Audiology

Audiology, pronounced aw dee AHL uh jee, is a profession devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of hearing problems. Audiologists determine if a person has a hearing deficiency. They also measure the effect of partial or total hearing loss on a patient's ability to communicate.

Audiologists use behavioral and electrophysiologic tests to determine a person's ability to hear. Behavioral tests measure how the person responds to a variety of sounds and vibrations. Electrophysiologic tests measure the electric activity of a person's nervous system in response to sound. Audiologists evaluate patients and fit them for hearing aids. Some patients are also taught speech reading (lip reading) to supplement their use of hearing aids.

The audiologist determines the effect that a loss of hearing might have on a person's ability to handle schoolwork or a job. Language instruction and counseling help overcome problems that the hard of hearing may have when conversing with other people.

To practice audiology in the United States, a person usually must have a certificate from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. In some states, the person also must pass a test for a state license. Most audiologists have at least a master's degree in audiology, and many have a Ph.D. as well. College requirements for a degree in audiology include introductory courses in hearing, speech, and language.

Audiologists work in many settings. These include private offices, hospitals, medical clinics, community speech and hearing centers, and schools.

Contributor: Frank E. Musiek, Ph.D., Director of Audiology, Dartmouth Medical School.

Audiology

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