Audiologist Job Description, Skills and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an audiologist. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an audiologist.
Who is an Audiologist?
Audiology is a branch of science that studies balance, hearing, and related disorders. The concept of audiology involves the treatment of hearing loss and the proactive prevention of related damages. Also, several testing strategies are used in audiology to determine the normalcy or not of an individual’s sensitivity to sound. These strategies include behavioral hearing tests, otoacoustic emission measurements, and electrophysiological tests. If hearing loss is identified in an individual, these professionals detect the portion of hearing affected, the severity of loss of hearing, and the location of the lesions that caused the hearing loss. Hence, experts in audiology also provide recommendations for rehabilitation or interventions when they discover the presence of vestibular abnormalities.
They also specialize in the rehabilitation of tinnitus, misophonia, hyperacusis, auditory processing disorders, hearing aid use, and cochlear implant use amongst others. An individual or scientist who focuses on balance and hearing disorders is called an audiologist. Most times, the audiologist provides hearing health care for patients of various age groups from birth to death. Audiologists specialize in the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of auditory-related illnesses as well as the technology that can be employed to manage such conditions. Also, an audiologist organizes and participates in health promotion interventions and campaigns to sensitize the populace on the importance of maintaining positive auditory health.
Therefore, an audiologist is defined as a healthcare professional or personnel who monitors, diagnoses, treats, identifies, and prevents disorders and maladies of the vestibular and auditory systems. They are trained to manage, dispense, and rehabilitate hearing aids and assess the candidacy for and map cochlear implants. Relatively, the audiologist provides counseling to patients and their families; when faced with late-deafened adults, they teach and imbibe coping and compensation skills in them. Other related activities of an audiologist include designing and implementing industrial and personal hearing safety programs, developing school hearing screening programs, and providing custom-fitted earplugs and other hearing protection devices to help prevent hearing loss. An audiologist is trained to treat certain balance disorders such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo; they evaluate peripheral hearing disorders emanating from pathologies of the vestibular portion of the inner ear. Some audiologists are hired by research institutes, governments, and companies to serve as acoustic or auditory scientists. While in school, an audiologist is trained in anatomy and physiology, psychophysics, neurology, vestibular function and assessment, and sign language to help people with hearing disorders.
In addition, an audiologist is often referred to as a hearing doctor having completed a doctor of audiology degree. Besides having a comprehensive knowledge of the human auditory system, audiologists have extensive expertise in sound reproduction which is crucial to the accurate adjustment and fitting of hearing aids and support. Though providing assistive listening devices is important, educating and enlightening patients, families, and society on the effects of noise on hearing is equally better. These auditory specialists provide services and expertise that improve the quality of life of patients with hearing and balance disorders. Before providing hearing aids, aural rehabilitation, or balance therapy, the audiologist reviews the patient’s medical history to ascertain the root cause of the problem. The day-to-day duties of an audiologist may vary depending on the employer; however, most days start with a general assessment of the patient to decipher any changes in the balance function and determine the relationship between functional balance and vision, the inner ear, and other sensory systems. They then examine the outer ear carefully using an otoscope to check for external trauma, ear infection, or earwax build-up. An audiologist may then use computers, audiometers, and other devices to test the hearing ability and balance of such patients and proffer the necessary solution.
Significantly, the audiologist measures the extent of hearing damage and the loudness at which a person begins to hear sounds; and the patient’s aptitude to differentiate between sounds and understand speech. Similarly, they evaluate psychological information to measure the impact of hearing loss on a patient before administering treatment. An important contribution of audiologists to combating hearing loss is the suggestion of alternative ways of coping with profound hearing disorders such as lip reading and exercises involving head movement and positioning that may relieve some symptoms. Based on the type and nature of employment, an audiologist can keep records, order and maintain equipment and supplies, or design protective gears to protect workers on the job. The role of an audiologist is mostly full-time and some are expected to exceed 40 hours per week depending on the rota. Some employers place audiologists on call while others work weekends, evenings, and bank holidays to meet patients’ needs and emergencies. Importantly, an audiologist might travel places and facilities depending on the contract. For example, an audiologist contracted to a school may have to travel between different branches of the school to provide services.
Research has shown that most audiologists work and collaborate with a team of health professionals; they cooperate with physical therapists, speech pathologists, physicians, and occupational therapists to address the auditory, neural, and sensory needs of the patients. Since hearing and balance disorders bear medical, educational, social, physical, and employment implications and consequences, the audiologist provides personalized, professional, and patient-centered services to negate the impact of these disorders leading to improved outcomes and enhancing the patient’s mental and social health. Thus, if you are science inclined, have an interest in hearing and balance, and enjoy helping people, consider becoming an audiologist. Moreover, a career in audiology is rewarding and provides the opportunity to work in a healthcare or medical profession and/or setting. Some audiologists tend to venture into the education sector to teach and guide upcoming or aspiring audiologists in schools, colleges, and universities. Audiologists attend to special needs groups such as patients with multi-sensory impairment as well.
Audiologist Job Description
Below are the audiologist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The audiologist primarily examines ear canals and eardrums, manages the removal of cerumen, and makes impressions of the ears. They provide fitting and programming, suggest audiological rehabilitation, and recommend hearing aids, listening exercises, and assistive technology systems. Essentially, an audiologist performs the assessment and infers medical and non-medical management of hearing and balance defects. They work with other health and medical professionals to assess the emotional and mental levels of a patient as a result of hearing loss. Although the daily activities, duties, or tasks of an audiologist may differ from employer to employer, they are expected to perform the following general tasks;
- Help patients and individuals with hearing and balance impairment ranging from infants, children, adults, and the aged.
- Select, fit, and dispense hearing aids and other supportive listening and balance devices.
- Aid in research pertinent to the identification, prevention, and management of hearing loss, balance system dysfunction, and tinnitus.
- Assist to prevent hearing loss by supplying, recommending, and fitting protective hearing devices and enlightening patients on the effects of noise on hearing.
- Observe and diagnose individuals with hearing complaints.
- Determine and proffer treatment to meet the patients’ goals.
- Counsel patients and their families on ways to listen such as lip reading or through technology.
- Research new trends and changes on prevention and treatment of hearing and balance disorders.
- Record and document patients in formation, reaction, and progress.
- Evaluate patients on treatment regimens regularly to check on hearing and balance to continue or change treatment plans.
- Follow up on discharged patients to monitor them.
- Assess the psychological effects of hearing damage on the patient before starting treatment.
- Insert cochlear implants, and perform other hearing-related procedures on the patient.
- Teach patients different sign languages as alternative means of communication.
- Conduct auditory tests as required and directed by a physician.
- Supply and order listening and hearing devices.
- Peruse patients’ medical history to determine the cause of hearing and balance disability.
- Develop and improve auditory testing techniques.
- Recommend individual patient care management.
- Teach and train junior or audiologist assistants and students in colleges and universities.
- Operate and manage audiometer equipment.
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team of specialists which may include ENT surgeons, neurologists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, pediatricians, and teachers of hearing-impaired people.
- Perform earwax removal procedures.
- Refer patients to specialists for additional medical treatment such as surgeries when necessary.
Basic qualifications
Audiologists need certain qualifications to be employed and practice. Generally, the individual must have an education, license, and certification to be competitive. Nowadays, the sector or occupation has become more competitive. Audiologists perform both physical and psychological components of medicine that require training, experience, and knowledge. Since they deal with sensitive patients and spend time closely consulting with patients, the following qualifications are ideal for an audiologist;
Licensure: An audiologist must obtain a license to practice. Licensure varies depending on the country or geographical location. However, the process of acquiring and obtaining them is similar. Usually, the individual must possess and present an advanced education, must have undergone training, and have been certified as an audiologist to qualify for licensing. A license to practice is a compulsory requirement for employment. In some countries, an audiologist must pass through boards to receive licensing and accreditation.
Education: The education requirement for an audiologist includes a doctoral degree in audiology. Typically, this graduate program lasts for four years and the candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree in any related field to enroll. The coursework comprises anatomy, physiology, genetics, physics, normal and abnormal communication development, pharmacology, ethics, and diagnosis and treatment of hearing impairment. However, a master’s degree in audiology from an accredited citadel of learning can suffice; most employers consider a master’s as the minimum education prerequisite.
Experience: Experience as an audiologist in a physicians’ office, hospital, or educational system is valuable and mandatory. Employers appreciate proof of positive feedback from previous patients and employers Experience can also be accrued through a one-year fellowship, externship, or internship.
Certification: Finally, professional certification in audiology is a bonus. The individual can sit for and obtain the international certificate of clinical competence in audiology. To be eligible, the candidate must have completed and had a doctoral degree in audiology, registered and passed a praxis examination in audiology, and aced national and state screening tests.
Essential Skills for Audiologists
These healthcare professionals need special skills to assess and treat hearing and balance disorders. In addition, essential and technical skills are required to fit hearing aids, assistive listening devices, protective hearing devices, and balance system dysfunction. In addition to formal training, an audiologist needs the following qualities and skills to succeed;
Critical thinking skills: An audiologist must concentrate and think critically when testing patients’ hearing ability. Also, this skill enables the audiologist to analyze the situation and offer the best treatment. They must be able to suggest alternative plans and regimens when patients don’t respond to the initial treatment.
Compassion: Crucially, an audiologist must make his/her patients feel that they care about their wellbeing. Remember, some patients may be frustrated or emotionally because of their balance and hearing problems. Hence, the audiologist must show empathy and support to patients and their families always.
Communication skills: Test results, diagnoses, and proposed treatment must be communicated clearly to patients so they can understand the situation and options. Excellent communication skills are also essential since the audiologist might be assigned to work with teams and other health professionals.
Interpersonal skills and patience: These are needed to establish rapport with patients and make them comfortable.
Other skills include an analytical and investigative mind, attention to detail, time management skills, and meticulous dexterity.
How to Become an Audiologist
What do you need to do to become an audiologist? What are the basic qualifications and requirements? How do you initiate the process of becoming an audiologist? These are questions that come to mind when discussing how to become an audiologist. Though every individual’s journey to becoming an audiologist is unique, here are the basic steps you can follow to become an audiologist;
Pursue and earn a bachelor’s degree in communication science and disorders or any related field.
Next, earn a master’s degree in a related field to gain more training and knowledge.
Pursue and complete a doctoral degree in the audiology program.
Enroll for and pass the praxis examination in audiology.
Apply and get licensed in your country or state.
Become certified by completing professional certification programs available.
Update your resume and apply for audiologist roles.
Where can an Audiologist Work?
Many audiologists are employed in ear, nose, and throat units in hospitals and clinics. An audiologist can also work in the following;
- Private practice
- Cochlear implant companies
- Companies that develop and manufacture hearing technology
- Universities, schools, and colleges
- Government and the military
- Veterans Administration hospitals
- Care homes and hospice centers
- Developmental learning or daycare centers
- Facilities for people with intellectual disabilities
Audiologist Salary Scale
The median annual wage for audiologists is $78,878 which is equivalent to $36.50 per hour. The median salary represents the salary at which half the audiologists earn less than $78,878 and a half earn more. The bottom 10% annual salary was estimated to be less than or equal to $25.14 per hour while the top 10% annual salary was reported to be more than or equal to $56.69 hourly.