Audiologist

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An audiologist is a professional specializing in; testing, monitoring, and diagnosing disorders of the auditory and vestibular system portions of the ear; an audiologist diagnoses and treats hearing and balance problems. Audiologists are trained to diagnose, manage and treat hearing or balance problems for individuals from birth through adulthood. Audiologist have important work in helping to design and implement personal and industrial hearing safety programs, and providing special fitting ear plugs and other hearing protection equipment to help prevent hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is a process that degrades hearing, but can be alleviated by the assistance of an audiologist.

In the United States, starting in 2007, audiologists will be required to get a doctoral degree (Au.D. or Ph.D.) in audiology from an accredited university graduate or professional program before practicing. All states require licensing, and audiologists may also carry national board certification (the CCC-A or the ABA).

The average salary for an audiologist is approximately $55,000 in the US. If audiologists are required to get doctoral degrees this may result in a shortage in the future which could push up the average salary higher. One must not confuse Audiologist with hearing aid dispenser (who currently only dispense hearing aids and do not diagnosis hearing/balance conditions).