What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Audiologists work with people who have hearing, balance, and related ear problems. They examine individuals of all ages, assess the nature and extent of problems, and help the individuals manage their hearing and ear problems. Using audiometers, computers, and other testing devices and advanced technology, audiologists evaluate and diagnose balance disorders, and they measure the loudness at which a person begins to hear sounds, the ability to distinguish between sounds, and the impact of hearing loss on an individual’s daily life. Audiologists interpret these results and may coordinate them with medical, educational, and psychological information to determine a course of treatment. Audiologists identify types of hearing loss and work with people who have diminished hearing to recommend, fit, and dispense hearing aids. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists often work together because some speech problems are a direct result of hearing problems.
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
Most audiologists work in healthcare facilities, such as physicians’ offices, audiology clinics, and hospitals. Some work in schools or for school districts, and travel between facilities. Others work in health and personal care stores.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
Median annual salary: $85,997
Entry-level annual salary: $68,302
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Searchable Wage Database: https://dol.ny.gov/occupational-wages-0
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
Audiologists are expected to grow statewide by 22% between 2022 and 2032, with 56 average annual openings.
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Employment Projections: https://dol.ny.gov/employment-projections
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
In New York State, a licensed audiologist must complete a minimum of a master’s degree in audiology, though most educational programs are at the doctoral level. This includes studies in basic communication processes and professional and scientific areas of hearing and hearing loss. They must also complete a supervised practice of at least 400 hours. In addition, New York State licensed audiologists have satisfactorily completed 9 months of supervised experience and passed a written, state-approved licensing examination. Audiologists can also earn a doctoral degree in audiology in a graduate program typically lasting 4 years. Graduate coursework in audiology includes anatomy, physiology, physics, genetics, normal and abnormal communication development, diagnosis and treatment, pharmacology, and ethics. Graduate programs also include supervised clinical practice.
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
To be licensed as an audiologist in New York State, an individual must receive a master’s or doctoral degree in audiology from an approved educational program. (While New York State allows for master’s degrees, most accredited programs are at the doctoral level.) This education includes studies in basic communication processes and professional and scientific areas of hearing and hearing loss, as well as a supervised practice of at least 300 hours. In addition, New York licensed audiologists have satisfactorily completed 9 months of supervised experience and passed a written, New York State approved licensing examination. To meet the examination requirement for licensure, an audiologist must pass the Specialty Area test of the Praxis Series, Praxis II, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in New York.
For More Information:
New York State Education Department: http://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/audiology/license-requirements
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.
For More Information:
The American Speech Language Hearing Association – Financial Aid: https://www.asha.org/students/financial-aid/
The American Speech Language Hearing Foundation Scholarships: http://www.ashfoundation.org/grants/default.htm
The American Academy of Audiology: https://www.audiology.org/foundation/our-work/scholarships-and-awards/
The New York State Speech Language Hearing Association: http://www.nysslha.org/student-scholarships/