How to become an audiologist

Audiologists help people of all ages manage their hearing. This includes diagnosing and treating hearing loss, helping to correct balance, and addressing other issues that affect the ear. Patients are referred to audiologists from schools or primary care providers.

Audiologists need to earn a doctorate, but not necessarily a medical degree. Most earn a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree.

Is audiology a good career?

Students considering audiology usually want to help people, and this career provides the opportunity to do just that. Experts who can treat the hard of hearing will always be in need. Other reasons audiology is a good career include the competitive salary, high job demand, and stimulating work environment.

How long does it take to become an audiologist?

It can take 8 to 10 years of school to become an audiologist. This comprises 4 years as a college undergraduate, 1-2 in a master’s program, and 3-4 in an audiology doctorate program.

You can plan for and take licensure exams in advance, allowing students to begin to practice a few months after graduation.

Step 1 — Take relevant subjects in high school

It is never too early to start thinking about your future career as an audiologist. By taking science and health-related courses in high school you can be confident that:

• these subjects interest you
• when it comes to applying to college, you have an advantage over the competition

Another thing you can do is shadow an audiologist for a day or more. This can offer a better grasp of what the job looks like on a day-to-day basis and may help you to decide whether it is the career for you. If you don’t have any suitable contacts at a hospital or clinic, ask your school guidance counselor, or call the local hospital to find out about job shadowing opportunities.

» Read: What is STEM?

Step 2 — Get an undergraduate degree

The next step on your journey is to get an bachelor’s degree. When deciding on a major at college, you have 2 options:

1. Choose a subject that is related to healthcare in general – a pre-med track such as biology or organic chemistry, for instance.
2. Opt for a more closely related degree, such as speech pathology.

Step 3 — Get a master’s degree (optional)

Most candidates skip this step and move straight onto a doctorate. Others choose to first pursue a master’s in a related field, such as speech-language pathology, which provides rigorous training in speech and communication. While this can be beneficial to a would-be audiologist, it is by no means essential.

» Read: Silent no longer: valuing the master’s degree

Step 4 — Complete a doctorate of audiology (AuD) program

Students are advised to choose a program that is accredited, for example by the Council of Academic Accreditation. If you complete an unaccredited program, then you may be ineligible to climb the educational ladder, apply for scholarships, or get a license to practice.

Most audiology programs take 4 years, but some offer a fast track that takes 3. If you have additional focus areas, or are working at the same time, you may spend 5 years in school.

The first 2 years of an AuD program focus on foundational coursework and clinical practice. The last 2 years place you in a clinical setting, where you work with patients in a hands-on capacity, overseen by a licensed practitioner.

The last year of your clinical experience involves an externship, where you provide audiological services for an employer. Finding an externship is a bit like applying for a job.

Your audiology program may also require you to complete an internship, capstone project, or thesis, depending on the program you choose.

» Read: Professional doctorate degrees

Step 5 — Pass the Praxis Exam in audiology

The Praxis Examination in Audiology determines whether you can get licensed and certified to practice in your state. The test measures your ability to make the right calls in a clinical situation, so pay close attention when professors or advisors give you advice on practicing for it.

Step 6 — Get licensed by your state

Audiologists hold a state license to practice, no exceptions. Each state has a licensing board through which you need to apply for a license. To find the appropriate board, simply search “audiology license + [your state]”. You can also find state-specific information by using the resources listed at the end of this article.

Step 7 — Complete certification

The final step is to become certified to practice in your state. The main certification is the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A), administered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

If you have a focus area, you may also apply for additional certification through the American Board of Audiology (ABA). Potential certifications include:

• General ABA Certification
• Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification (PASC)
• Cochlear Implant Specialty Certification (CISC)
• Tinnitus Management (CH-TM)
• Audiology Preceptors (CH-AP)

Where do audiologists work?

Audiologists tend to work in the following settings:

Healthcare facilities – This includes physician’s offices, hospitals, and clinics dedicated to hearing.
Schools – This may involve working for individual schools and districts, or traveling between educational facilities.
Stores – Typically in a shop dedicated to health or personal care.

Audiologist vs ENT

Otolaryngologists, also called ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors, hold medical degrees. They need 4 years of medical school and a 3- to 7-year residency. They specialize in diseases and trauma of the ears, nose, throat, and sometimes, mouth.

For long-term hearing issues, balance issues, or speech pathologies, an audiologist or speech-language pathologist (SLP) is the professional for the job. ENTs regularly refer patients who need ongoing assistance to audiologists.

Audiologist salary and demand

The outlook is very positive for individuals who are considering entering this field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the field of audiology will grow 10% through 2031, which is faster than average.

In 2021, the average audiologist salary was $78,950. Expect it to be even higher by the time you graduate.

What jobs can students pursue with a doctorate in audiology?

Upon graduation, students with an Au.D. can pursue a number of career tracks. The most common is as an audiologist, although there are other options as listed here.

Paying for your audiology education

Students who need help paying for their education can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application to find out if they are eligible for federal loans or grants. They can also apply for federal financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships and work-study programs.

» Read: What is the Pell Grant?

If you cannot get the government funding you need, you can visit your school’s financial aid office for more information about available financial aid options. You can also check with lending institutions to see if you have the option for private loans. Beware though that their interest rates tend to be much higher.