800-AAA-2336 | 703-790-8466 audiology

American Academy of Audiology | www.audiology.org

800-AAA-2336 | 703-790-8466 www.audiology.org


What Is an Audiologist?

Audiologists are licensed health-care professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage

hearing loss and balance disorders for adults and children. Treatment for hearing

loss typically involves selecting and fitting hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other

assistive technologies.

While most audiologists earn a doctor of audiology (AuD) degree, there are other

doctoral degrees that audiologists can obtain (i.e., PhD, ScD, etc.), which are

typically research-oriented and provide important scientific guidance to the

profession.


Facts About Audiology and Hearing Loss

• Approximately 55% of the 16,000 audiologists practicing in the United States have

received an AuD.

• More than 36 million Americans have some type of hearing problem.

• At least half of all Americans will experience some type of balance problem in their

lifetime.

• Many audiologists earn 6-figure incomes annually.

• U.S. News and World Report ranked audiology as one of the 50 Best Careers from 2006

to 2009. Reuters ranked the profession of audiology as one of the least stressful jobs.

• There are currently 74 doctoral programs in audiology and/or related hearing science in

the United States.

• Audiologists work with patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults.


Where Do Audiologists Practice?Audiologists practice in a variety of settings:

• Private practice

• Private clinics

• Hospitals

• Universities

• Schools

• Hearing instrument industry

• Federal government

• Otolaryngology offices

• General industry


What Does an Audiologist Earn?

Salaries vary widely depending on work setting. Audiologists earn an average salary

of $84,800 annually. Audiologists with more than 20 years of experience earn more

than $100,700 annually.


Are There Licensing Requirements?

Yes, most states have licensing requirements for audiologists. Audiologists should be

prepared to apply for a license to practice upon graduating with an AuD degree.


How Do I Prepare for a Career in Audiology?

Students applying to audiology programs typically pursue an undergraduate degree

in speech and hearing science. Many programs offering the doctor of audiology

degree have widened their scope and strongly consider students with academic

disciplines in broad areas of science and technology including biology, physics,

chemistry, psychology, and engineering.


What Comprises an AuD Program?

The focus of the professional doctorate in audiology (AuD) is on the

development of clinical proficiency. The AuD is the entry-level degree

granted for professional practice in audiology. For a list of doctoral

programs, visit www.audiology.org or

www.studentacademyofaudiology.org and search keywords “doctoral

programs.”


Is Certification Available?

Yes, certification is available through the American Board of Audiology (ABA) but is

not mandatory. Audiologists can also receive specialty certifications through the

ABA.


Is Financial Aid Available?

Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available. Research financial

options through audiology organizations or by contacting graduate schools of

interest.


What Should I Do Once I am Interested?

Research the career of audiology on the American Academy of Audiology Web site.

Contact audiologists in your area and ask to shadow them for a few hours. Research

AuD programs that interest you to learn their requirements prior to applying.


Important Web Sites

American Academy of Audiology: www.audiology.org

American Academy of Audiology Foundation: www.audiologyfoundation.org

Student Academy of Audiology: www.studentacademyofaudiology.org

American Board of Audiology: www.americanboardofaudiology.org

Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education: www.acaeaccred.org

American Academy of Audiology’s Consumer Site: www.howsyourhearing.org

Documents

800-AAA-2336 | 703-790-8466 audiology