Audiologist

Overview

Audiologists assess and treat hearing and balance disorders. India has a structural shortage of audiologists relative to the burden of hearing loss (60+ million Indians with disabling hearing loss per WHO). The role spans diagnostic audiometry, hearing aid fitting and counselling, cochlear implant programming, and balance / vestibular assessment. Major employers include AIISH Mysuru, AYJNIHH Mumbai, AIIMS, Cochlear India, MED-EL India, plus large hospital ENT departments and specialised audiology clinics (Cochlear, Widex, Phonak retail and clinical centres).

Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct diagnostic audiometry (PTA, tympanometry, OAE, ABR, ASSR); assess hearing aid candidacy and fit hearing aids (analogue, digital, BTE, RIC, ITE); programme cochlear implants and provide MAP adjustments; conduct vestibular assessments (VNG, VEMP, vHIT); counsel patients and families; provide newborn hearing screening; manage tinnitus and hyperacusis cases; collaborate with ENT surgeons, SLPs, and special educators.

Skills required

• Pure tone audiometry and impedance testing
• OAE and ABR (objective audiometry)
• Hearing aid fitting and verification
• Cochlear implant programming (Cochlear, MED-EL, Advanced Bionics)
• Vestibular assessment (VNG, VEMP, vHIT)
• Paediatric audiology
• Counselling and family education
• Knowledge of audiology software (Affinity, Aurical)

Education path

Career progression

1. 1
   Audiologist (0-3 yrs)
2. 2
   Senior Audiologist (3-7 yrs)
3. 3
   Clinical Lead (7-12 yrs)
4. 4
   Department Head / Audiology Manager (12-18 yrs)
5. 5
   Director / Owner of Audiology Centre (18+ yrs)

Top employers in India

Useful certifications

• RCI Registration
• CCC-A (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, for international practice)
• Manufacturer-specific certifications (Cochlear, MED-EL, Advanced Bionics)
• Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) Certification
• IELTS / OET for international migration

Adjacent careers

Courses that lead to this career