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:

• how language is learned and spoken
• the anatomy of the human ear, brain, and nerves
• causes of hearing loss
• aural rehabilitation - rehabilitation relating to the ear and hearing.
• the use of hearing aids
• 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:

• hospitals
• inpatient rehabilitation centers
• long-term care facilities
• home health settings
• schools
• private practice

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.

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