Audiologist training may take the form of a graduate or doctoral program, or continuing education classes pursued after receiving a license. These courses are offered by graduate and doctoral university programs. An official license may be obtained from the local government of the country or state in which an individual wishes to reside and work. Once this type of degree program has been completed and licensure has been obtained, an audiologist may take additional training courses that focus on the development of new treatments for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Licensed audiologists work with individuals who are experiencing hearing loss and other related ear problems. They measure how loud a noise must be before a particular individual can hear it, and how well that individual can discern between different sounds. They are equipped to help those with hearing loss cope with their disability on a daily basis, and often can attempt to restore some level of increased sound perception through the use of implants and hearing aids.
Undergraduate post secondary education work may be completed in any field of study prior to seeking acceptance by an audiologist training program. Many students choose to receive their undergraduate degrees in communication or anatomy, to further prepare them for work in their chosen careers. Once an undergraduate degree has been completed, students may enroll in a master's training program.
Students may wish to check whether the audiologist training master's program to which they are applying is accredited. Accreditation ensures that the teaching program follows set guidelines regarding class materials and faculty credentials. Students who graduate from an accredited master's program in audiology are guaranteed to have been held to an established industry standard and are more likely to be hired upon completion of their courses. In the US, courses are accredited by the American Speech-Hearing Association or the American Board of Audiology.
Graduation from an audiologist training master's program is typically followed by receiving a license or registration as an audiologist. Each country, and in the US, each state, has a different test for granting a license. An individual should apply directly to their local registration office before seeking employment.
Though a master's degree is an acceptable form of audiologist training, some countries may also require a doctorate in this field before issuing an audiologist license. Employers may also require that an audiologist obtain a license to dispense hearing aids. This test is separate from the standard audiologist test and deals with the specifics of hearing aid technology administration. Many audiologists choose to pursue continuing education courses once employed to remain current on new clinical techniques for addressing hearing loss.
