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:
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how language is learned and spoken
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the anatomy of the human ear, brain, and nerves
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causes of hearing loss
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aural rehabilitation - rehabilitation relating to the ear and hearing
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the use of hearing aids
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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:
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.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith MSN FNP RN CCRC
Online Medical Reviewer:
Joy Fincannon RN MN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Kelley Gaskin RN MN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Louise Akin RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Nancy Bowers RN MPH RN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sara Foster RN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Lee Jenkins
Last Annual Review Date:
3/31/2009