Audiology degree overview

If you’ve ever needed to have your hearing tested, then you’ve probably had the pleasure of meeting an audiologist. Audio’ refers to ‘hear’ and ‘logy’ to ‘the study of’. Audiology is the study of hearing - in medical terms it is the branch of science dedicated to the study of hearing, balance and any associated disorders. Audiologists are specialized doctors that are trained to measure hearing ability and function, and to provide rehabilitation to improve their patient’s quality of life.

Since 2012, all new audiologists need to have a Doctor of Audiology Degree (Au.D) and state licensing in order to work in the field and to establish a private practice.

Becoming an audiologist requires both undergraduate and advanced degrees. A doctoral degree in audiology is required of all individuals who want to become audiologists.

Bachelor’s Degree in Audiology - Four Year Duration

• Audiology doctoral programs require that undergraduate courses be taken in english, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, anatomy, communications, psychology, and physiology
• No specific undergraduate major is required, however it would be preferable for it to be in a medically-related field
• There are a few colleges that do offer undergraduate communication science programs for careers in audiology

Master’s Degree in Audiology - Two Year Duration

• Audiologists are required to complete a two-year master’s degree in audiology
• Admissions prerequisites include getting a high Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score
• Master’s degree coursework includes: physiology, anatomy, genetics, physics, normal and abnormal communication development, balance, auditory, neural systems assessment and treatment, pharmacology, diagnosis, treatment, and ethics

Speech-Language Pathology
Becoming a speech pathologist is an option for those who’d like to work with individuals who have speech, language, and swallowing disorders as a result of stroke, brain injury, hearing impairment, autism, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, cleft palate, stuttering, or any other condition.

There is no specific four-year undergraduate degree that is required for speech-language pathologists, however it’s recommended to select a major that enable students to begin working with individuals with disabilities, such as: communication sciences and disorders, psychology, linguistics, social work, special education, or language development. Next steps are receiving a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or speech therapy and getting licensure (licensing requirements vary by state).

Otolaryngology
An otolaryngologist (also known as an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor or, ENT) is a physician that can diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and medical conditions associated with the ears, nose and throat. Examples of conditions that this type of doctor can treat are: sinus issues, cancers, infections, diseases, or malformations of any of these areas.

Otolaryngologists often work with audiologists and speech-language pathologists, as their medical field also has an effect on communication, speech, and hearing. Educational requirements are: four years college or university, four years medical school, five years residency training, optional two-year fellowship training, and board certification.

Doctor of Philosophy in Audiology & Speech Sciences
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Audiology & Speech Sciences is offered for students interested in basic or applied research in the areas of hearing, speech or language science. The PhD degree program prepares students to work in research or teaching positions in university, clinical, or industrial settings. Students typically enter the program with a solid background in Speech and Hearing Sciences, and are able to complete their PhD degree in four years.

Audiologists use technology, creative problem solving, and social skills on a daily basis. They focus on researching, investigating, and increasing their understanding of their profession. They also focus on assisting, serving, counseling, and teaching other people. Through education and experience, audiologists learn the following specific qualities:

Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
When testing a patient’s hearing, audiologists must be able to concentrate and analyze each patient’s situation in order to figure out the cause of the problem and to offer the best treatment available.

Communication
Audiologists learn early on that effectively communicating to patients is crucial in their line of work. Patients need to clearly understand their situation and what their options are. Other healthcare professionals also need to be communicated to by audiologists in regards to test results, diagnoses, treatments, and patient care.

Compassion & Excellent Bedside Manner
Working with people who are having problems with hearing or balance means working with patients who, at times, may be frustrated or emotional because of their hearing loss and all the changes happening in their life. Audiologists are taught to be respectful and empathetic to their patient’s situation so that a level of trust and support can be created.

Patience
Along with compassion comes patience. Audiologists work with patients who require a lot of time and special attention due to their hearing issues. Often, words need to be repeated or spoken quite loudly. Sometimes words have to be written down to be understood. Regardless of the situation, patience and a caring attitude is definitely a learned virtue in this profession.

With a strong set of soft and hard skills, audiology graduates are able to pursue career paths in various areas and industries where audiologists are needed. Here are just a few of the most common:

• Rehabilitation Centres
• Independent Private Practice
• Otolaryngologist Based Practice
• Medical Clinic
• Public Hospital Audiology Clinics
• Private Audiology Clinics
• State Funded Facility for the Hearing Impaired
• Educational Audiology – Public and Private Schools
• Hearing Manufacturing Industry
• Academic University Research Based
• Universities Audiology Programmes and Clinics
• Deaf and Hearing Impaired Education Centres
• Cochlear Implant Programmes
• Hearing Aid Manufacturers
• Hospital Administration
• Government Policy