What is an Audiologist?
Audiologists are health-care professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss, as well as other conditions like tinnitus and balance disorders. An audiologist is a person who holds a minimum of a Master's degree in Audiology; professionals seeking education in Audiology who do not currently hold a Master’s degree must now pursue a Doctoral degree in Audiology (Au.D). Additionally, audiologists must be licensed in the state where they practice, and these hearing professionals are regulated by the Division of Consumer Affairs.
An audiologist may be awarded the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), otherwise known as the CCC-A. With additional training and expertise, the audiologist may receive the honor of Fellow, which is bestowed by the American Academy of Audiology (AAA).
Audiology Diagnostic Tests and Treatments
Some typical occupational duties provided by an audiologist include:
- Performing technical diagnostic hearing tests.
- Prescribing and fitting hearing aids (when additionally licensed to do so).
- Billing insurance for medically necessary diagnostic testing and hearing aids, when patients have policies that cover these benefits.
- Assisting in cochlear implant programs.
- Performing ear- or hearing-related surgical monitoring in hospital settings.
- Clinically coordinating, monitoring, and supervising newborn hearing loss detection programs.
- Designing and implementing hearing conservation programs.
- Providing hearing rehabilitation auditory training.
- Assisting with speech-reading training.
- Offering listening skills training
For further information about audiologists, contact the American Academy of Audiology (www.audiology.org) or the American Speech-Language-Hearing-Association (www.asha.org)
