AUDIOLOGIST


An audiologist is a trained professional who works with persons with hearing loss. Audiologists evaluate hearing functions, suggest appropriate rehabilitative measures such as hearing aid devices, provide training in speech, reading and/or listening skills and make referrals to related professionals. They work with people of all ages. Their job description may include diagnosing, educating, rehabilitating, fitting, repairing and maintaining hearing aid devices and assisting in the patient's educational efforts as well as social adjustment of being hearing impaired. Audiologists work closely with other health professionals such as speech-language pathologists, social workers, physicians and psychologists.

Education

The recognized standard of education is a masters degree from an accredited college or university with an audiology department. A bachelors degree in Communication Disorders or a related program is a prerequisite for graduate level work. The University of Louisville is the only school in Kentucky offering a degree in audiology and it is a four year Doctorate in Audiology (AuD).

Although the University of Louisville is the only school offering a degree in audiology, there are Kentucky colleges and universities that offer a bachelors degree in Communication Disorders with an emphasis in audiology (for example, see Speech-Language Pathologist).

Registration/Certification/Licensure

Licensure and certification is obtained by completing a masters degree or equivalent from an accredited school, passing the audiology component of the National Teachers' Exam (NTE) and completing a one year clinical fellowship. Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) may be issued by the Speech-Language-Hearing Association to those who meet standards specified by the Association's Council on Professional Standards. Speech-Language Pathologists may be certified in both audiology and speech-language pathology (CCC-SLP/A).

Salary

$28,000-42,100

Employment Opportunities

Audiologists may work in a variety of settings that include hospitals, clinics, schools, universities, industry, private practice, rehabilitation clinics, public health centers, research centers and special government agencies.

Programs

University of Louisville, School of Medicine (BS, MS, AuD) (502) 852-5274

Professional Associations

American Academy
of Audiology
8300 Greensboro Drive, Suite 750
McLean, VA 22102-3611
TTY (800) AAA-2336		 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
10801 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 897-5700
TTY (301) 897-0157		 Audiology Foundation of America
207 North Street, Suite 103
West Lafayette, IN 47906
(765) 743-6283

Last updated: May 30, 2001