Is Audiology a Good Career?

Female audiologist looking into the ear of her child patient.

Jobs for Audiologists are expected to increase by a whopping 40 percent over the next 10 years.

Audiology has an amazing job outlook and can be a good career choice if you’re patient, compassionate and want to work in the health care field with a specific population.

Audiologists assess and evaluate hearing, befit listening devices (hearing aids) and teach individuals about hearing loss preventive measures. Certain audiologists work exclusively with kids or infants, however the majority work with older populations who have become hearing-impaired over time. These hearing specialists typically work in hospitals, hearing clinics, nursing homes, community care facilities and private medical practices. The average salary for Audiologists is $70,000 according to Salary.com. Employment for this profession is predicted to increase by almost 40% over the next decade compared to all other occupations.

Career Definition: Audiology

Professionals in this healthcare field equip people with listening aids, deliver hearing training, and carry out research on various hearing disorders or complications.

3 Requirements For Becoming an Audiologist

The following sections go over the requirements needed to become an Audiologist.

1. Education

You will need to hold at minimum a master’s degree in audiology to be qualified for employment. That being said, if you’re currently or plan on becoming an Audiologist you will have to obtain a doctoral degree in Audiology (Au.D.). As of 2009, an Au.D. degree is required to practice audiology in eighteen states. An Au.D. graduate program generally takes 4 years to complete and culminates in the Au.D. recognition. There are over 100 Audiology programs accredited by the following two organizations: the Accreditation Commission of Audiology Education and the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology. Certain states may require you graduate from one of these accredited Au.D. programs to be granted a license to practice.

2. Professional Credentials

Audiologists are required to be licensed in every state with additional specific criteria varying depending on state. The American Speech Language and Hearing Association offers the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) and the American Board of Audiology also offers a credential. While not required to become an Audiologist, one or both of the aforementioned credentials may be required for licensure in some states or for certain employment opportunities.