AN AUDIOLOGIST
An audiologist is the professional specifically trained in
all non-medical aspects of hearing impairment. He/she must
earn at least a master degree, or a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.)
degree to practice the profession of Audiology. After the
completion of the academic training, the individual must pass
a national examination and complete a one-year internship,
known as the Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY), to become nationally
certified in Audiology.
Once the audiologist has passed his/her national examination,
and successfully completed their CFY, the audiologist has
earned his/her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology
(CCC-A). The audiologistsŐ credentials follow after their
name. For example, John Doe, M.S., CCC-A. This example indicates
that John Doe has a Master degree and is certified in Audiology.
John Doe, Au.D. indicates that John Doe has a Doctor of Audiology
degree, which also implies certification.
Many states license audiologists to practice. The Audiology
license is different from that of the Hearing Aid Dispenser
license. For an audiologist to fit hearing aids, in some states,
has to have a hearing aid dispensing license as well.
Audiologic Care: Prevention, evaluation, and treatment of
the human hearing and balance systems provided by audiologists
either individually or as part of a healthcare team by using
their professional skills to improve each patientŐs quality
of life.
An audiologist is capable of determining: · The presence
of hearing loss.
* The degree and type of hearing loss.
* The nature of associated communication problems.
* Whether a hearing aid, or assistive device, is needed
and which type of hearing aid would potentially offer the
greatest benefit.
In addition, the audiologist is qualified to perform group
or individual hearing rehabilitation, which includes hearing
aid orientation (training in the proper use of hearing aids),
speech reading, auditory training (listening training), communicative
strategies, telephone use, patient and/or family counseling,
and in-service training or consultation.
Audiologists work in a variety of professional settings,
such as, clinics, hospitals, schools, physician offices, private
practice, and manufacturing.
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