An audiologist is a healthcare professional who diagnoses, manages, and treats hearing and balance disorders in people of all ages—from newborns to the elderly. The core responsibilities of
an audiologist include:
Conducting hearing and balance assessments
Fitting and programming hearing aids or cochlear implants
Providing auditory rehabilitation and counseling
Monitoring hearing in noisy workplaces or patients on ototoxic medications
Participating in newborn hearing screening programs
Educating patients and families about hearing health
Audiologists usually work in:
Hospitals & Clinics: Collaborating with ENT doctors, performing diagnostics and interventions
Private Audiology Practices: Independent or group practices focused on hearing health
Schools: Working with children with hearing loss (often as part of an IEP team)
Universities & Research: Conducting clinical research or teaching
Veterans Affairs (VA): Providing care for veterans with hearing damage
Industry/Manufacturers: Working for hearing aid or cochlear implant companies in research and development
or education
No specific undergraduate major is required, but most choose:
Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), Speech-Language Pathology, and Audiology
Linguistics, Psychology, Biology, or Health Sciences
One must complete prerequisites for a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program during your undergraduate years. The AuD is the clinical doctorate required to practice in the U.S. Programs are typically 4 years, including coursework,
labs, and extensive clinical rotations. The final year is often a full-time clinical externship, similar to a medical residency.
To practice as an audiologist, one needs to:
Pass the Praxis® Exam in Audiology (administered by ETS)
Apply for state licensure (requirements vary)
Optional: Get ASHA certification (CCC-A) or ABA board certification
A successful audiologist needs:
Empathy and patience (especially with elderly and pediatric populations)
Scientific reasoning and attention to detail
Excellent communication skills
Manual dexterity (for fitting and adjusting hearing aids/devices)
Commitment to lifelong learning (tech and treatments evolve quickly)
Median Salary (2023): ~$89,000/year Top 10% Salary: $115,000+ Job Growth (2022–2032): 10% (faster than average, BLS) High-Demand Areas: Rural clinics, pediatric audiology, hearing aid centers, and VA hospitals
Audiology vs. Speech-Language Pathology
Focus
Audiology: Hearing and balance disorders
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP): Speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders
Degree Required
Audiology: Doctor of Audiology
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP): MA/MS in Speech-Language Pathology
Program Length
Audiology: 4 years
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP): 2 years
Licensing Exam
Audiology: Praxis in Audiology + State License
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP): Praxis in SLP + State License
Work Settings
Audiology: Hospitals, private practices, VA, ENT clinics
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP): 19% (much faster than avg.)
Median Salary
Audiology: ~$89,000/year
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP): ~$84,000/year
Best Fit For
Audiology: Interest in sound science, diagnostics, tech
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP): Interest in communication, language, education
Both careers allow for work across the lifespan and make a strong impact on quality
of life. SLPs focus more on communication and language, while audiologists focus on
hearing, sound, and balance.
At least one letter from a faculty member in a science or Communication Sciences and
Disorders (CSD)-related field is required. Additional letters from clinical supervisors
or research mentors can strengthen your application.
The personal statement is a 500–750-word essay (check program-specific requirements) expressing your motivation
and understanding of audiology. Use the following structure:
Introduction – Personal Motivation: Share a meaningful experience related to hearing or balance disorders (e.g., a family
member’s hearing loss, a volunteer moment, or a personal story). Show authentic interest
in audiology specifically, not just general healthcare.
Academic Preparation: Highlight relevant coursework (e.g., hearing science, anatomy, psychology, statistics).
Mention specific academic projects or research in speech/hearing sciences to demonstrate
readiness for doctoral-level work.
Clinical & Volunteer Experience: Discuss shadowing audiologists or working with patients with communication disorders.
Reflect on lessons learned, such as empathy, assessment techniques, or the value of
hearing rehabilitation.
Career Goals: Specify your interest in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, cochlear implants, or
education. Show that you’ve researched audiology as a long-term career.
Why This Program: Reference specific professors, clinics, externship placements, or unique program
features that align with your goals.
Conclusion: Reaffirm your commitment to audiology and the populations you aim to serve.
