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What do audiologists do?

Audiology as a Profession Video 1

What does an audiologist do?

Test hearing Test balance function Fit hearing aids Program (MAP) cochlear implants Assess integrity of the spinal nerves Assess auditory processing Provide therapy (aural (re)habilitation) Provide intraoperative monitoring Assess noise levels to protect hearing Represent hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturers Teach Provide expert testimony/consultation Participate in research

History of Audiology
Relatively new profession
Initially hearing loss treated by physicians Specialty of audiology started in response to

In what types of facilities do audiologists work?

Hospitals and physicians offices
Otolaryngology (ENT) or Otology offices Neurology offices

Speech and hearing clinics Hearing aid dispensing offices Hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturing:
Onsite Regional support

returning WW II vets with hearing loss

First audiologists only evaluated hearing
Physicians and hearing aid dispensers fit hearing

aids
Hearing aid fitting was considered conflict of interest

Public schools Research facilities University programs Manufacturing plants / Noisy environments OSHA Military

for audiologists
After 1977, audiologists began fitting and

dispensing hearing aids

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With which types of patients do audiologists work?

Newborns Newborn Hearing Screening (NBHS) Pediatrics
No hearing loss Hearing loss Speech/language delay Auditory processing disorders Autism Medically involved Patients with genetic or developmental conditions Patients exposed to diseases which cause hearing loss Patients exposed to medications (ototoxic drugs) which can cause hearing loss Multiply involved

With which types of patients do audiologists work?

Adults
Hearing stability Patients with history of noise exposure Natural aging process Hearing loss Speech/language delay Auditory processing disorders Autism Medically involved Patients exposed to diseases which cause hearing loss Patients exposed to medications (ototoxic drugs) which can cause hearing loss Multiply involved

What does it take to become an audiologist?

4 years undergraduate study Au.D., Ph.D., or Sc.D. required after 1/1/2008
3 - 4 years of post grad academic and clinical work

What certifications/licenses must an audiologist hold to practice legally?

State licensure required in all states, including CA 20 states require a separate hearing aid dispensing

license (no longer required in CA)

ASHA certification (CCC-A) required for teaching positions American Board of Audiology (ABA) credential
Two specialty certifications now available: Cochlear Implants Pediatrics

Score of 600 or higher on Praxis exam Clinicial Fellowship Year (CFY) and Required

Professional Experience (RPE) generally completed during last year of graduate program
Can be a paid position

41 states (+ ASHA / ABA) require continuing education In public schools in CA, Clinical or Rehabilitative Services

Credential required for educational audiologists

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Who is exempt from ASHA, ABA, and/or state credentialing or licensing?

Physicians Licensed hearing aid dispensers for hearing

Facts and Figures about Audiologists

12,490 people currently employed as audiologists Considered an entrepreneurial field Unemployment rate is 0.4% Estimate 37% growth in next 10 years (much faster

testing or fitting/selling of hearing aids Public school (pre-12) personnel if properly credentialed and do not offer services outside school setting for monetary compensation Federal employees State employees Audiology students and RPE/CFY students Audiometrists

than average)
In 2011, median annual wage was $68,390. Top 10

percent earned more than $101,200. Lowest 10 percent earned $43,000.

Audiologists
12,490 persons
(17.4% male)

SLPs
119,300 persons
(4% male)

Doctoral degree 37% growth next 10yrs 72.5% in health care

Masters degree
Introducing SLPD

23% growth next 10yrs 57.1% in educational

settings Median pay = $68,390 Self-employed = 10.2% Private practice = 27.5% Part-time employed = 28.3% 6th best career in 2012

settings
Median pay = $69,100 Self-employed = 8.8% Private practice = 17.7% Part-time employed =

24.6%
14th best career in 2012