Audiologists are trained specialists who typically see patients diagnosed with hearing or balance issues, but not as frequently as other health professionals. Their work may involve diagnostics, device fitting, and sound protection strategies within healthcare settings, as well as opportunities in research and specialty areas. Education requirements include obtaining a doctoral degree in most states and passing licensing exams to practice.

1. The Ear Specialist
Not as many people routinely visit an
audiologist as one might visit a
dentist or primary care Audiologist,
so little is known about what these
highly trained Audiologist do.
Typically you don't visit the "ear
specialist" unless you've been
diagnosed with a hearing problem,
trouble balancing or other issues related to use of your ears.
While all of these specialists are licensed to practice in his or her
state, not all are doctors, or hold a PHD.
In fact you are only required to have a doctoral degree in 18
states in the U.S. to work in this field. It can be a rewarding
career choice. Audiologist may pick up; a specialty such as
working with the elderly or children. Others may work in research
and design, making devices to protect or augment sound or
devise methods to protect workers' hearing from job-related
activities. This usually involves conducting a fair amount of tests
to determine the sound quality in an environment, such as a
school or stadium, then devising strategies to help protect people
from damaging decibel levels.
While audiologists can work as consultants or manage a private
practice, they are more likely to work in conjunction with a larger
health facility such as a hospital or clinic. There, they diagnose
and treat balance disorders, clean the ear canal, or test and fit
hearing aids. Those interested in going into this field need be
prepared to undertake college-level courses at one of the 70
institutions accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation
(CAA). Then you must complete a test to be licensed in the state
in which you want to practice or attend a 4-year graduate
program to receive an Au.D. (as opposed to a PHD) depending on

2. where you live.
REFERENCES: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos085.htm
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