293 Audiologist An audiologist (aw-dee-AHL-oh-jist) is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the ear, including problems with both hearing and balance. Audiologists perform screening programs for hearing and prescribe hearing aids (Figure 7.26). They can also provide custom-fitted earplugs and other hearing protection devices for individuals who work in noisy environments. Another job of the audiologist is counseling families to help them cope with the diagnosis of a hearing deficit in an infant, and counseling seniors to help them adapt to hearing loss, even after a hearing aid has been prescribed. Training for audiologists currently requires a four-year college degree followed by a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree. Requirements for the AuD degree involve a minimum of 75 semester hours of postbaccalaureate study that includes anatomy and physiology (both general and specific to the ear) as well as diagnosis of hearing deficits and disorders of both hearing and balance. Training in counseling and sign language is required. In addition, the AuD degree requires completion of a 12-month, full-time, supervised practicum 12 months of full-time, supervised experience with a professional practice and successful completion of a national exam. To practice, audiologists must receive state licensure or registration. Planning for a Health-Related Career Do some research on the career of an ophthalmologist or audiologist. Alternatively, select a profession from the list of related career options. Using the internet or resources at your local library, find answers to the following questions: 1. What are the main tasks and responsibilities of this job? 2. What is the outlook for this career? Are workers in demand, or are jobs dwindling? For complete information, consult the current edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the US Department of Labor. This handbook is available online or at your local library. 3. What special skills or talents are required? For example, do you need to be good at biology or chemistry? Do you need to enjoy interacting with other people? 4. What personality traits do you think are needed to be successful in this job? 5. Does this career involve a great deal of routine, or are the day-to-day responsibilities varied? 6. Does the work require long hours, or is it a standard, “9-to-5” job? 7. What is the salary range for this job? 8. What do you think you would like about this career? Is there anything about it that you might dislike? Related Career Options • Biological technician • Health educator • Occupational therapist • Ophthalmic assistant • Ophthalmic technician • Optical technician • Optometrist Erica Smit/Shutterstock.com Figure 7.26 Audiologists have highly sensitive equipment that can detect minute changes in hearing. Typically, a patient is placed in a sound booth wearing headphones and holding a "clicker" to indicate when sounds are heard. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.