Audiologist
What is the work like?
As an audiologist you would diagnose hearing and balance problems in patients of all ages, and provide them with suitable ways to manage them.
A key part of your role would be assessment and diagnosis, which involves:
- deciding on the best way to test a patient’s hearing
- adapting diagnostic tests to suit the age and ability of the patient
- assessing hearing, including the sound level and frequency range
- exploring any related medical, physical and emotional symptoms.
Once a diagnosis is reached, you would put together a rehabilitation plan, which could involve:
- selecting a suitable hearing aid
- producing an impression of the ear for an ear mould
- fitting hearing aids and making modifications to ear moulds
- reviewing progress and making changes to the fitting
- teaching patients how to use the prescribed hearing aid
- repairing faulty hearing aids
- giving patients information and advice on how to manage their condition.
You may also work with technicians in the hospital and with audiology companies to find the best equipment.
Your work would include an element of counselling, however, you could also refer patients on to hearing therapists, ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists and outside agencies for extra support.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You can qualify as an audiologist by completing one of the following qualifications:
- BSc (Hons) in audiology – you would need GCSEs (A-C) including English and science/maths and three A levels, at least one in a science subject
- MSc or postgraduate diploma in audiology – for this, you would need a science degree.
Check with course providers for exact entry details because alternative qualifications may also be accepted.
Alternatively, if you have a science degree (1st or 2:1) you could qualify as an audiologist through the Clinical Scientist Training Scheme. This involves working under supervision whilst studying for an MSc and receiving a salary. You would also work towards the British Academy of Audiology (BAA) Certificate of Competence and registration with the Health Professions Council as a Clinical Scientist (Audiology). See NHS Careers for details.
As you could be working with children and other vulnerable groups you will need CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) clearance, whichever entry route you choose.
What further training and development can I do?
As part of your undergraduate or postgraduate degree you will be assessed in the workplace. The BSc in audiology takes four years, three years at university and one year in a clinical placement. On an MSc or postgraduate diploma, you will complete assessed clinical experience either as part of your studies or in part-time employment.
When you have completed your training you will be eligible to register with the Council for Clinical Physiologists.
See the British Academy of Audiology (BAA) for details of the Higher Training Scheme, which will allow you to progress to specialist and advanced audiologist, and the Higher Award in Audiology, which will lead to clinical scientist (audiology) status.
As a clinical scientist in audiology you must register with the Health Professions Council before starting practice.
Throughout your career you will need to keep up to date with changes in technology and clinical procedures. See the BAA website for details of Continuing Professional Development opportunities.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 08000 150850Peterborough
PE6 7EG
Tel: 01733 253 976
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Audiologists in the NHS earn between £19,683 and £25,424 a year.
- Senior audiologists earn £23,458 to £31,779.
- Highly specialist audiologists earn £28,313 to £37,326.
Figures are intended only as a guideline.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would typically work 37 hours a week. You would be based in a consultation room within an NHS or private hospital.
This work can be very rewarding. However, you would also face challenges, for example when giving bad news to patients about their hearing and prognosis. Some patients may be very frustrated with their condition and you could occasionally face some verbally aggressive behaviour.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a high level of clinical skill in all areas of hearing and balance diagnosis
- excellent decision making skills
- accuracy and attention to detail
- good communication skills
- a sympathetic and professional manner with patients
- excellent organisational skills
- good teamwork skills
- counselling skills
- the ability to motivate patients to follow rehabilitation programmes
- the ability to analyse and deal with complex situations
- a thorough understanding of patient confidentiality
- basic IT skills.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most jobs within audiology or ENT (ear, nose and throat) departments in NHS or private hospitals.
With experience you could go on to lead a team, manage a unit, or move into a general management position within mainstream healthcare. You could also move into teaching and research work in a university.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
NHS Jobs
A-Z list of NHS Trusts
British Academy of Audiology (job vacancies page)
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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