Audiology
What is audiology?
Communication is vital to the quality of life of individuals and society, and audiologists play an essential role in improving hearing throughout the community. UQ Health Sciences are committed to equipping students to take on this important career to help make the world better.
What will I do as an audiologist?
Audiologists form a vital part of the health community, working with individuals, organisations, community groups and industry to provide knowledge, resources and specialised therapeutic skills to ensure better hearing health throughout all sectors of society. Audiologists perform the vital work of treating hearing loss, as well as facilitating the prevention of damage to the hearing of their clients.
The clinical role of the audiologist involves a number of functions and interactions with clients. A key foundational task is the taking of case histories from clients, or, if the client is a child, from the parent or caregiver. A hearing assessment is then often given, with follow-up discussion of the results. A hearing management plan is then devised and discussed with the client, and a report recorded.
In some cases, a client may require a hearing aid. The audiologist will, then, discuss with the client their options in terms of style and type of aid, and assist them to select an appropriate hearing aid. The audiologist will also do the fitting of the aid itself, and provide follow-up counseling and support in managing and most effectively utilising the hearing aid.
One of the key roles in the career of the audiologist lies in client interaction. An audiologist will talk with patients to ascertain their concerns in hearing or balance, to ensure that they understand the purpose of scheduled hearing tests, to explain the implications of test results and to counsel them through treatment or rehabilitation options.
Who will I work with?
Healthcare is a team activity, and audiologists are also called upon to function as part of a team, providing information on the hearing health care needs of their clients to other health professions such as General Practitioners, Ear Nose and Throat specialists, Pediatricians, or Geriatricians. When a patient needs a cochlear implant, an audiologist functions as a part of a multidisciplinary team in the arrangement of a implant. An Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon performs the surgery and implants the device while the audiologist manages rehabilitation post-surgery and adjusts the settings of the implant.
Where will I work?
These consultations may take place in clinical settings such as hospitals or private practice, in a community organisation such as a child health clinic or aged care facility, or in an industrial or business organisation.
An audiologist may choose to specialise in any number of areas, including rehabilitation, diagnostics, pediatrics, industrial consultancy, research, product support, or community welfare.
Is it a good career?
The profession of audiology has many benefits, both for those functioning within the profession and for those utilising its services. There is a great demand for the specialised services that audiologists offer, and graduates will be able to choose from a variety of career options.
A career in audiology will provide significant autonomy in decision-making, clear professional boundaries, and a position of respect within the health and medical community. Not only are there many opportunities for team-based roles, but there is also the option for an audiologist to set up private practice.
How much will I earn?
Due to high demand, it is usual for students with the University of Queensland’s Master of Audiology Studies program to graduate with an employment contract already established. The first year of an audiology career entails supervised practice, for which the salary is usually between $50,000 and $60,000 per year. After completion of the first year, salaries may rise up to $100,000.
What qualifications and skills do I need?
A good audiologist will possess certain skills, including, of course, high level verbal and written communication skills. Another important skill is the ability to analyse a set of information, circumstances, or data, and apply problem-solving approaches in order to find the best solutions for a client’s hearing health needs.
Another important characteristic of a good audiologist is an ability and desire to work closely with a wide range of people. As well, a high level of empathy, respect and patience for people from different backgrounds, and with a range of physical and sensory impairments, is another important professional attribute.
The professional qualifications to become an audiologist require the completion of a 2 year Master of Audiology Studies, which can be undertaken after the completion of a bachelors degree in any number of fields, such as health, science or education,
Entry pre-requisites exist for this course, and further details are available on the University of Queensland website.
Why study audiology at UQ?
The University of Queensland is privileged to host an audiology teaching and research staff of international leaders in their field. The Master of Audiology Studies program run by the University of Queensland provides students with the knowledge and conceptual base, as well as the practical skills, which are necessary for undertaking a clinical career in audiology. A balanced approach, combining both coursework and real-world clinical practice, make this program exceptionally effective in equipping students to begin their professional career immediately upon graduation. Students are guided through the theoretical foundations of audiology, as well as learning about the role that is theirs to play in the health community in contributing to hearing health. A graduate of the University of Queensland Master of Audiology Studies also has the opportunity to contribute to the development of clinical audiology through academic research.
Students at UQ will be able to use technologically cutting edge clinical laboratories and students have the enviable opportunity to become familiar and skilled in the use of state of the art audiological equipment, making them world class practitioners and greatly desired graduates.
Future pathways
Opportunities also exists within the University of Queensland to continue on towards a PhD in Audiology, which can then lead to a professional career in research in the field of audiology.
A career in audiology is one whose benefits are many, both tangibly and intangibly. The University of Queensland’s Master of Audiology Studies is a great choice for anyone desiring a challenging and fulfilling career. Apply today to help make the world better.
