Audiologists

 If you are intrigued by the combination of science, working with people and helping them then audiologist as a career option may sound interesting to you.

Audiologists are involved into the whole process of obtaining measures of various aspects of audition, deciding which test to conduct next, determining probable cause of the hearing loss and putting it all together to achieve a complete picture of a patient’s hearing status. Audiologists also fit patients with hearing aides and other devices and act as counselors for people adjusting to hearing loss.

Role of Audiologists

  • Examine patients who have hearing, balance, or related ear problems.
  • Assess the results of the examination and diagnose problems.
  • Determine and administer treatment.
  • Fit and dispense hearing aids.
  • Counsel patients and their families on ways to listen and communicate, such as by lip reading or through sign language.
  • See patients regularly to check on hearing and balance and to continue or change the treatment plan.
  • Keep records on the progress of patients.
  • Conduct research related to the causes and treatment of hearing and balance disorders.
Besides the typical tasks, an audiologist can take up some research projects and perform the following duties:
  • Preparing research procedures
  • Reviewing and analyzing data
  • Researching topics of interests
  • Conducting administrative duties

Academic Qualification in Audiologists

To pursue a bachelor's degree in Audiology one needs to be 10 + 2 pass with Science or an equivalent examination. To practice audiology, a person needs to have either Bachelors / Masters Degree in Audiology and be registered with Indian Speech and Hearing Association (ISHA) or Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). There is a number of government and private health care agencies which provide speech and hearing services. Majority of Speech Pathology and Audiology programs are accredited by Rehabilitation council of India (RCI).

Skills Required to be Audiologists

Compassion: Audiologists work with people who are having problems with hearing or balance. They must be supportive of patients and their families.

Communication skills: Audiologists need to communicate test results, diagnoses, and proposed treatments so that patients clearly understand the situation and options. They also may need to work with other healthcare providers and education specialists regarding patient care.

Critical-thinking skills: Audiologists must concentrate when testing a patient’s hearing and be able to analyze each patient's situation to offer the best treatment. They must also be open to providing alternatives plans when patients do not respond to initial treatment.

Patience: Audiologists must work with patients who may need a lot of time and special attention.

Problem-solving skills: Audiologists must figure out the causes of problems with hearing and balance and the appropriate treatment to address them.

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