Audiologist

Also known as:

Audiology Technician
Medical Technical Officer - Audiology
Physiological Measurement Technician - Audiology

Introduction

Audiologists measure and evaluate a patient's hearing ability. After diagnosis, the audiologist prepares and fits a hearing aid, and advises on its use.

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Work Activities

Audiologists measure and evaluate the hearing ability of adults and children. They perform tests using specialist equipment such as audiometers. These tests help to identify the different causes of hearing impairment, and so assist diagnosis.

Although much of the general work is with elderly patients, some audiologists specialise in different types of work, such as tinnitus management or paediatric (children's) audiology. Others may carry out research with other professionals or assist at operations to insert cochlear implants.

Another aspect of the work done by audiologists is the long-term support of hearing impaired people. To this end, they work directly with clients and in liaison with doctors, social workers, employment advisers and other professionals. If a client needs a hearing aid or other equipment, the audiologist prepares moulded ear inserts, and selects and fits the most suitable aid.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must be able to help patients relax while tests are being conducted, as stress can influence test readings. You should have a patient, sympathetic and reassuring approach.

You will also need to have a clear speaking manner so that clients can lip-read you easily. The ability to handle tiny hearing aid parts is essential for preparing and fitting hearing aids with ease. An interest in science is useful.

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Pay and Opportunities

National Health Service (NHS) employees are paid on a rising scale within defined pay bands, according to their skills and responsibilities.

In the NHS, entry level practitioners in audiology are generally paid on Band 4, of Agenda for Change pay scales. which from April 1, 2009 has run from £17,732 - £21,318 a year. Qualified registered audiologists start on Band 5 (£20,710 - £26,839 a year). Specialist audiologists and those with management responsibilities can earn up to £39, 273 (Band 7).

Audiologists work a 37-hour week, Monday to Friday. Some are required to work shifts on a rota basis. Part-time work may be available.

Most audiologists work for the health service in audiology units. Some carry out hearing tests in schools or child assessment centres. A limited number of opportunities exist in industry and private hospitals.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter a recognised degree course, you might be able to start one after completing a college or university Access course, eg, Access to Science.

You don't usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

• 21% of people in occupations such as audiologist work part-time.

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