Audiology

What is audiology?

Audiology is an important part of the assessment and management of hearing loss, tinnitus and balance problems. Audiology is usually used alongside other assessments, tests and treatments that may be provided by your GP or by a hearing specialist (ENT or audiovestibular medicine).

Audiology will help determine whether your condition might be treatable. If your condition is not treatable, audiology may provide help such as providing hearing aids or balance therapy.

Audiology includes:

• Completion of hearing tests, including tests for babies who have been identified at birth via The Newborn Hearing Screening Programme.

• Assessment of dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders.

• Assessment and treatment of tinnitus (noises in the ears, usually ringing) and hyperacusis (noise sensitivity).

• Fitting, adjustment, and maintenance of hearing aids.

• Other forms of hearing rehabilitation.

An audiologist is a professional who diagnoses and treats hearing and balance problems for adults and children of all ages. Audiologists work in a variety of areas, including hospitals, private practices, schools, colleges and universities, GP surgeries and rehabilitation centres, and long-term and residential healthcare facilities. Audiologists who work specifically with children usually work alongside multiple other healthcare professionals (Teachers of the Deaf, speech and language therapists, psychologists, and others).

Audiologists have extensive training in sound reproduction, which is critical to the accurate fitting and adjustment of hearing aids.

If an audiologist finds that a significant hearing or balance problem is present then they can help to provide recommendations for interventions or rehabilitation (eg, hearing aids, cochlear implants, or a referral to an appropriate medical specialist for further assessment).

All audiologists should be appropriately qualified and registered:

• Audiologists need to complete a three-year NHS Practitioner Training Programme in healthcare science (audiology).

• The Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) is a three-year BSc Honours undergraduate training scheme that includes work-based and academic learning.

• An audiologist working in private practice needs an audiology degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

It is important to note that if you suddenly lose hearing in one or both ears, you should contact your GP or NHS 111. It might not be due to a serious cause, but in some cases this is a medical emergency. If this is the case, there is a short time frame for treatment to work.