Audiologist

The work of an Audiologist involves identifying and evaluating hearing and balance function, along with related disorders.

You will work with people of all ages as part of a team of health care professionals, recommending and providing therapeutic rehabilitation and management. Audiology is a rapidly developing field, you could work within many different areas within audiology including newborn hearing screening, hearing aid audiologist, healthcare science practitioner and clinical scientists.

Role Characteristics

Assess people’s hearing using different tests and techniques
Record the results of tests accurately using various computer systems and forward these to appropriate health and care professionals
Fit, test and repair people’s hearing aids
Advise on ear health and hygiene
Educate people on the effects of noise on hearing
Support research in the prevention, identification and management of hearing loss, tinnitus and balance system dysfunction

Skills

Communication
Decision-making
Empathy
Operating equipment
Taking initiative
Using technology

Day in the life

Watch a day in the life of an Audiologist BSc student.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

BTEC

A-Levels

Undergraduate degree

Degree apprenticeship

Postgraduate degree

How to become

You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English, maths and a science subject. You will also need at least two A levels or equivalent including one science subject and then you can apply for an approved degree in Healthcare Science where you can specialise as an Audiologist. There is also the option of undertaking a Healthcare Science Practitioner degree apprenticeship specialising in Audiology.

Alternatively, you could take a three-year degree in a relevant science subject and then apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

It is good practice to be registered with the British Academy of Audiology (BAA).

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

You may be able to develop your with further specialisation, management, research, or teaching.

You could specialise in an area like cochlear implants, managing tinnitus, working with deafblind people, or assisting people with learning difficulties.

Occupational Therapist

Location

Hospitals
Community Settings
Opticians

Working hours

Full Time
Part Time
Weekdays
Casual Hours
Overtime
Flexible Hours

Leeds Opportunities

BTECs, T-levels or A-levels

Leeds City College Health and Social Care courses

Find BTEC, T-Level or A-Level courses in Health and Care at Leeds City College

Organisation: Leeds City College

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Access to university

Access to Higher Education (Healthcare Professions)

This course offers exciting opportunities for a range of degrees and subsequent careers in the health sector such as nursing, midwifery or other NHS related degree courses.

Organisation: Wakefield College

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BTECs, T-levels or A-levels

Calderdale College Health and Social Care Courses

Find out more about Health and Social Care courses at Calderdale College.

Organisation: Calderdale College

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Access to university

Healthcare Science Practitioner (Integrated Degree)

Healthcare Science covers a vast range of specialist areas such as cardiology, clinical engineering, nuclear medicine, radiation protection and audiology. This occupation is found in many different settings including hospitals, primary care, public health, and private sector hospitals. Employers vary in size from a large national organisation such as the NHS through to a private practice.

Organisation: Skills England

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Volunteering

Volunteering in Health and Care

Find out more about volunteering opportunities in Health and Care

Organisation: Volunteering Opportunities

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Work Experience

Healthcare Science Careers - Virtual Work Experience

Explore key areas of healthcare science, from life sciences and physiological sciences to bioinformatics, learning how these fields work together to improve care.

Organisation: NHS England

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Undergraduate Degree

BSc Audiology

As an audiologist, you'll develop relationships with your patients as you support them through their journey - from diagnosis to rehabilitation.

Organisation: University of Leeds

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