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About |
Audiometry testing
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Audiology is a fast developing discipline, both clinically and professionally.
Clinically, in recent times NHS hearing
aid services have undergone a nationwide modernisation programme,
including the introduction of digital hearing aids to the
NHS, and a project introducing hearing screening of all newborn
babies is ongoing.
Professionally, the career structure in
audiology began to change in 2002 with the introduction of
a BSc in Audiology. Whereas currently an audiology team might
comprise audiologists, audiological scientists and hearing
therapists, these separate professions are being amalgamated
into a common career pathway.
In the future new entrants into audiology
will usually study for a BSc in Audiology and qualify at
a general practitioner grade of audiologist. Progress up
the career pathway will be via proven clinical experience,
professional examinations and completion of further study
modules, with the possibility of becoming an advanced practitioner
or a specialist practitioner in a particular area of audiology
later in the career pathway.
It is expected that the opportunity for
science graduates to study for a MSc in Audiology to enter
onto the career pathway will be maintained for the forseeable
future, however; as is the case at present.
Tympanometry testing - showing how well the middle ear is working
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Currently, individuals with an honours degree
in a science subject can study for a MSc in Audiology, followed
by an in-service training leading to the Certificate of Audiological
Competence (CAC), to enable them to work in the NHS. They
then carry out further work experience before being assessed
on their suitability to become a fully qualified state registered
Clinical Scientist in Audiology. The current CAC will be
gradually phased out over the next few years or so, however,
to be replaced by a new two-stage professional examinations
process for all audiologists.
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Further Information |
Below is some information about careers in audiology for our patients and for those who might be interested in working in audiology:
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Members of an audiology team are concerned with the identification, diagnosis and rehabilitation of disorders of hearing and/or balance.
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Audiologists are part of a multidisciplinary team alongside surgeons, other doctors, nurses, teachers of the deaf, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, lipreading teachers, and others responsible for the care of the patient, as well as administrative and clerical staff.
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Audiology teams are usually based in hospitals. Audiologists can be employed by NHS or private hospitals, district health authorities, research and teaching institutions, or commercial hearing aid dispensing companies.
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Audiologists are proficient in testing hearing and balance. They also interpret and report the results of these tests. Fully trained audiologists will have a substantial amount of knowledge about hearing, acoustics and balance. This enables the audiologist to solve technical problems and, when necessary, to develop logical alternatives. Experienced audiologists will carry out the non-routine aspects of an audiology service, especially where a high degree of competence and responsibility is necessary.
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Audiologists have diagnostic and rehabilitative roles. In their diagnostic role, for example, they carry out a range of hearing tests using equipment that measures the hearing capacity of a patient. They aim to find out the extent and exact nature of any hearing loss. This enables the accurate diagnosis of a variety of hearing conditions.
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In their rehabilitative role, for an example, audiologists test, fit and adjust hearing aids, and teach patients how to use them. This involves good understanding of the effect of the hearing problem on the patient’s daily life so that the audiologist can provide appropriate information, support and counseling. Audiologists may also be involved in the provision of equipment that can assist with hearing other than hearing aids, such as special devices for the television, telephone and doorbell. They may also give advice regarding hearing tactics and strategies, and auditory training.
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Audiologists are also involved in the assessment and (re)habilitation of children of all ages. They need a wide range of skills and strategies to enable them to test babies (including neonates), toddlers and older infants.
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A major role of audiologists can be the supervision and training of less experienced audiologists and support staff. Some audiologists are very active researchers but the amount of research carried out will depend on the duties expected of a particular post and the interests of the audiologist concerned.
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Audiologists are expected to keep up with modern trends and technological developments. They are expected to participate in the development of the audiology service they work in.
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Experienced audiologists often have managerial responsibilities for local audiology services.
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Audiologists also maintain the equipment that they use to diagnose and treat patients.
For those interested in a career in audiology the following links might be useful:
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Universities offering BSc courses |
Aston University
University of Bristol
De Montfort University
Leeds University
The People’s College, Nottingham
University of Wales, Swansea
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Universities offering BSc, diploma and MSc courses |
University College London
University of Manchester
University of Southampton
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Professional bodies/societies in audiology |
British Academy of Audiology
British Society of Audiology
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Careers information |
NHS Careers: What does an Audiologist (formerly Audiological Technician) do?
NHS Careers: What does an Audiological Scientist Do?
NHS Careers: What does a Hearing Therapist Do?
NHS Careers: Where can I train as an audiologist?
British Academy of Audiology Information
Addenbrooke's careers
Healthcare Science: Real Life stories
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Information regarding Clinical Scientist training |
Certificate of Audiological Competence
Recruitment Centre for Clinical Scientists
Northgate HR Outsourcing
Clinical Scientist Recruitment Centre
239 Thorpe Park
Peterborough PE3 6JY
Tel: 0871 433 3070
E-mail: clinicalscientists@northgate-is.com
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