Audiologist
What is an audiologist?
Clinical audiologists are healthcare professionals who measure and evaluate a person's ability to hear sounds. They specialize in the treatment of people with hearing disorders. Audiologists often study and provide guidance for people 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 exams, test for middle ear disease, treat people with balance problems, and fit hearing aids. Audiologists may practice in a variety of settings. These include the following:
Hospitals
Inpatient rehabilitation centers
Long-term care facilities
Home health settings
Schools
Private practice
State and federal government agencies
Community clinics, such as community hearing and speech centers
Colleges and universities
Many audiologists hold a master's degree. 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 Board of Audiology (ABA).