An audiologist is an allied health professional who specialises in hearing and associated neural systems (such as balance). They work to preserve the ability to hear and prevent hearing loss, as well as to identify, manage, and treat hearing-related disorders.
Audiologists work with people of all ages and abilities, from infants through to seniors. They often work closely with other health practitioners (such as ear, nose, and throat specialists, speech pathologists, and nurses) to ensure that their patients receive comprehensive care.
But what does an audiologist actually do and what sort of qualifications are they required to have?
The highly qualified audiologists at Melbourne Audiology Centre have experience across all areas of hearing health, from hearing tests to tinnitus management. As an independent provider, we’re focused on providing our patients with the best hearing solutions for their needs.
What Does an Audiologist Do?
An audiologist can provide a range of services related to hearing, including:
- Diagnostic Tests
This includes basic hearing tests to determine the level of hearing loss a patient is experiencing, as well as more advanced tests to assess auditory function, vestibular function, tinnitus, auditory processing function, and neural function. - Hearing Aids
This includes prescribing and fitting hearing aids and other devices (such as hearing assistive technology). They also have a specialised understanding of implantable devices (such as cochlear implants) and their applications. - Hearing Protection
This includes providing and fitting protective hearing devices (such as ear plugs) for people whose hearing needs to be protected, from musicians to swimmers. They also provide education about the effects of noise on hearing and how to minimise this. - Ear Wax Removal and Management
- Tinnitus Management
This includes diagnosing the underlying cause of a patient’s tinnitus (if there is one) and creating a treatment plan that either eliminates symptoms or makes them more manageable. - Counselling
This includes walking a patient through a new diagnosis of hearing loss or other ear-related disorder, the available treatment or rehabilitation options, and any psychosocial aspects.
An audiologist may also complete other activities in the course of their work, including:
- Audiological Research
They may conduct research into the prevention, identification, and management of hearing loss and ear-related problems. - Education Assistance
They may work with educators in schools to help maximise the environment for students with hearing needs. - Program Design
They may design, implement, and supervise hearing programs in the community (such as a newborn screening program).
Where Does an Audiologist Work?
An audiologist may work across a range of healthcare settings, from private clinics and hospitals to residential aged-care facilities and even schools. Most people access audiology services through private clinics or the public hospital system (although the latter does tend to have long wait times).
What Education Does an Audiologist Have?
Audiologists in Australia are highly qualified.
They must have completed a Masters-level degree in clinical audiology, which usually means spending at least five years at university. They must also meet the membership and clinical competency requirements of Audiology Australia’s Accredited Audiologist Program and/or the Australian College of Audiology (with Hearing Rehabilitation Specialist and Diagnostic Rehabilitation Specialist competencies), which includes a one-year clinical internship.
Audiologists who completed their qualifications overseas before relocating to Australia are also required to complete the one-year clinical internship.
Accreditation is only valid for one year. To have their accreditation renewed each year, an audiologist must participate in adequate professional development (such as attending seminars, conferences, training courses, study, and research).
When Should I See an Audiologist?
You should see an audiologist if you are experiencing hearing loss or another ear-related issue (such as ringing in the ears, vertigo, excessive earwax, problems with your hearing aids, and changes to your hearing).
If you experience sudden hearing loss or pain in your ears, it’s recommended that you seek immediate medical attention in the case of a more serious issue.
Need to See an Audiologist? Choose Melbourne Audiology Centre
If you’re experiencing hearing loss or another ear-related problem, don’t put off diagnosis or treatment. The sooner you see someone about your problem, the sooner a solution can be found.
You can have confidence in Australian audiologists, who are highly qualified and always continuing their education to ensure that they provide their patients with the very best in hearing solutions.
All of the audiologists at Melbourne Audiology Centre are accredited through either Audiology Australia or the Australian College of Audiology for your peace of mind. They are committed to providing their patients with a personalised approach that takes their individual needs and circumstances into account.
