National
| Median wages (2008) |
$29.82 hourly, $62,030 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
12,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
3,000 additional employees |
29-1121.00 - 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.
Sample of reported job titles:
Audiologist, Clinical Audiologist, Audiology Doctor (AUD), Dispensing Audiologist, Audiology Director, Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology Licensed Audiologist (CCC-A Licensed Audiologist), Clinical Director, Educational Audiologist, Hearing Instrument Specialist, Pediatric Audiologist
Tasks
- Evaluate hearing and speech/language disorders to determine diagnoses and courses of treatment.
- Administer hearing or speech/language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairment, using specialized instruments and electronic equipment.
- Fit and dispense assistive devices, such as hearing aids.
- Maintain client records at all stages, including initial evaluation and discharge.
- Refer clients to additional medical or educational services if needed.
- Counsel and instruct clients in techniques to improve hearing or speech impairment, including sign language or lip-reading.
- Monitor clients' progress and discharge them from treatment when goals have been attained.
- Plan and conduct treatment programs for clients' hearing or speech problems, consulting with physicians, nurses, psychologists, and other health care personnel as necessary.
- Recommend assistive devices according to clients' needs or nature of impairments.
- Participate in conferences or training to update or share knowledge of new hearing or speech disorder treatment methods or technologies.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Audiometers or accessories — Audiometers; Automatic impedance audiometers; Two-channel audiometers |
| Auditory function screening units — Auditory brainstem response ABR screening systems; Caloric irrigators; Portable auditory screeners; Speech mapping systems |
| Aural probes — Ear probes; Electroacoustic impedance bridges |
| Hearing aid analyzers or test systems — Hearing aid analyzers; Hearing aid test boxes |
| Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes or scope sets — Otoscopes; Video otoscopes |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Medical software — Abacus Data Solutions HearWare; Chart Links software; HearForm Software HearForm; Vestibular Technologies ScreenTRAK |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
