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Occupation Details

Audiologist



Fact Sheet

Preparing a patient for hearing tests

Audiologists test hearing and assess the nature of hearing disorders. They are responsible for the non-medical management and rehabilitation of hearing loss and associated disorders of communication.

Duties and Tasks

Audiologists may perform the following tasks:

  • establish a client's 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, including audiometric tests such as air and bone conduction 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 their families
  • assess hearing levels of workers, such as pilots or members of the armed forces, when required by employers
  • prescribe, fit and evaluate hearing aids and other devices, such as cochlear implants
  • provide training in communication strategies such as lip reading and in the use of auditory and other devices
  • conduct follow-up consultations after hearing aids have been fitted to make sure clients receive the clearest amplification
  • assist with the development and management of noise control and hearing conservation strategies in industry
  • act as consultants on industrial compensation claims for work-caused hearing loss
  • undertake scientific research related to sound and hearing
  • teach the science of audiology and its practice
  • direct projects and act as consultants to other professional groups
  • supervise student audiologists.

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of BIOLOGY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a biology-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of PHYSICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a physics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to undertake. Jobs requiring full use of hands/fingers are excluded.
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs providing health care diagnosis and treatment, such as general medicine, pharmacy, optometry, radiography, speech therapy, dental health, etc. Also covered are community and welfare services, such as social work, family and children services, and counselling, and personal services such as hairdressing and funeral services.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS to investigate or seek solutions to scientific, technical, social or other issues. Activities include observing, researching, analysing and interpreting results. The ability to develop theories, apply logic and explore abstract ideas in a specialist area of knowledge is important.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to help, inform, teach or treat them. Activities include discussing personal issues, listening to people's problems, and providing advice, instruction, information or treatment to meet their needs.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH DATA to order, process or retrieve facts and figures, or to develop or administer policies and procedures. Activities include organising, using or updating information, such as files or accounts, developing or following procedures or systems, and the planning, budgeting, and staffing of an organisation.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.

Work Conditions

Audiologists liaise with other health professionals such as otologists (ear specialists), speech pathologists, teachers, psychologists and doctors. They may travel to country areas where there are no resident audiologists.

Personal Requirements

  • able to inspire confidence and cooperation
  • a sympathetic and tactful approach to people's problems
  • good communication skills
  • analytical ability.

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Recording a patient's hearing level