What Do Audiologists Do?
Audiologists specialize in prevention, identification, assessment, and rehabilitation of hearing disorders, including:
- Performing diagnostic evaluations of hearing and function of the hearing mechanisms.
- Prescribing hearing aids.
- Developing and implementing hearing conservation programs for employees in their workplace.
- Using computer technology developed to assist those with severe communication disabilities.
- Participating as part of the implant team for cochlear implants.
- Providing aural rehabilitation for individuals learning to use hearing aids and cochlear implants.
- Participating in research and development of new products.
- Teaching and supervising future audiologists.
Technology developed to assist those with severe communication disabilities and cochlear implants, which bypass damaged inner ear mechanisms, are among the most exciting clinical advances in the field.
Examples of where audiologists and speech pathologists work:
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
- Nursing care facilities and community clinics.
- Colleges and universities.
- Private practice offices.
- State and local health departments.
- State and federal government agencies.
- Home health agencies (home care).
- Long-term facilities.
- Adult day care centers.
- Research laboratories and institutes.
- Private industry.
- Nonprofit clinics.
- Public and private schools.
Audiology Related Links
- American Academy of Audiology
- American Academy of Private Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association