As directed by a licensed audiologist, the audiologist assistant performs supportive duties that are not directly involved in diagnosis and treatment. Assistants may assist the audiologist with screenings and patient preparation, as well as maintaining equipment, maintaining records, and repairing hearing aids. While a doctorate is required to become an audiologist, an assistant position can be obtained with a high school diploma and competency training in the field.
Hearing loss, balance problems, and other ear-related conditions are diagnosed and treated by licensed audiologists. Patients are examined and results are analyzed using audiometers and computers. An audiologist assistant may check the equipment and make sure everything is in working order for the doctor before the test.
The audiologist assistant may take ear mold impressions and perform repairs on hearing aids that have been brought in for service. In a larger practice, an assistant may specialize in this activity. Answering patients’ questions on the phone and in the office will be a large part of the job. Patients are also taught how to use their hearing aids by assistants. Administrative tasks that assist the audiologist may be added to the job description.
During the course of their employment, the audiologist assistant may perform low-level testing procedures under the direct supervision of the audiologist, either directly or indirectly. A trained and competent audiologist assistant can often perform newborn screening, freeing up the doctor to focus on more critical care and treatment of other patients. A well-trained assistant can perform preliminary routine testing to determine the need for a more thorough examination by the doctor. Assistants should not be expected to perform tasks that the audiologist has not specifically authorized and observed them to be capable of.
For those interested in working as an audiologist assistant, college or university courses in audiology may be sought. Military personnel can choose to participate in a rigorous training program that can be transferred to civilian life. Written and practical exams are required in some states in the United States before an audiologist assistant can perform certain duties or tests. Competency-based training can also be provided through an audiologist-created program.
Between 1996 and 2004, the percentage of audiologist assistant jobs in Veteran’s Administration (VA) hospitals in the United States increased by 619 percent. On-the-job training is typically provided by government positions, but only to those who are hired. Private practice has job openings, and a good assistant can stay in the same office for a long time. In this field of medicine, non-military hospitals, outpatient care centers, and clinics may also be looking for well-trained personnel.