Audiologist Job Description
Audiologists examine patients who are experiencing symptoms of hearing loss and other auditory issues. They often work with doctors and other health care professionals to address hearing loss, and provide patients with the necessary skills to cope with auditory deficiencies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 12,800 audiologists employed in the United States in 2008, and 64 percent worked for health care facilities. Job growth is expected to continue, as populations with hearing issues continue to increase.
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Duties
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Audiologists use audiometers, computers and other testing equipment to measure the sound levels that patients are able to recognize and how well they are able to distinguish between different sounds. They also use computers to assess balance disorders as well. Audiologists utilize these test results, along with medical, psychological and educational background information, to diagnose the issue and develop a treatment plan. They use a variety of methods to treat patients, including cleaning the ear canal, fitting patients with hearing aids and providing cochlear implants. They may also counsel patients on how to handle hearing loss and how to use hearing aids and other equipment. Many audiologists consult with doctors or other health care professionals to determine treatment, while others work with education professionals to help younger patients adjust to auditory problems. Audiologists who operate private practices will often provide administrative and managerial duties as well, including record-keeping, ordering supplies and managing employees. Those who work in a research capacity attempt to determine the causes of hearing, balance and other auditory disorders, as well as treatment methods.
Education
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Generally, audiologists must earn a doctoral degree in audiology. Programs usually require four years of full-time study and award the Au.D. Degree. When choosing a school for audiology, it is important to make sure that the program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), which is a division of the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 70 CAA accredited doctoral programs in 2009. Audiology graduate students take classes in anatomy; physiology; auditory, balance and neural systems assessment and treatment; communication development; and pharmacology. They may also be required to participate in a clinical internship, where they receive supervised practice in the field. All states require audiologists to be licensed. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but most audiologists must earn a doctoral degree and successfully complete a licensing exam. Audiologists can also become certified by the ASHA, and receive the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology. In many cases, the requirements for certification are similar to state licensing requirements.
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Environment
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Most audiologists work in health care facilities, though many are employed in schools as well. Audiologists may also operate private practices, and some work in colleges, universities, speech centers, government agencies and private businesses as well. Audiologists may also work in a research setting, developing treatment for hearing loss and balance disorders. Most audiologists work standard 40-hour weeks, but they may need to work evenings and weekends to meet with patients. While the work is not physically demanding, dealing with worried patients and their families can sometimes be emotionally draining.
Salary
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages for audiologists were $62,030 as of May 2008. The highest 10 percent were paid more than $98,880, while the lowest 10 percent were paid less than $40,360. The middle 50 percent were paid between $50,470 and $78,380.
Employment Outlook
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for audiologists will increase by 25 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is a much faster rate than the average for all occupations. The growing elderly population will create a demand for audiologists. Those who hold doctoral degrees will enjoy the best prospects. Opportunities will be most plentiful in areas with significant retiree populations, so states like Florida and Arizona may be the best places for audiologist employment.
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References
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- Photo Credit ear image by cico from Fotolia.com
