Audiologist

Duties and responsibilities: Audiologists typically do the following:

·         Examine patients who have hearing, balance, or related ear problems

·         Assess the results of the examination and diagnose problems

·         Determine and administer treatment

·         Administer relief procedures for various forms of vertigo

·         Fit and dispense hearing aids

·         Counsel patients and their families on ways to listen and communicate, such as by lip reading or through American Sign Language

·         See patients regularly to check on hearing and balance and to continue or change the treatment plan

·         Keep records on the progress of patients

·         Conduct research related to the causes and treatment of hearing and balance disorders

Audiologists use audiometers, computers, and other devices to test patients' hearing ability and balance. They work to determine the extent of hearing damage and identify the underlying cause. Audiologists measure the volume at which a person begins to hear sounds and the person's ability to distinguish between sounds.

Before determining treatment options, they evaluate psychological information to measure the impact of hearing loss on a patient. Treatment may include cleaning wax out of ear canals, fitting and checking hearing aids, or fitting the patient with cochlear implants to improve hearing. Cochlear implants are tiny devices that are placed under the skin near the ear in an operation. The implants deliver electrical impulses directly to the auditory nerve in the brain, so a person with certain types of deafness can hear.

Audiologists also counsel patients on other ways to cope with profound hearing loss, such as by learning to lip read or by using American Sign Language. 

Audiologists can help a patient suffering from vertigo or dizziness. They work with patients and provide them with exercises involving head movement or positioning that might relieve some of their symptoms.

Some audiologists specialize in working with the elderly or with children. Others design products to help protect the hearing of workers on the job. Audiologists who are self-employed hire employees, keep records, order equipment and supplies, and complete other tasks related to running a business.

Salary: $63,640-74,913

Education: New audiologists must earn a doctorate in order to begin practicing. The doctoral degree in audiology (Aud.D.) is a four-year graduate program that you can enter while having a bachelor’s degree in any field.

Some audiology programs, like the one at the University of Washington, allow you to specialize in an area of interest, such as pediatric, geriatric or educational audiology. Your coursework will be more specialized accordingly.

Your coursework will include classes such as:

·         Anatomy and Physiology: Peripheral Hearing

·         Psychoacoustics

·         Signals, Systems & Acoustics for the Communication Sciences

·         Biological Foundations of Speech & Music

·         Amplification

·         Clinical Practice and Practicum

Typically, your first year or two will include observations, clinical orientation, a written qualifying exam and a practical assessment. Your third and/or fourth year will offer more hands-on experience through your externship, internship or other "capstone" style intensive project.

Reflection: Yes I would like to be a Audiologist because it seems like an easy job to do all you have to do is study the inside of the ear and how to the tools

That helps you see what’s going on in the ear and help the person.