Audiologists

Administer hearing tests and examine patients to collect information on type and degree of impairment, using specialized instruments and electronic equipment.

Fit, dispense, and repair assistive devices, such as hearing aids.

Maintain patient records at all stages, including initial and subsequent evaluation and treatment activities.

Evaluate hearing and balance disorders to determine diagnoses and courses of treatment.

Program and monitor cochlear implants to fit the needs of patients.

Counsel and instruct patients and their families in techniques to improve hearing and communication related to hearing loss.

Refer patients to additional medical or educational services if needed.

Monitor patients' progress and provide ongoing observation of hearing or balance status.

Educate and supervise audiology students and health care personnel.

Instruct patients, parents, teachers, or employers in communication strategies to maximize effective receptive communication.

Recommend assistive devices according to patients' needs or nature of impairments.

Participate in conferences or training to update or share knowledge of new hearing or balance disorder treatment methods or technologies.

Plan and conduct treatment programs for patients' hearing or balance problems, consulting with educators, physicians, nurses, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and other health care personnel as necessary.

Work with multidisciplinary teams to assess and rehabilitate recipients of implanted hearing devices through auditory training and counseling.

Advise educators or other medical staff on hearing or balance topics.

Provide information to the public on hearing or balance topics.

Examine and clean patients' ear canals.

Engage in marketing activities, such as developing marketing plans, to promote business for private practices.

Perform administrative tasks, such as managing office functions and finances.

Measure noise levels in workplaces and conduct hearing conservation programs in industry, military, schools, and communities.

Develop and supervise hearing screening programs.

Conduct or direct research on hearing or balance topics and report findings to help in the development of procedures, technology, or treatments.