​What is an Audiologist?

An audiologist is a allied health professional who specializes in the non-medical management of hearing and balance disorders for both adults and children. Their main aim is to help clients preserve, manage and improve their ability to hear and process sounds, as well as their balance. This is often done though performing diagnostic tests including methods using electrophysiological techniques. Audiologists do not just undertake hearing assessments and fit hearing devices, but also focus on rehabilitation and evaluation of more complex hearing issues, including tinnitus, auditory processing and neural functioning.

Some areas that audiologists can address include:

• Assessment of auditory and vestibular (balance) functioning
• Undertake tinnitus and communication/conversational training
• Prescribe and fit devices/aids including assistive listening devices (ALDs), hearing aids and remote sensing systems (eg FMs).
• Provide counselling about hearing protection and fit custom earplugs (eg swimming, musician, noise plugs).

Clinical audiologists often work in multi-disciplinary teams with other primary health practitioners to help clients with their hearing loss and related concerns by determining their need for medical and/or rehabilitative interventions. Audiologists should not be confused with audiometrists, clinicians who complete non-university (eg TAFE) vocational studies in hearing assessments, device fittings and management. Audiometrists often work under the direction of audiologists.

To become an audiologist and full members of the Australian professional body for audiologists, clinicians are required to complete at least five years at university, including the equivalent of an Australian University’s Masters-level degree in clinical Audiology. Following the completion of their studies, audiologists are required to undertake ongoing postgraduate training by attending seminars, conferences and training courses. Here at Sydney Hearing Services, our clinicians are full members of Audiology Australia who hold current Certificates of Clinical Practice.

​If you feel any concerns regarding your hearing, feel free to contact the clinic to book in for a full diagnostic assessment with one of our audiologists.