An audiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in identifying, assessing, and managing disorders of hearing, balance, and other neural systems. They work with patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults, and can be found in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, ENT offices, universities, K-12 schools, government, military, and Veterans’ Administration (VA) hospitals. Some of the key responsibilities of an audiologist include:

• Diagnosing and treating hearing loss and balance disorders
• Selecting, fitting, and dispensing hearing aids and other listening devices
• Providing and fitting protective hearing devices to help prevent hearing loss
• Educating patients on the effects of noise on hearing
• Aiding in research pertinent to the prevention, identification, and management of hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance system dysfunction

To become an audiologist, one must earn a master’s degree or doctorate in audiology from an accredited university, complete a fellowship or externship year, pass boards to receive licensing and accreditation, and enroll in continuing education credits to fulfill licensing requirements. Most audiologists earn a doctor of audiology (AuD) degree, while some earn a doctor of philosophy (PhD) or doctor of science (ScD) degree in the hearing and balance sciences. Audiologists must also be licensed or registered for practice in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and are required to pursue continued education to stay updated on the latest hearing and balance healthcare.