Audiologist

Audiologists identify and assess hearing and balance disorders and recommend and provide appropriate help.

The work involves administering, selecting, interpreting and reporting diagnostic tests.

Those working in paediatrics screen newborn babies and assess hearing loss in children. Others working in adult rehabilitation fit hearing devices and related technologies. They also use counselling skills and advice to make sure patients get the most benefit from hearing aids.

Audiologists usually work 37.5 hours a week, from Monday to Friday. There may be an on-call rota to cover evenings, weekends and holidays. Job share and part-time work are possible.

Most audiologists are based in hospitals. Some work in the community (visiting patients in their own homes), health centres, schools for children with special educational needs and residential care homes. Others work in universities, in teaching, research and clinical environments.

Salaries may range from around £20,710 to £65,657 a year.

Audiologists should:

• have a clear speaking voice
• have good speech patterns and a style which enables patients to lip-read
• be able to get on well with people of all ages and from a wide variety of backgrounds
• be able to use counselling skills effectively
• have an interest in science and anatomy.

Most audiologists are employed in NHS hospitals. Some work in private practice, while others are employed as researchers by the Medical Research Council. A small number work for charities and voluntary organisations. Although the number of audiologists has grown in recent years, there is still a shortage.

Becoming a qualified audiologist requires a degree in audiology, an MSc in audiology or a postgraduate diploma in audiology. Courses are available at several universities. Part of the course is spent on a clinical placement.

Students sponsored by the NHS have their course fees paid and may receive an NHS means-tested bursary. Undergraduate degree students are paid a trainee salary for the clinical placement year. Fully qualified audiologist can apply for registration with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists. They must also register with the Health Professions Council (HPC).

Continuing professional development is important for audiologists. This can involve keeping up to date by reading journals, taking part in learning activities or working towards advanced qualifications.

Promotion within the NHS involves taking on additional responsibility such as managing services or becoming a head of department. Some audiologists move into private practice.

Further details