Audiologist

Audiologists work with children and adults who suffer from hearing loss, tinnitus, or have problems with balance.

Salary range: £24,907 to £44,503

How to become an audiologist

You can get into this job through:

• a university course

University

You’ll need to complete a 3-year NHS Practitioner Training Programme in healthcare science (audiology).

To work as an audiologist in the private sector, you’ll need to do an audiology degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.

You could join the postgraduate NHS Scientist Training Programme, if you already have a science degree. This is a 3-year course in clinical science, specialising in neurosensory sciences.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Volunteering and experience

You’ll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in a healthcare setting before you apply for a course.

You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.

More information

Registration

• you’ll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Professional and industry bodies

You could register with The Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists to get access to professional development and networking opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an audiologist from:

• British Academy of Audiology
• British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists
• Health Careers

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

• customer service skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of psychology
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and requirements

You’ll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties might include:

• deciding on the best way to test a patient’s hearing
• adapting tests to suit the age and ability of the patient
• checking hearing, including sound level and frequency range
• investigating any related medical, physical and emotional symptoms

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

You could go on to specialise in areas like balance rehabilitation, cochlear implants, or assisting people with learning disabilities or dual sensory loss.

With experience, you could lead a team, manage a unit, or move into a general management position in mainstream healthcare.

You could also take on a research or teaching post at a university.