An audiologist is a professional who holds a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited university with special training in the prevention, identification, assessment, and non-medical treatment of hearing disorders. Audiologists are required to complete a full-time internship and pass a demanding national competency examination. Their academic and clinical training provides the foundation for patient management from birth through adulthood.

Audiologists determine appropriate patient treatment of hearing problems by combining a complete history with a variety of specialized auditory assessments. Based upon the diagnosis, the audiologist presents a variety of treatment options to patients with hearing impairment. Audiologists dispense and fit hearing aids as well as assistive listening equipment as part of a comprehensive rehabilitative program. This is combined with individual counseling to help those with hearing loss function more effectively in social, educational, and occupational environments.