Audiologist

Also called: Audiologist, Audiology Doctor (AUD), Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology Licensed Audiologist (CCC-A Licensed Audiologist), Clinical Audiologist, Dispensing Audiologist

Audiologist

Varies

estimated salary

Audiologists assess and treat persons with hearing and related disorders. May fit hearing aids and provide auditory training. May perform research related to hearing problems.

  • Administer hearing tests and examine patients to collect information on type and degree of impairment, using specialized instruments and electronic equipment.
  • Fit, dispense, and repair assistive devices, such as hearing aids.
  • Maintain patient records at all stages, including initial and subsequent evaluation and treatment activities.
  • Evaluate hearing and balance disorders to determine diagnoses and courses of treatment.
  • Program and monitor cochlear implants to fit the needs of patients.
  • Counsel and instruct patients and their families in techniques to improve hearing and communication related to hearing loss.
  • Refer patients to additional medical or educational services, if needed.
  • Monitor patients' progress and provide ongoing observation of hearing or balance status.
  • Educate and supervise audiology students and health care personnel.
  • Instruct patients, parents, teachers, or employers in communication strategies to maximize effective receptive communication.
  • Recommend assistive devices according to patients' needs or nature of impairments.
  • Participate in conferences or training to update or share knowledge of new hearing or balance disorder treatment methods or technologies.
  • Plan and conduct treatment programs for patients' hearing or balance problems, consulting with educators, physicians, nurses, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and other health care personnel, as necessary.
  • Work with multidisciplinary teams to assess and rehabilitate recipients of implanted hearing devices through auditory training and counseling.
  • Advise educators or other medical staff on hearing or balance topics.
  • Provide information to the public on hearing or balance topics.
  • Examine and clean patients' ear canals.
  • Engage in marketing activities, such as developing marketing plans, to promote business for private practices.
  • Perform administrative tasks, such as managing office functions and finances.
  • Measure noise levels in workplaces and conduct hearing conservation programs in industry, military, schools, and communities.
  • Develop and supervise hearing screening programs.
  • Conduct or direct research on hearing or balance topics and report findings to help in the development of procedures, technology, or treatments.
Work Context
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 94% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 84% responded "Every day".
  • Electronic Mail — 80% responded "Every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 77% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 94% responded "Every day".
  • Contact With Others — 74% responded "Constant contact with others".
  • Deal With External Customers — 70% responded "Extremely important".
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Work Activities
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.
  • Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
  • Enter patient or treatment data into computers.
  • Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
  • Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
  • Present medical research reports.
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Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Therapy and Counseling
  • Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Inductive Reasoning
  • The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Electronic mail software
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology
Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology
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