findings to help in the development of procedures, technology, or treatments.
- Plan and conduct treatment programs for patients' hearing or balance problems, consulting with educators, physicians, nurses, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and other health care personnel, as necessary.
- Administer hearing tests and examine patients to collect information on type and degree of impairment, using specialized instruments and electronic equipment.
Progression Routes
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