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Home > Health Information > Adult Health > Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 

Audiologist

What is an audiologist?

Clinical audiologists are healthcare professionals who measure and evaluate a person's ability to hear sounds, and specialize in the treatment of people with hearing disorders. Audiologists often study and provide guidance for patients and families on the following topics:

  • how language is learned and spoken
  • the anatomy of the human ear, brain, and nerves
  • causes of hearing loss
  • aural rehabilitation - rehabilitation relating to the ear and hearing.
  • the use of hearing aids
  • lip reading and sign language techniques

Audiologists conduct hearing examinations, test for middle ear disease, treat people with balance problems, and fit hearing aids. Audiologists may practice in a variety of settings, including the following:

  • hospitals
  • inpatient rehabilitation centers
  • long-term care facilities
  • home health settings
  • schools
  • private practice

Many audiologists hold a master's degree, and some hold a clinical doctorate degree in audiology. Audiologists are certified nationally through the American Speech Language Hearing Association (Certificate of Clinical Competence - Audiology, or CCC-A) or the American Academy of Audiology.

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