Audiologist

Audiologists treat hearing problems, balance problems and related neural problems. Audiologists are often employed by hearing clinics, where they execute treatments for hearing impairment independently of other health professionals. They might also collaborate with other health professionals to address the patient’s hearing care needs.

Audiologists work directly with people and thus need good listening skills, empathy and objectivity.

Most states require audiologists to have licenses. In order to be licensed you must complete a masters degree in audiology or the equivalent. Most likely this requirement will change to a clinical doctoral degree. Other requirements include passing a national examination, supervised clinical experience, and postgraduate professional clinical experience. 40 states require continuing education courses in order to renew licenses. 107 colleges and universities in the US have graduate programs in audiology; 39 of these offer a doctorate.

Audiologists can earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A), offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The requirements are 375 hours of supervised clinical experience, a 36-week postgraduate clinical fellowship, and an examination. Alternatively, the American Board of Audiology, whose requirements include a master’s or doctoral degree in audiology, an examination, and 2,000 hours of mentored professional practice, can certify audiologists.

Employment opportunities for audiologists are expected to rise faster than average. The ageing of the baby boomers drives the increase in demand. While hospitals will continue to be the main type of employer, most new jobs will arise in offices of physicians and diagnostic imaging centers.

The median salary, as of 2002, for audiologists was $48,400. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income. Audiologists rarely pay for their own health benefits and retirement benefits, as they are rarely self-employed. The top earning ten percent, however, earned more than $73,000.

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