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

American Academy of Audiology | 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.

American Academy of Audiology | www.audiology.org

• • • • • • •

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.

American Academy of Audiology | www.audiology.org

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 American Academy of Audiology | www.audiology.org

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.

American Academy of Audiology | www.audiology.org

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.

American Academy of Audiology | www.audiology.org

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.

American Academy of Audiology | www.audiology.org

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.” American Academy of Audiology | www.audiology.org

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.

American Academy of Audiology | www.audiology.org

Is Financial Aid Available?

Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available. Research financial options through audiology organizations or by contacting graduate schools of interest.

American Academy of Audiology | www.audiology.org

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.

American Academy of Audiology | www.audiology.org

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

American Academy of Audiology | www.audiology.org