Audiologist

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Audiologists (3141.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Audiologists and SpeechLanguage Pathologists (D041) 
• 2011 NOC: Audiologists and speech-language pathologists (3141) 

Audiologists may work with a particular age group (for example, infants, preschoolers, the elderly) or work with people of all ages. In general, they:

• use specialized instruments and electronic equipment to test and measure hearing abilities and balance disorders
• determine the degree, type and location of hearing or balance problems
• recommend, select, fit or teach clients how to use appropriate assistive listening devices (for example, hearing aids, cochlear implants, telephone adaptors, visual alarms)
• plan and implement management programs (for example, auditory training, instruction in speech reading, treatment for tinnitus)
• help parents and others (for example, teachers, employers) facilitate communication for people who have hearing impairments
• maintain client records
• assess and mange central auditory processing disorders
• consult with and advise other health professionals.

Audiologists sometimes work in teams with speech-language pathologists, hearing aid practitioners, otolaryngologists, physicians, psychologists, social workers, nurses, teachers, occupational therapists or physical therapists. For example, teams may be involved in the assessment and rehabilitation of hearing abilities through the prescription of hearing aids, speech reading instruction or teaching strategies. Or they may be involved in studying and improving measures for hearing conservation in work, school and leisure settings.

Some audiologists:

• develop and supervise hearing screening programs
• plan and implement hearing conservation programs
• work with clients who have problems with balance or tinnitus 
• educate and supervise students, professionals and support personnel in a variety of work settings
• participate in research related to hearing and balance
• work in the hearing aid manufacturing and sales industries
• teach in universities and colleges.

Audiologists generally work standard weekday office hours. They may work with individual clients or groups of clients in private practice clinics, community health centres, rehabilitation centres, hospitals or schools. Those in the hearing aid manufacturing and sales industries work primarily with other audiologists and engineers.

Audiologists need the following characteristics:

• excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• the intellect and perseverance required to complete the training
• sensitivity to client needs
• the ability to concentrate and pay close attention to details
• an appreciation for precision instrumentation
• the ability to work in a team environment.

They should enjoy working with people, exploring problems in depth and operating equipment.

Most audiologists are employed as clinicians by:

• private practice offices
• hospitals
• schools
• community health centres
• rehabilitation centres.

Some are employed as:

• researchers in hospitals, universities and government agencies (a doctorate usually is required)
• administrators of speech and hearing programs
• sales representatives for hearing aid companies (for more information, see the Technical Sales Representative occupational profile).

Some audiologists own and operate their own private practice office.

Private practice fees are not covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance but many private insurance plans and other sources of government funding cover specific services and products.

Audiologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3141: Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Canadian Academy of Audiology website: www.canadianaudiology.ca

Speech-Language & Audiology Canada website: www.sac-oac.ca

Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA) website: www.acslpa.ab.ca

Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca

National Centre for Audiology website: www.uwo.ca/nca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.