Audiology is the study of hearing and balance, and audiologists provide hearing tests and advice on hearing-related disorders. Becoming an audiologist requires a Doctor of Audiology or a Ph.D. in Hearing Sciences, while becoming a hearing aid technician requires a two- or three-year training program. The field of audiology is expanding rapidly and requires a combination of scientific, interpersonal, and technology-based skills.
Audiology is the study of hearing and balance. Audiologists provide hearing tests and advice on how to prevent hearing damage or treat hearing-related disorders. An audiologist is usually part of a team of specialists and can be found in a rehabilitation center or hospital.
There are two ways to learn audiology: become an audiologist or become a hearing aid technician. Both careers are people-based positions that required different levels of education and types of work experience. Audiology is a medical subspecialty and a doctor of audiology earns an Au.D.
To become an audiologist, you must obtain a Doctor of Audiology or a Ph.D. in Hearing Sciences. To qualify for one of these advanced degrees, a bachelor of science and a master’s degree in audiology is required. As of January 2007, all audiology training programs result in an Au.D designation, as required by state law.
Audiology programs are available at selected universities. These programs are all certified and comply with state and federal regulations. Although the Au.D is required for treating patients, many researchers and scientists complete the master’s program in clinical audiology and obtain research positions in this field. Doctors have always recognized the different degrees of deafness, but the concept of treating and managing hearing loss has only become possible due to advances in technology. Audiology is a relatively new specialty that gained acceptance after World War II in the treatment of war veterans with hearing damage.
Hearing aid technicians are responsible for working closely with patients to select and wear hearing aids as prescribed by an audiologist. In most countries, these technicians have completed a two- or three-year training program at community colleges in audiology, hearing instrument technology, and patient interaction. In many countries, these technicians are also involved in patient education and provide referrals to other support services.
In the United States, no formal education is required for this position. However, technicians must have a state license to dispense hearing aids. This requires successful completion of a state licensing exam, which has both a written and a practical component. Two years of experience are required before you can become a board-certified hearing aid distributor.
The field of audiology is expanding rapidly, with new development and treatment options being discovered all the time. People interested in helping others should explore audiology as a career option. This field requires a combination of scientific, interpersonal and technology-based skills.
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