Study audiology
An audiologist is someone who identifies and treats disorders in the auditory and vestibular system of the ear. If you’re interested in identifying people who can benefit from hearing aids, audiology might be for you. The field does require skills unique from other medical professions, though. Many audiologists also serve as counselors for the deaf, and sometimes even for their families (especially when an infant is born deaf). Some may be focused on research, helping to design new hearing aids, while others help to implement safety programs in industrial settings or screening programs for students and newborns.The following list contains common areas of expertise for many audiologists: Acoustics, Anatomy, Cochlear implants, Counseling, Hearing aids, Neurology, Physiology and Electrophysiology Sign Language. For most of the latter half of the twentieth century (the field only dates back to the 1940s), audiologists required a master’s degree and healthcare license. Near the turn of the century, training for the field started to resemble a doctoral program, and starting in 2007, audiologists have been required to obtain a doctoral degree (either a Ph.D or a Doctor of Audiology Au.D.). This degree normally takes four years for students with a background in Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and/or Communication Sciences and Disorders. For those without prior knowledge, it may require a second bachelor’s program or a special 5-year program.There are at least two distance learning audiology programs in the United States, provided by A.T. Still University and the University of Florida. Many schools now include a residential Au.D. program, including Arizona State University, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Gallaudet University, Illinois State University, James Madison University, Miami University, Northeastern University, Towson University, and many more.The field of audiology is accessible to both hearing and deaf applicants. The only constant requirement is passion for treating hearing disorders and improving the lives of those affected. If this sounds like something that would interest you, you can learn more at the website of the American Academy of Audiology. The AAA is the largest organization of audiologists in the world, providing resources to over 10,000 members and supporting the core values of Advocacy, Education, Leadership, Public Awareness, and Research. You can visit them at www.audiology.org/, where you can find accredited U.S. programs and learn how to become a member. Other organizations which may also provide information are the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology.