Audiology is an important area of the medical field which involves the study of hearing, balance and associated problems or disorders. Medical practitioners trained in this field are called the Audiologists. They evaluate and treat the disorders related to hearing in patients of all ages. Their treatments will range from providing hearing aids to giving lip-reading instructions to patients. These professionals aim to prevent and give treatments to hearing loss and related disorders in different variety patients.

They observe the patients about the symptoms of hearing loss and other sensory, neural, auditory and balance disorders. After examining the extent of the patients’ disorders, they develop the diagnosis plan. They may use several devices such as audiometers, computers and other hearing test equipments to measure the hearing ability of the patients. These professionals prescribe for variety of treatment choices which includes hearing aids, cochlear implants and clean-up of ear canal. They also provide therapy to the patients to adjust to the hearing loss and treatment methods.

Qualifying Exam

Students need at least a master’s degree in Audiology to enter in this profession. But most of the positions in this profession demand candidates with a Doctoral degree in related subject. Many of the Audiologists seen nowadays will have a Doctorate degree in Audiology. Apart from this qualification, they need license or registration to practice as an Audiologist. The licensing requirements may vary depending on the country or state where they wish to work; usually post graduation in Audiology is the minimum requirement. There will be a series of examinations to qualify, in order to get this license.

Who is eligible to apply?

To apply for the pre-medical courses the students must first complete their senior secondary education with PCB from a reputed school. After completing this pre-medical course, they can apply for the post graduation course specialized in Audiology. At the end of the course they have to complete a residency programme in the related field. Then they can apply for the licensing examinations or can apply for the Doctorate degree programme in Audiology.

Key points in the process

• Study 12th from a reputed school with Biology, Physics and Chemistry and pass the associated examinations with good marks.
• Pursue a pre-medical course from a reputed medical school.
• Pursue the postgraduate medical course in Audiology and complete the residency training.
• Apply for the licensing examination or apply for the doctorate degree programme in Audiology.
• Obtain the license and practice as an Audiologist in any reputed hospital.

Skills required for an Audiologist

Audiologists require some good qualities and skills to perform in this profession. Mainly they must have the patience to understand and handle the problems of the clients and help them to make decisions. They must be able to observe and evaluate the hearing and related disorders of the patients and must give the treatments accordingly. Audiologists must always update their knowledge about the new treatment and diagnosis techniques for the hearing loss. They are encouraged to take part in continuing education, seminars, workshops and conferences.