Audiology involves diagnosis and treatment of hearing, tinnitus and balance conditions. Different roles require different skill sets.
As an Audiologist you will:
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Have significant direct patient contact with patients of all ages.
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Use a number of audiological tests to diagnose hearing, tinnitus and balance conditions
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Counsel patients regarding their hearing and balance condition and provide digital hearing aids/ exercises to support treatment.
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Conduct new-born hearing screening.
Career progression
There are many different opportunities to progress in this profession, some of these are as below:
Career pathway
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Newborn hearing screener
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Assistant/ Associate Audiologist
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Hearing Aid Audiologist
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Paediatric Audiologist
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Healthcare Science Practitioner
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Clinical Scientist
With experience and training you may be able to develop your career further to specialise, manage, research or teach.
Qualities to work in Audiology
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Good communication skills
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Think logically
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Have an interest in science and technology
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Good hand/eye coordination
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Pay great attention to detail
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Be able to work as part of a team
Entry Requirements
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Entry- level roles like Newborn Hearing Screener or Assistant Audiologist typically require good literacy and numeracy skills; GCSEs are often expected, and qualifications liked NNEB or BTEC in childcare can be beneficial.
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To become an Audiologist, you’ll need 2-3 A-levels (or equivalent) and must complete an accredited Degree in BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology). Alternatively, you can complete master’s degree in Audiology if you already have a degree in a related healthcare field. There are also opportunities to become an audiologist through an apprenticeship degree (BSc Healthcare Science Audiology Degree Apprenticeship).
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Graduates with a 1st or 2:1 degree can enter the NHS Scientist Training Programme (specialising in neurosensory sciences), leading to clinical Scientist roles in Audiology.