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Audiologists
examine, test, evaluate, and treat children and adults who have hearing
and balance difficulties. They perform a variety of tests that help them
determine the nature and degree of the patient’s disorder. They also
conduct physiological measurements, such as auditory brainstem response,
in an effort to determine if the disability is organic or nonorganic in
nature. Once a diagnosis is made, audiologists provide rehabilitative
communication assistance such as auditory training, prescribing hearing
instruments, and speech reading. Audiologists often work with medical,
educational, and other professionals to insure that the patient is making
progress. When a patient requires a hearing aid, they find the most
appropriate type and teach the patient how to properly use and maintain
the equipment. These professionals also plan and conduct industrial
hearing conservation programs, which include noise measurements and
instruction in hearing protection. Audiologists also work in with children
of varying ages in educational setting and rehabilitation centers.
Individuals interested in this line of work should have a strong academic
background, especially in the sciences. They must also be highly organized
and be able to counsel people of varying age groups.
Work Environment:
Audiologists work
in a variety of settings including hospitals, colleges and universities,
rehabilitation centers, clinics, physicians’ offices, industry,
governmental agencies, speech and hearing centers, nursing homes, research
laboratories, and private practices.
High School Preparation:
Students
interested in a career as an audiologist should take high school courses
in biology, physics, chemistry, geometry, algebra, English, health
occupations/medical professions education, sociology, psychology, computer
skills, social studies, and speech.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in audiology must
first obtain a bachelor’s degree in a major with a broad liberal arts
background. All states require audiologists to hold a master’s degree or
the equivalent in order to obtain a license and work independently. The
American Speech-Language and Hearing Association requires masters level
training, one year of experience, and passing a national exam to become
certified. Mississippi requires Audiologists to be licensed by receiving
the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Students interested in audiology should
contact schools for information on admission and course of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment
opportunities for audiologists are expected to grow much faster than the
average for all occupations though the year 2012. The growing elderly
population, the segment of the population that has the majority of hearing
loss, will cause a sharp rise in employment. Medical advances that help
trauma and stoke victims survive longer will increase the demand for
speech and hearing professionals. New federal laws affecting schools and
children with disabilities will also have a positive affect on employment
in this health-related field.
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Salary:
Average Annual
Salary
$50,900
Salary Range
$46,300-$59,600
Professional Organizations:
American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association
10801 Rockville
Pike
Rockville, MD
20852
Phone: (888)
321-ASHA
www.asha.org
American Academy
of Audiology
8300 Greensboro
Drive, Suite 750
McLean, VA 22102
Phone: (800)
AAA-2336
Fax: (703)
790-8631
www.audiology.org
Mississippi
Speech-Language-Hearing Association
PO Box 22664
Jackson, MS
39225-2664
Phone: (800)
664-6742
www.mshausa.org |
