What is an Audiologist?

Audiology can be described as the paramedical profession which is concerned with all types of auditory impairments and their relationship to all types of communication disorders. Audiologists tend to be involved in the identification, assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment and management of disorders of peripheral or central auditory impairments (hearing loss/impairment and/or deafness), balance system disorders/dysfunction, tinnitus and other neural systems.

The Audiologist is trained to identify and evaluate the range, nature and degree of hearing / hearing loss in babies, children and adults. They are further involved in the provision of audiological (aural) habilitation and rehabilitation to both children and adults, and are trained and capable with regard to planning, conducting, directing and participating in the management of persons with hearing loss, whether it be referral for medical management, or the selection, fitting and provision of suitable hearing amplification systems such as hearing aids and other assistive listening devices to both children and adults.

Audiologists are also involved in the hearing conservation or the prevention of hearing loss, through auditory training, counselling, guidance and the provision and fitting of hearing protective devises such as noise plugs.

An Audiologist is a professionally trained university graduate who has successfully completed at least four or five years of intensive academic and clinical training. In order for an Audiologist to practice in South Africa it is necessary to be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.