Who Are Audiologists, and What Do They Do?

What Education and Training Do Audiologists Receive?

Audiologists complete an extensive education. This typically includes:

• Doctoral degree. Most audiologists earn a doctor of audiology (AuD) degree, which involves seven to eight years of education and clinical training. Some may pursue a PhD or a combination AuD/PhD degree.
• License and registration. Every U.S. state, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, requires audiologists to obtain a license or registration to practice legally.
• Continued education. Audiologists are expected to engage in ongoing education to keep up with advancements in hearing and balance care.
• Specializations. Audiologists may specialize in pediatrics, geriatrics, auditory processing, hearing aids, balance, cochlear implants, or tinnitus.

What Services Do Audiologists Provide?

Audiologists offer a wide range of services to address hearing and balance issues:

• Hearing loss assessment and treatment. Audiologists evaluate and diagnose hearing loss. They can provide individual treatment plans to improve a person’s quality of life.
• Hearing aids and assistive technology. Audiologists prescribe, fit, and dispense hearing aids and other amplification devices. They also ensure any device they recommend is comfortable and effective.
• Cochlear implants. Audiologists can determine if a person is a candidate for cochlear implants. They guide patients through the selection process and, after surgery, program the implants and help the person learn to use them.
• Dizziness and balance. Audiologists evaluate and treat balance disorders and vertigo (a sensation of spinning). Some offer vestibular rehabilitation therapy—a form of physical therapy that helps patients gain better stability and reduce dizziness.
• Hearing screening. Audiologists can screen people of all ages for possible hearing loss.
• Noise and hearing loss prevention. Audiologists teach people how to protect their hearing from loud sounds and excessive noise exposure (from things like loud music or workplace noise). They may develop and manage hearing conservation programs, which monitor and reduce noise levels and ensure proper ear protection,
• Tinnitus management. Audiologists evaluate tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears) and offer personalized management strategies. Such strategies may include sound therapy to alleviate symptoms and counseling.

Where Do Audiologists Work?

Audiologists practice in many settings, including:

• hospitals and clinics to provide diagnostic and therapeutic services to inpatient and outpatient populations
• private practices to provide personalized hearing and balance care to the community
• ENT (ear, nose, and throat) physicians’ offices to provide diagnostic and therapeutic services in collaboration with otolaryngologists (ENTs) to manage complex hearing and balance conditions
• universities and research facilities to teach courses, oversee clinic work, and complete research to advance the field of audiology
• schools (K-12) to support students with hearing loss and related disorders to make sure they receive the educational accommodations they need
• government and military to provide services to veterans and active-duty personnel, addressing hearing conservation and rehabilitation needs
• Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals to provide care to veterans with hearing loss and balance disorders
• rehabilitation centers, long-term care centers, and residential health care facilities to manage hearing and balance disorders for people who may have complex medical needs

Connect With an Audiologist

Untreated hearing loss is linked to an increased risk of memory problems, social withdrawal, and depression. Regular hearing screenings and prompt attention from an audiologist can help people maintain an active and connected life.

To find an audiologist near you, visit ProFind.

Read our tips on how to prepare for a visit to an audiologist.