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Audiologist

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£25,654 Starter

to

£45,838 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

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How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an audiologist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

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

Apprenticeship

You may be able to take a hearing aid dispenser higher apprenticeship.

This usually takes around 24 months to complete as a mix of learning on the job and study.

This will qualify you to work independently to test people's hearing and advise and fit hearing aid devices.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Volunteering

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

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:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of psychology
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • decide on the best way to test a patient's hearing
  • adapt tests to suit the age and ability of the patient
  • check hearing, including sound level and frequency range
  • investigate any related medical, physical and emotional symptoms
  • fit, test or repair hearing aid devices and technology
  • provide ongoing support and aftercare to patients

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital or in a therapy clinic.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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. 

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Hearing Aid Dispenser Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £146.25 Weekly
  • Location:
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Access to Higher Education Diploma: Health Science Professions

  • Provider: YORK COLLEGE
  • Start date: 20 September 2021
  • Location: York

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Science) Level 3 Open College Network West Midlands. Blended Evening

  • Provider: DUDLEY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
  • Start date: 23 February 2022
  • Location: Dudley
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