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Audiologist

An audiologist is a healthcare professional specializing in identifying, diagnosing, treating and monitoring disorders of the auditory and vestibular system portions of the ear. Audiologists are trained to manage and/or treat hearing or balance problems. They also help design and implement personal and industrial hearing safety programs, newborn hearing screening programs, school hearing screening programs, and provide special fitting ear plugs and other hearing protection equipment to help prevent hearing loss.

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Audiologists are not normally physicians. In the past, audiologists have typically held a master's degree and the appropriate healthcare license. In the United States, starting in 2007, audiologists will be required to receive a doctoral degree (Au.D. or Ph.D.) in audiology from an accredited university graduate or professional program before practicing. All states require licensing, and audiologists may also carry national board certification (the CCC-A or the ABA).

The average salary for an audiologist is approximately $55,000 in the US. If audiologists are required to get doctoral degrees this may result in a shortage in the future which could push up the average salary higher.

An audiologist is not simply a Hearing Aid Dispenser. Hearing aid dispensers have less training and more limited skills.