Audiologists

What the job really is

Assess and treat persons with hearing and related disorders. May fit hearing aids and provide auditory training. May perform research related to hearing problems.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Practitioners
• O*NET-SOC code: 29-1181
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Maintain patient records at all stages, including initial and subsequent evaluation and treatment activities.
• Evaluate hearing and balance disorders to determine diagnoses and courses of treatment.
• Fit, dispense, and repair assistive devices, such as hearing aids.
• Administer hearing tests and examine patients to collect information on type and degree of impairment, using specialized instruments and electronic equipment.
• Monitor patients' progress and provide ongoing observation of hearing or balance status.
• Instruct patients, parents, teachers, or employers in communication strategies to maximize effective receptive communication.
• Counsel and instruct patients and their families in techniques to improve hearing and communication related to hearing loss.
• Refer patients to additional medical or educational services, if needed.
• Participate in conferences or training to update or share knowledge of new hearing or balance disorder treatment methods or technologies.
• Examine and clean patients' ear canals.
• Recommend assistive devices according to patients' needs or nature of impairments.
• Advise educators or other medical staff on hearing or balance topics.

Tools and technology

Epic Systems, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, eClinicalWorks EHR software, Abacus Data Solutions HearWare, Audiometers, Audiometric test booths, Auditory brainstem response ABR screening systems, Automatic impedance audiometers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Hearing Aid Specialists
• Optometrists
• Pediatric Surgeons
• Pediatricians, General
• Neurologists
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
• Occupational Therapists
• Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Audiologists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.