What Does the Audiologist Do?

Hearing and balance are important. When these fail, daily life can suffer. That’s where an audiologist comes in. An audiologist is a licensed medical expert who tests, diagnoses, and manages hearing and balance problems. They work with children, adults, and seniors.

This blog will explain what they do. It covers how they test your hearing. It shows what conditions they treat. You’ll also learn when to see one. If you or someone you love struggles to hear or feel steady, an audiologist can help.

What Is an Audiologist?

An audiologist (also known as a doctor of audiology, audiology doctor, or hearing doctor) is a licensed healthcare expert who works with hearing and balance. They check how well people hear and test how the inner ear affects balance. Audiologists do not perform surgery or give medicine, but they use advanced tools to test the ears.

They help both children and adults. They treat people with mild to severe problems.

Underlying Field of Audiology

Audiology is a specialized field within communication sciences and disorders. Audiologists study how the ear works, how people hear, and how the brain processes sound. They learn about the structure and function of the ear, hearing tests, balance disorders, and ways to manage hearing loss.

The field is closely connected to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care. ENT doctors, also known as otolaryngologists, treat medical conditions and perform surgeries related to the ear and nearby areas. Audiologists, on the other hand, focus on non-medical care. They assess hearing, fit hearing aids, and provide therapy for hearing and balance issues.

Where Do Audiologists Work?

Audiologists work in many places:

Hospitals
Clinics
Schools
Hearing aid centers
Private offices

Some audiologists also work for the Veterans Health Administration or a healthcare staffing agency. They use quiet rooms, headphones, and ear or hearing tools to check how you hear. They also use balance tests.

Many find jobs through a healthcare staffing agency, which helps place trained professionals in roles across the country.

How to Become an Audiologist in USA (Education and Clinical Training)

Becoming an audiologist takes years of education and supervised training. In the United States, all audiologists must complete specific steps to earn the correct credentials and licenses.

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in a Health or Science Field

The journey begins with a four-year undergraduate degree. Students usually major in:

Communication sciences
Biology
Psychology
Health Sciences

These majors give a strong science background. This is important for success in graduate school.

Step 2: Earn a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) Degree

After college, students apply to graduate school. Most U.S. audiologists hold a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.). This is a clinical doctorate, not a research-based Ph.D. The program takes four years. During this time, students study:

Anatomy of the ear
Hearing science
Diagnostic tests
Pediatric and adult care
Hearing aids and cochlear implants
Balance and vestibular disorders

Step 3: Complete a Clinical Externship

The fourth year of the Au.D. program includes hands-on clinical training. This is called an externship. Students work in:

Audiology clinics
Hospitals
Public health systems
Private hearing centers

Their work is supervised by licensed audiologists and they gain practical experience.

Step 4: Pass the Praxis Audiology Exam

Graduates must pass a national examination known as the Praxis Audiology Exam (Test Code: 5343). This exam confirms that candidates have the core knowledge required for safe and effective practice.

According to the certification standards by the American Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association, a passing score of 162 (on the 100–200 scale) is required for certification. U.S. state licensing boards widely accept it. This test proves they understand:

Audiologic care
Ethics and patient safety
Hearing and balance diagnostics
Every U.S. state requires a passing score.

Step 5: Apply for a State Audiology License

All 50 states require a license to practice audiology. Requirements vary by state but usually include:

Proof of education
Praxis exam results
Application and fees
Background check (some states)
Supervised experience hours

Without a license, audiologists cannot legally provide care.

Step 6: Optional Certification for Audiologists

Some audiologists choose to earn professional certifications. These show advanced skills and add credibility. Popular options include:

CCC-A: Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (ASHA)
Board Certification from the American Board of Audiology

While optional, these certifications often help audiologists gain the trust of employers and patients.

Step 7: Stay Updated with Continuing Education

Medical tools and patient care standards change. Audiologists must take continuing education courses to:

Maintain their license
Learn new treatments
Stay current with device technology
Follow updated state laws

This lifelong learning helps them provide the best care.

What Conditions Do Audiologists Treat? (Hearing and Balance Disorders)

Audiologists do more than test hearing. They also treat a wide range of ear and balance conditions, which affect children, adults, and older adults across the United States. Below are the most common medical issues treated and managed by licensed audiologists.

1. Hearing Loss in Adults and Children

Hearing loss is the most common condition treated by audiologists. It can be mild, moderate, or severe. Some cases begin early in life, while others appear later due to aging or noise exposure.

There are three types of hearing loss:

Conductive hearing loss: This type occurs when there is a problem in the outer or middle ear that blocks sound. Common causes include fluid buildup or excess earwax.
Sensorineural hearing loss: This is caused by damage to the inner ear or the hearing nerve, affecting how sound is processed.
Mixed hearing loss: A combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, involving issues in multiple parts of the ear.

Audiologists use hearing tests to determine the cause and severity of hearing loss. Based on the results, they recommend hearing aids, therapy, or a medical referral. According to a clinical review on StatPearls via NCBI, hearing loss is categorized into conductive, sensorineural, or mixed types. Each affects children and adults, with conductive loss common in children due to otitis media.

2. Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)

Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, or clicking sound in the ears. It affects over 50 million Americans. It is not a disease but a symptom of another condition, such as hearing loss.

Audiologists help manage tinnitus by:

Providing sound therapy
Recommending masking devices
Offering counseling and coping strategies

This improves quality of life and reduces stress from chronic ear noise.

3. Balance Disorders and Dizziness

The inner ear plays a main role in balance. If it does not work properly, people may feel dizzy or unsteady. This may happen with age, infection, injury, or illness.

Audiologists evaluate balance problems through:

Vestibular testing
Eye movement tests
Positional tests

After diagnosis, they may suggest vestibular rehabilitation therapy or refer you to a specialist.

4. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Some people can hear sounds but struggle to understand them. This is called auditory processing disorder (APD). It mostly affects children, but adults can also have it.

Signs include:

Trouble understanding speech in noisy places
Difficulty following instructions
Delays in speech or reading

Audiologists conduct special tests to diagnose APD. They then provide treatment plans, including listening exercises and school-based support.

5. Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

As people grow older, hearing ability often declines. This is called presbycusis, which is very common in adults over 60.

It can lead to:

Isolation
Trouble joining conversations
Increased risk of dementia (if untreated)

Audiologists help older adults with:

Regular hearing tests
Hearing aid fitting
Tips for communication at home or in public

6. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Loud noise can harm the delicate hair cells inside the inner ear, leading to hearing damage over time. This is called noise-induced hearing loss. It can happen after:

Years of working in construction or at airports
Loud concerts
Using headphones at high volume

Audiologists treat NIHL by:

Testing hearing regularly
Recommending custom hearing protection
Educating on safe noise levels

7. Newborn and Pediatric Hearing Issues

Early detection is critical. Audiologists screen newborns for hearing loss before they leave the hospital. All 50 U.S. states require newborn hearing screening by law.

They also evaluate children with:

Delayed speech
Frequent ear infections
Family history of hearing loss

Pediatric audiologists fit child-friendly hearing aids and guide parents through early treatment steps.

Locum tenens opportunities can be a smart path for audiologists who want to explore more flexible or diverse clinical environments in pediatric care.

Suggested Read: What are the Benefits of Locum?

What Tests Do Audiologists Perform?

Audiologists use special instruments to check hearing and balance. These tests help them find the cause of problems and create a treatment plan. Below are the most common exams you may have during a visit.

1. Pure-Tone Audiometry: Basic Hearing Test for All Ages

Pure-tone audiometry is the standard test used to check how well you hear. Here’s how it works:

You wear headphones in a quiet room
The audiologist plays tones at different pitches and volumes
You press a button when you hear the sound

This test shows the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies. The results are shown in a graph called an audiogram. It helps diagnose:

Mild to severe hearing loss
Sensorineural or conductive loss
Hearing in each ear separately

2. Tympanometry: Examining the Middle Ear

Tympanometry is used to test your middle ear function. It checks if the eardrum moves normally. During the test:

It is done by inserting a soft plug inside the ear.
Air pressure is changed gently.
The device records how the eardrum reacts.

Tympanometry can help detect:

Fluid behind the eardrum
Eustachian tube problems
Infections in the ears or holes in the eardrum

It is quick, painless, and helpful for both adults and children.

3. Speech Audiometry: Measuring Speech Understanding

This test checks how well you understand spoken words at different volumes. It includes:

Speech recognition threshold (SRT): The softest speech you can hear.
Word recognition score (WRS): How clearly you understand words at a louder volume.

It helps audiologists know the following:

If hearing aids will help
How do you hear in noisy environments
Whether speech clarity is a problem

4. Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Test: Hearing Check for Newborns and Young Children

This test measures tiny sounds the inner ear makes in response to clicks or tones. It is used to:

Screen newborns and infants
Check for cochlear (inner ear) damage
Confirm hearing loss in people who cannot respond to regular tests

The test is:

Fast
Non-invasive
Requires no action from the patient

It’s a key part of early hearing detection.

5. Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Test: Checking Nerve Signals

The ABR test checks how well the hearing nerve and brain respond to sound.

How it works:

Small sensors are placed on the head
Headphones play soft clicking sounds
The sensors measure how the brain reacts

ABR is used when:

A child cannot complete a regular test
There are concerns about hearing nerve function
Hearing loss appears suddenly or at birth

It is often done while the patient sleeps.

6. Vestibular Testing: Diagnosing Balance Problems

Audiologists perform balance tests to find the cause of dizziness or falling. Tests may include:

Videonystagmography (VNG): Measures eye movements during motion.
Rotary chair testing: Tracks how your eyes respond to moving chairs.
Posturography: Measures balance when standing on a platform.

These tests help identify:

Inner ear disorders
Vertigo or Meniere’s disease
Fall risk in older adults

What Treatments Do Audiologists Provide?

Audiologists do more than test your hearing. They also provide treatments that help improve hearing, balance, and quality of life. Let’s explore the most common ways audiologists help patients of all ages.

1. Hearing Aids: Personalized Devices to Improve Hearing

Hearing aids are small electronic tools worn in or behind the ear. They make sounds louder and clearer.

Audiologists:

Test your hearing
Choose the correct type of hearing aid
Fit the device for comfort
Program the settings for your needs
Teach you how to use and clean it

There are many types of hearing devices based on the location

Behind-the-ear (BTE)
In-the-ear (ITE)
In-the-canal (ITC)

Some connect to phones or TVs using Bluetooth. The audiologist helps select the best one for your lifestyle.

2. Cochlear Implants: A Solution for Severe Hearing Loss

Hearing aids may not help people with very poor hearing. A cochlear implant is a better option. A surgeon places this small device and lets you hear by sending signals directly to the hearing nerve.

Audiologists work with the surgeon to:

Test your hearing before surgery
Program the implant after healing
Guide you through learning how to use it
Offer long-term care and support

Cochlear implants are often used in children born with hearing loss or adults with profound hearing damage.

3. Tinnitus Management: Reducing Ringing or Buzzing in the Ears

Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears. It may come and go or feel constant.

Audiologists use different methods to manage tinnitus:

Sound therapy using white noise
Counseling to lower stress
Hearing aids with masking features
Education about lifestyle changes

While there is no cure, treatment can help reduce the discomfort and improve focus and sleep.

4. Balance Therapy: Helping You Stay Steady

Many people feel dizzy or unsteady due to inner ear problems. Audiologists offer balance therapy to reduce falls and improve safety.

They provide:

Vestibular rehabilitation exercises
Education on safe movement
Home programs to build balance skills

They also refer you to other specialists if needed, such as physical therapists or neurologists. Many audiologists deliver these specialized services through flexible work settings, including locum tenens roles.

5. Auditory Training: Improving Listening and Brain Skills

Some people can hear sounds but still struggle to understand speech. This is often due to auditory processing problems.

Audiologists offer:

Listening practice using special programs
Speech recognition exercises
Memory and focus training

This helps children do better in school, and adults follow conversations more easily, especially in noisy settings.

6. Ear Protection: Preventing Hearing Loss

Loud noise can harm hearing over time. Audiologists help protect ears from damage.

They provide:

Custom earplugs for musicians, swimmers, or factory workers
Hearing conservation programs for workplaces
Education on safe volume levels

These services prevent noise-induced hearing loss, a growing problem in children and adults.

7. How to Repair and Adjust Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids need care and adjustments over time. Audiologists provide:

Device cleaning
Battery replacement
Reprogramming as hearing changes
Repairs for broken parts

They ensure your hearing aids always work at their best.

8. Counseling and Support: Helping You Adjust to Hearing Loss

Living with hearing or balance issues can be stressful. Audiologists support your emotional and social needs, too.

They offer:

Patient Education
Support for families
Referrals to speech therapists or hearing support groups

They help you feel confident using hearing devices and teach ways to stay connected with others.

Pediatric vs. Adult Audiology: Major Differences in Hearing Care

Audiologists treat people of all ages, but children and adults need different care. The way audiologists test, treat, and support each group is unique. Let’s explore how pediatric and adult audiology differ.

Hearing Tests Are Age-Specific

Testing a baby or toddler is very different from testing an adult. Adults can follow instructions and answer questions. However, young children may not yet speak or understand the test rules.

Pediatric hearing tests include:

Otoacoustic emissions (OAE): Measure the ear’s response to sound
Auditory brainstem response (ABR): Tests brain signals using gentle electrodes
Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA): Uses lights or toys to reward head turns
Play audiometry: Involves games like placing blocks when hearing sounds

Adult hearing tests are more direct:

Pure-tone audiometry with headphones
Speech recognition testing
Middle ear testing (tympanometry)

Each age group needs tools suited to their development.

Communication Needs Vary by Age

Children with hearing loss often need help learning to speak. Audiologists work with speech therapists and teachers.

They may provide:

Language development tracking
Tips for parents to support talking at home
Classroom hearing support, like FM systems

Adults, on the other hand, may need support for:

Understanding speech in noise
Using hearing aids at work or in social events
Relearning sounds after hearing loss

Each group has different listening goals and life situations.

How Audiologists Fit Hearing Devices for Children?

For children, audiologists:

Choose hearing aids that grow with the child
Use soft, flexible earpieces for comfort
Teach parents how to maintain and clean devices
Offer frequent check-ups to adjust settings as the child develops

For adults, fitting focuses on:

Personal preferences
Work or social needs
Advanced features like Bluetooth streaming
Lifestyle, such as travel or phone use

Adults can manage their own devices. Children rely on caregivers and school staff.

Family Support in Pediatric Audiology Care

In pediatric care, the whole family is involved. Audiologists:

Teach parents how to talk to their child
Help caregivers track progress
Work with teachers and daycare staff
Build trust with the child over time

For adults, care is more independent. Support may include:

Spouses or caregivers during appointments
Education about age-related hearing loss
Counseling for confidence and device use

Both age groups benefit from emotional support, but the approach is different.

Emotional Support in Audiology for Children and Adults

Children may feel confused, scared, or frustrated. Audiologists use gentle, fun methods to help kids feel safe. They celebrate progress and make care feel like play. Adults may feel embarrassed, anxious, or isolated. Audiologists provide:

Encouragement
Counseling
Realistic expectations
Support groups if needed

Each patient needs respect, patience, and a positive plan forward.

School Support vs. Workplace Support

Audiologists help children succeed in school by:

Working with teachers and special education staff
Recommending classroom hearing tools
Supporting Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Adults often need:

Help managing hearing aids in the workplace
Tips for talking to coworkers
Help to hear during meetings or on the phone

The audiologist ensures the patient stays active in learning or working environments.

Long-Term Audiology Care for Children and Adults

Children need:

Frequent testing as they grow
Device changes to fit new needs
Monitoring speech and learning development

Adults need:

Check-ups as hearing changes with age
Device upgrades when needed
Counseling to stay socially connected

Care doesn’t end with the first visit—it continues throughout life.

Wrapping Up: The Full Scope of Audiology Care

Audiologists do far more than conduct hearing tests—they play a vital role in improving lives at every stage. From identifying hearing issues in newborns to guiding children through school challenges and helping adults stay connected with family and friends, audiologists provide personalized, ongoing support. Their work strengthens communication, fosters development, and promotes emotional well-being throughout a person’s life. No matter the age, audiologists are dedicated partners in hearing health.

By understanding how hearing needs evolve, from pediatric testing to age-related hearing loss, families and individuals are empowered to seek timely, practical support. Early intervention, personalized hearing aids, educational accommodations, and emotional care ensure no one is unheard.

If you or a loved one is facing hearing challenges, don’t wait. Schedule a hearing evaluation with a licensed audiologist and take the first step toward more transparent communication and a better quality of life.

Are you an audiologist looking for a locum tenens job? Imperial Locum specializes in placing qualified audiologists in flexible, high-demand roles across the U.S. Contact us today to explore your next career opportunity.