If you plan to become an Audiologist, you will work with people who have hearing, balance, and related problems. You will use audiometers, computers, and other testing equipment to determine the nature and extent of hearing loss. Hearing disorders can result from a variety of causes including trauma at birth, viral infections, genetic disorders, exposure to loud noise, or aging. Treatment may include examining and cleaning the ear canal, fitting and dispensing hearing aids or other assistive devices, and audiologic rehabilitation, including auditory training or instruction in speech or lip reading.

As an audiologist, you will:

     interpret results and may coordinate them with medical, educational, and psychological information to make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment

     provide direct clinical services to individuals with hearing or balance disorders

     develop and carry out treatment programs

     work as a member of interdisciplinary professional teams in planning and implementing service delivery for children and adults, from birth to old age

     maintain records of the initial evaluation, progress, and discharge of clients

     conduct research on types of, and treatment for, hearing and balance

You will need a state license.

Of the 48 States that require a license to practice audiology, almost all require that individuals have a master's degree in audiology or the equivalent. However, a clinical doctoral degree is expected to become the new standard.