Audiologists
Audiologists are licensed professionals who hold a master's degree, Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), or Ph.D. in the hearing sciences. The specific degree and experience requirements necessary to practice are determined by each state audiology license board. As of January 2007 all professional training programs for audiologists in the United States culminate with the Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology) degree. Many state license laws now require the Au.D. degree for all newly licensed audiologists, and it is expected that eventually all license laws will require this (in the United States of America). Audiologists who have earned the master's degree prior to the change in licensing standards are not required to earn a doctorate to continue practicing in the field. Audiologists have a clinical/educational background that emphasizes diagnostic evaluation of auditory (hearing) and vestibular (balance) systems, amplification technology (especially hearing aids), cochlear implant mapping, hearing science, aural rehabilitation and assistive device fitting. Audiologists may specialize in pediatric diagnostics/amplification, cochlear implants, educational audiology, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, vestibular and balance issues, and/or industrial hearing conservation. Audiologists also work in universities, conducting research, or acting as clinical instructors.
Audiologists are also involved in the prevention of hearing loss and other communication disorders. Hearing Conservation programs in industry and government strive to prevent noise induced hearing loss through education and Audiologist intervention. Audiologists are often in charge of Newborn Hearing Screening programs designed to identify hearing loss within the first 4 months of life.
Hearing aid dispensers (Hearing Instrument Specialists, Hearing Aid Dealers) are not to be confused with Audiologists. Hearing aid dispensers must pass a state licensing written and practical examination in fitting hearing aids. A Board Certified dispenser must have two years experience and pass a National Competency Examination. Hearing aid dispensers work on a commission (in the United States of America). Prior to 1988, hearing instrument dispensers fit patients referred to them by Audiologists and physicians who wrote a prescriptions for hearing aids (in the United States of America). Many countries including the UK have programs where the training of the Hearing Aid Technician / Practitioner meet or exceed that of an Audiologist with respect to the provision of hearing aids. However, in Canada and the U.S.A., most audiologists are well-trained in amplification and ably prescribe, dispense, and fit hearing instruments as well as provide follow-up treatment and ongoing counseling with regard to hearing and hearing loss, communication and the adjustment to wearing hearing aids. In Canada, hearing instrument specialists are college-trained professionals able to work with adults in the area of basic hearing assessment and hearing aid fitting. In Ontario, only audiologists and physicians can perform the controlled act of hearing aid prescription, however. In Quebec, audiologists do not dispense. Hearing instrument specialists are not trained to work with children or infants."http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audiology