What does an Audiologist do?

Audiologists  are responsible for the non-medical management and rehabilitation of hearing loss and associated disorders of communication. Audiologists may perform the following tasks:

• Establish problems with hearing and listening, by conducting interviews and studying background information, such as medical history.
• Assess the extent of hearing loss and location of the problem using a wide range of techniques and tests.
• Report results of assessment and testing in writing and make referrals to medical practitioners.
• Provide rehabilitation programs which include counselling and guidance for the hearing impaired and for their families.
• Assess hearing levels of noisy industry workers, such as pilots or  the armed forces.
• Prescribe, fit and evaluate hearing aids and other devices, such as cochlear implants.
• Provide training in communication strategies such as lip reading.
• Conduct follow-up consultations after hearing aids have been fitted to make sure clients receive the clearest amplification possible for their individual hearing.
• Assist with the development and management of noise control and hearing conservation strategies in industry.
• Teach the science of audiology and its practice.
• Work closely with other health professionals such as paediatricians, Ear Nose and Throat specialists, speech pathologists, teachers, psychologists and your family doctor.