Audiologist
Clinical audiologists are health care 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. This involves techniques for the hearing impaired to improve speaking and communication.
- 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
- State and federal government agencies
- Community clinics. These include community hearing and speech centers.
- Colleges and universities
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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