Audiologist

Audiology entails the diagnosis of hearing problems, fitting of hearing aids and therapy for patients with impaired hearing. Therapy is aimed at improving language, speech and lip-reading abilities as well as listening disabilities, and also the treatment of persons with cochlear implants. 

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Audiologists work directly with people, often children and the elderly, investigating problems with patients’ hearing and balance and developing methods of correcting them. To diagnose neurological diseases they make use of certain techniques and specialised equipment. They study problem cases found during routine tests and carry out further investigations.

Audiologists have to work with medical and scientific staff to develop and assess new hearing aids and equipment for people with hearing impairments. They have to adjust and calibrate equipment used for testing. They may also be responsible for managing a team of biomedical scientists and other support staff such as medical technologists, laboratory assistants and clerical assistants.

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Personal Requirements

• have good hand coordination
• be able to explain clearly and have fluency of speech
• pay attention to detail
• be observant
• be able to put people at ease
• have the ability to investigate
• work well in a team

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How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate (matric), or equivalent with a Bachelor's Degree pass 
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics (and Physical Science if you are doing a BSc)
Recommended Subjects: Physical Sciences and Life Sciences

In addition, check the university admission requirements to see if you qualify for the programme you want to do.

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What to Study

Degree: BA or BSc with suitable subjects - e.g. Wits, UCT, UP, UL

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Employment

• private practice
• hospitals and clinics
• special schools
• speech and hearing clinics
• Department of Education

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Further Information

South African Speech-Language-Hearing Association
P O Box 10813
Linton Grange, 6015
Tel: 0861 113 297
www.saslha.co.za

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Getting Started

• make an appointment to speak to an audiologist about this type of career
• do research into matters concerning the ear, hearing problems and their solutions

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