Health Library

Audiologist

What is an audiologist?

Clinical audiologists are healthcare professionals who measure and evaluate a person's ability to hear sounds, and specialize in the treatment of people with hearing disorders. Audiologists often study and provide guidance for patients and families on the following topics:

• how language is learned and spoken

• the anatomy of the human ear, brain, and nerves

• causes of hearing loss

• aural rehabilitation - rehabilitation relating to the ear and hearing

• the use of hearing aids

• lip reading and sign language techniques

Audiologists conduct hearing examinations, test for middle ear disease, treat people with balance problems, and fit hearing aids. Audiologists may practice in a variety of settings, including the following:

• hospitals

• inpatient rehabilitation centers

• long-term care facilities

• home health settings

• schools

• private practice

Many audiologists hold a master's degree, and some hold a clinical doctorate degree in audiology. Audiologists are certified nationally through the American Speech Language Hearing Association (Certificate of Clinical Competence - Audiology, or CCC-A) or the American Academy of Audiology.