Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
Audiologists
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.
Table of contents
What they do
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.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Audiologists maintain patient records at all stages, including initial and subsequent evaluation and treatment activities. They administer hearing tests and examine patients to collect information on type and degree of impairment, using specialized instruments and electronic equipment.
A typical day for an Audiologist will also include:
- Fit, dispense and repair assistive devices, such as hearing aids.
- Evaluate hearing and balance disorders to determine diagnoses and courses of treatment.
- Program and monitor cochlear implants to fit the needs of patients.
- Monitor patients’ progress and provide ongoing observation of hearing or balance status.
- Perform administrative tasks, such as managing office functions and finances.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Audiologists also recommend assistive devices according to patients’ needs or nature of impairments. They may also advise educators or other medical staff on hearing or balance topics.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Audiologists instruct patients, parents, teachers, or employers in communication strategies to maximize effective receptive communication. They might also engage in marketing activities, such as developing marketing plans, to promote business for private practices.
In addition, they refer patients to additional medical or educational services, if needed.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them 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.
To some Audiologists, it is also their responsibility to work with multidisciplinary teams to assess and rehabilitate recipients of implanted hearing devices through auditory training and counseling.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
72% said they were satisfied with their job and 88% said they found their job meaningful.
My Typical Day
As an Audiologist in a private practice setting, my typical day is 8:30-5, M-F.
I specialize in audiologic diagnostics, hearing devices, tinnitus management, hearing conservation for musicians, and VA disability evaluations.
As Doctors of Audiology, the most common appointment we have is for hearing testing. Patients may schedule because they have hearing difficulties or may be referred to us by their Primary Care Physicians. An Audiologic Evaluation is a test that measures hearing levels and speech understanding ability. We can also differentially diagnose where the problem comes from.
Hearing problems can be Outer Ear related (wax, infections, foreign bodies in the ear canal, etc.), Middle Ear related (fluid, pressure, masses, or growths in the middle ear space), or Inner Ear related (cochlear damage because of noise, medications, disease, etc.). In some cases, we have Central Processing hearing problems where the ear mechanism works well but the brain does not process the sounds correctly.
Audiologic Evaluations are performed using equipment (Audiometers) that deliver calibrated sound to the patient’s ears using headphones or disposable in-ear foam inserts. Tests are performed in a soundproofed and echo-free environment called a Sound Booth. Middle Ear function is assessed with equipment called a Tympanometer (or Immittance Bridge). A small silicone probe tip seals the ear canal, a pump changes air pressure, a speaker sends a tone to the ear, and a very sensitive microphone measures changes in the sound, allowing the equipment to indirectly measure middle ear status.
Other equipments we use include Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) and ABR (Auditory BrainStem Response). These advanced tools allow us to measure hearing function objectively, without requiring any response from patients.
In all of the US, when babies are born they are screened for hearing loss using either ABR or OAEs. In most instances, they sleep through the test, and within a few minutes, we know if they can hear well!
Vestibular assessments are tests Audiologists perform using specialized equipment to assess the function of the vestibular (balance) nerve. Once we understand why patients are experiencing balance or dizziness issues, there are several ways to help. Canalith repositioning maneuvers are one technique that we use to help patients who suffer from BPPV (Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo). Vestibular assessments and the management of dizzy patients is usually done by Audiologists together with ENT physicians (Ear Nose and Throat.)
Wax Removal (ear cleaning, or cerumen management) is a very common procedure in an Audiology practice. Ears can naturally build up wax. In some cases the wax becomes impacted and plugs up the ear canal, not allowing sound to go to the middle/inner ears, thereby creating a hearing loss. Using a variety of tools we can safely and efficiently remove ear wax. Common methods include Irrigation (flushing out with lukewarm water), Suction (a thin needle that vacuums out wax!), or manually with specialized instruments (curettes). Wax often needs to be softened if it’s hard and stuck to the ear canal walls; we use peroxide-based drops (cerumenolytic) before attempting to remove the wax. This also makes the process more comfortable for patients. We perform wax removal tasks using a focused light and under a microscope or magnification.
Many patients have hearing problems that are not related to wax or treatable medical conditions. In those cases, we are typically able to help by providing hearing aids that are programmed to the individual’s hearing levels and are selected to best match their needs. The selection, verification, validation and programming adjustments of hearing aids is a large part of our day. In addition to better hearing, today’s digital technology works with smartphones and can turn hearing devices into wireless headsets for phone call and media streaming. We use “Rear Ear” equipment (measuring sound with a tiny probe microphone in the ear) to ensure that patients are getting accurate sound and that the devices are at peak performance. Hearing loss separates us from people and helping patients hear better is one of the most rewarding aspects of Audiology.
We, also, have the honor of helping Veterans obtain help for their disabilities and injuries. They are referred from the Veteran’s Administration system for independent assessments, helping determine whether or not their hearing problems are service-connected.
Tinnitus assessment and management is another big part of our days. While having a phantom ringing/buzzing sound in our ears is common, for some people it’s so bad that it becomes debilitating, causing extreme emotional and functional disturbances. While there is no medical cure for tinnitus, we have a wide range of management options. Sound therapy with ear-level sound generators is a very effective approach for tinnitus management. Together with extensive counseling, we can stimulate the ear with gentle sound allowing the brain to not focus on the negative tinnitus sound and providing soothing relief. Over time we desensitize the brain to tinnitus leading to habituation, where patients no longer notice it.
Over a typical day, I will see 10 to 15 patients, some for 20-30minute appointments and others for full evaluations that can take up to 2hrs. In a private practice, in addition to patient care, we have to deal with insurance, billing, administrative and business-related matters. Thankfully, with having excellent support staff, I can mostly focus on patient care.
Audiology is an evolving profession. Research and technology always change what we know and how we can help others. Every year I spend 40 to 80 hours in continuing education and training.
I also spend time a day or so every month on professional engagements: I serve on the State Audiology Board and the Board of the American Tinnitus Association.
The challenges, engagement, and professional satisfaction from our profession are what drives Audiologists. There are opportunities to explore different passions and Audiology interests in educational settings, pediatric specialties, intraoperative monitoring, cochlear implants, industrial hearing conservation, manufacturing, research, music industry, and more. In my case I have found a great balance in private practice, specializing in hearing and tinnitus.
Pros
- Extreme job satisfaction in helping others hear better, reduce tinnitus, improve their balance, preserve their hearing.
- Most of our work results in an impactful quality of life improvements and patients/family members are very grateful, which leads to high job satisfaction.
- Every patient is unique so engagement stays high; it doesn’t get old!
- Patient care is long-term allowing providers to form meaningful relationships with patients.
- The independence of being able to specialize in one of many diverse areas of Audiology.
- Satisfaction in being able to help prevent permanent hearing problems with outreach educational efforts.
- Hours are more flexible than many healthcare professions with no weekends or evenings.
- Professional challenges keep us engaged: Advanced diagnostics require a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and many medical conditions, as well as participating in multi-disciplinary teams.
- Technology improvements drive product innovations and staying current/providing optimal care requires ongoing training and continuing education.
Cons
- Dealing with insurance and billing
- Commoditization of healthcare has devalued services, promoting products instead of patient-centered solutions.
- Due to limited reimbursements by insurance, many large settings do not allow enough time for clinicians to spend with patients.
- Student costs incurred to enter the profession (Doctoral Degree is required) are significant and, too often, not proportional to the earning potential of other healthcare providers
Audiology is a career path that I can strongly recommend.
Pros
Suitable for people who like to solve problems mentally.
Suitable for people who value relationships between co-workers and customers and want to work in a friendly non-competitive environment.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
One of the fastest-growing careers.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to start and carry out projects.
It is very hard to get into this career. Extensive skills, knowledge, and experience are required for this career.
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Audiologists with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $56,550 to $68,940 per year or $27 to $33 per hour.
Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
---|---|---|
Highest (Top 10%) | $128,160 | $62 |
Senior (Top 25%) | $102,220 | $49 |
Median | $81,030 | $39 |
Junior (Bottom 25%) | $68,940 | $33 |
No experience (Bottom 10%) | $56,550 | $27 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Audiologists based on their average annual salary.
Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
---|---|---|
Outpatient Care Centers | $106500 | $51.20 |
Local Government | $94620 | $45.49 |
Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $93170 | $44.80 |
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing | $91230 | $43.86 |
Elementary and Secondary Schools | $90670 | $43.59 |
Specialty Hospitals | $88920 | $42.75 |
Offices of Physicians | $88450 | $42.52 |
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $87080 | $41.86 |
Health and Personal Care Stores | $85290 | $41.01 |
Management of Companies and Enterprises | $84150 | $40.46 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Audiologists work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Audiologists including the average salary in that industry.
Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
---|---|---|---|
Offices of Physicians | 3580 | $88450 | $42.52 |
Offices of Other Health Practitioners | 3320 | $93170 | $44.80 |
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1870 | $87080 | $41.86 |
Health and Personal Care Stores | 1480 | $85290 | $41.01 |
Elementary and Secondary Schools | 850 | $90670 | $43.59 |
Outpatient Care Centers | 570 | $106500 | $51.20 |
Other Ambulatory Health Care Services | 320 | $70300 | $33.80 |
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 240 | $83660 | $40.22 |
Specialty Hospitals | 170 | $88920 | $42.75 |
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing | 160 | $91230 | $43.86 |
What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
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Telephone
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Group discussions
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Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Audiology/Audiologist
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
They also like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. They like helping or providing service to others.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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