Audiologists apply various tests in order to evaluate hearing loss and balance issues. They also recommend treatments such as rehabilitation through counseling and fitting hearing aids.
SPECIALTY AREAS
- EDUCATIONAL AUDIOLOGY
- DIAGNOSTIC AND REHABILITATIVE AUDIOLOGY
- THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL AUDIOLOGY
- PREVENTATIVE AUDIOLOGY
DUTIES
- Physically examine the patient’s inner and outer ear.
- Conduct hearing tests using specialized equipment.
- Measurement of hearing sensitivity of patient of all ages using pure tone Audiometry, Immittance Audiometry, Behavioral Observation
- Audiometry, Brainstem evoked Response Audiometry (BERA), Otoacoustic emission (OAE) & Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR).
- Administration & interpretation of detailed audiological diagnostic procedure such as TDT, SISI, STAT, including test for Pseudohypacusis and central auditory dysfunction.
- Diagnosis & management of Tinnitus.
- Hearing conservation program in industry and in other areas. Measurement of environmental noise.
- Assist in clinical diagnosis of hearing/ balance problems.
- Recommend suitable hearing aid and ensure comfortable fit.
- Advise on the use and care of hearing aid.
- Assist during surgery for implants to the ear.
- Pre and post assessment as well as management of subject with Cochlear Implant (CI).
QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Audiology/Doctor of Audiology
(In Canada, a Masters of Science (M.Sc.) is the minimum requirement to practice Audiology in the country. In Australia, New Zealand, Audiologists must hold a Masters in Audiology. In the United States, audiologists are regulated by state licensure or registration in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Starting in 2007, the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) became the entry level degree for clinical practice for some states.
Hearing Aid Audiologist
There is a minimum qualification (Bachelor of Science in Audiology) required to be a Hearing Aid Audiologist (Audiologists who test, fit or adjust hearing aids in the private sector) in UK to gain registration with the hearing aid council.
PROFILE
- Good communication skills especially clear speech.
- Sensitive to the issues of patients.
- Accurate in taking readings.
- Able to work well in teams.
- Manual dexterity to handle small equipment.