One Discipline. Two Professions.
LEARN MORE ABOUT AUDIOLOGY
Now you know what CSD is—but what exactly do audiologists do? What training do they need? Learn answers to these questions and more below—and learn how an exciting career in audiology may be the right path for you.
AUDIOLOGY
“I decided to pursue a career in Audiology because I am a member of the deaf community. I also wanted to bring culturally sensitive practices and deaf culture awareness to the field.”
What is an audiologist, and what do they do?
Audiologists use the latest technology and science to help prevent, identify, diagnose, and treat hearing, balance, and other auditory disorders—from helping patients with the use of high-tech cochlear implants to fitting musicians with custom equipment to prevent hearing loss. Audiologists may also
- work with people with cancer who have hearing loss due to drugs used to treat some illnesses;
- help veterans with hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears) due to noise exposure (e.g., gunfire, explosions);
- visit families’ homes to provide comprehensive family support, training, and communication options for children with hearing loss;
- assist with transitions between school and work for high school students;
- assess and treat balance disorders; and
- make new discoveries about hearing and balance disorders.
Where do audiologists work?
Audiologists frequently work with other medical specialists, speech-language pathologists, educators, engineers, scientists, and allied health professionals and technicians within health care settings, early intervention and K–12 schools, or colleges and universities—or they have their own private practice. You may find an audiologist
- collaborating with ear, nose, and throat specialists or in hospitals/medical centers;
- managing agencies, clinics, or private practices;
- preparing future professionals in colleges and universities;
- engaging in research to enhance knowledge about typical hearing and treatment of hearing disorders; or
- designing hearing instruments and testing equipment.
How much could an audiologist make?
According to ASHA Member surveys, an audiologist’s salary varies depending on education, experience, work setting, and location, with average salaries ranging from $72,000 for beginning audiologists to $112,700 for audiologists with a PhD.
What education do I need to become an audiologist?
A clinical doctoral-level degree (AuD) is required to work independently as an audiologist.
- Earning an AuD requires approximately 3–4 years of full-time study.
- Degree requirements include both academic coursework and clinical practicum experiences.