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Audiologist

Audiologists study, identify, measure and treat hearing disorders and loss. They also provide aids and/or other listening devices to assist patients who have hearing loss.

Tasks & duties

Audiologists may do some or all or the following:

study, identify and measure hearing problems
assess how brain processes affect people's hearing (neurophysiology)
prescribe, select and fit hearing aids
show clients how to use hearing aids
advise on hearing problems
counsel patients, families, employers and educators about hearing
educate and advise about hearing conservation
assist patients with rehabilitation after an accident or condition that caused hearing loss
conduct research into hearing problems
do assessments of workplace and classroom sound levels
teach children with learning disabilities related to hearing how to manage in the classroom
work for hearing aide companies
work in cochlear implant programmes

Specialisations

Audiologists may specialise in a particular area, such as neurophysiology, where hearing loss is assessed by examining the brain function, either using electrophysiology or behavioural measurements.

Skills & knowledge

Audiologists need to have:

an understanding of normal hearing and hearing problems
up-to-date knowledge of research on hearing problems
knowledge of the structure and function of the ear and brain
knowledge of acoustics and physics
knowledge of psychology
knowledge of child development
communication and people skills
the ability to use technical equipment.
computer skills to program hearing aids.
planning and research skills

Some knowledge of sign language may also be helpful.

Entry requirements

To become an audiologist you need to have a Master of Audiology. This course is only available at the University of Auckland and the University of Canterbury.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter further training. Useful subjects include biology, physics and English.

Tertiary education

To enter the Master of Audiology you need to have an undergraduate degree such as a Bachelor of Arts or Science, preferably in physiology and/or psychology, or a Bachelor of Speech-Language Therapy.

Training on the job

Audiologists gain many skills on the job. They need to keep up to date with new research and equipment.

Registration

Audiologists must be members of the NZ Audiological Society and have a Certificate of Clinical Competence. To get this an audiologist needs to complete a minimum of 11 months supervised work, with clinical and theory tests.

Useful experience

Any work with people provides useful experience for audiologists. Work experience in nursing homes or with people who have hearing impairments is also helpful.