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Audiologist

Audiologists test hearing and assess the nature of hearing disorders. They are responsible for the non-medical management and rehabilitation of hearing loss and associated disorders of communication.

Audiologists liaise with other health professionals such as otologists (ear specialists), speech pathologists, psychologists and doctors, as well as staff in educational settings.

They may travel to country areas where there are no resident audiologists.

TASKS

Audiologists may perform the following tasks:

establish a client's problems with hearing and listening by conducting interviews and studying background information (such as medical history)
assess the extent of hearing loss and location of the problem using a wide range of techniques, including audiometric tests such as air and bone conduction tests
report results of assessment and testing in writing and make referrals to medical practitioners
provide rehabilitation programmes, such as counselling and guidance, for the hearing-impaired and their families
assess hearing levels of workers, such as pilots or members of the armed forces, when required by employers
prescribe, fit and evaluate hearing aids and other devices, such as cochlear implants
provide training in communication strategies such as lip reading and in the use of auditory and other devices
conduct follow-up consultations after hearing aids have been fitted to ensure clients receive the clearest amplification
assist with the development and management of noise control and hearing conservation strategies in industry
act as consultants on industrial compensation claims for work-related hearing loss
undertake scientific research related to sound and hearing
teach the science of audiology and its practice
direct projects and act as consultants to other professional groups
supervise student audiologists

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to inspire confidence and cooperation
a sympathetic and tactful approach to people's problems
good communication skills
analytical ability

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become an audiologist you usually have to study biomedicine, biological science, health science or a related field at university, followed by a postgraduate qualification in audiology. To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12.

Most universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Before undertaking clinical placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a National Police Certificate, a Provide First Aid Certificate, immunisations and a Working with Children Check (NSW) or a Working with Vulnerable People Check (ACT). Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Graduates are eligible for full membership of Audiology Australia. A Certificate of Clinical Practice is recognised by the society as the benchmark for undertaking the clinical practice of audiology in Australia. Clinical certificates require at least 12 months of supervised clinical practice. Contact Audiology Australia for details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Audiologists are employed by Australian Hearing, major hospitals, community health centres or in academic research or teaching positions. They often work in association with medical practitioners specialising in ear, nose and throat disorders. employment opportunities are also available in private practice, as well as in special education or industrial audiology.

Demand depends on factors such as population growth, the ageing of the population, public sector funding and policies affecting the cost of services to consumers. There are opportunities for part-time work.