Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Audiologist

🎯 Role Definition

We are seeking a licensed Audiologist to deliver comprehensive hearing and balance care across diagnostic, rehabilitative, and counseling services. The ideal candidate will be proficient in audiometric testing (pure-tone, speech audiometry), electrophysiology (ABR, ASSR), objective measures (tympanometry, OAE), vestibular diagnostics (VNG/ENG, rotary chair), hearing aid fitting and verification (REM, real-ear), cochlear implant evaluation and mapping, newborn hearing screening, and patient-centered counseling. This role balances high-quality clinical care, documentation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and patient education to improve hearing health outcomes for pediatric and adult populations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Au.D. clinical extern or new graduate Audiologist
Master’s-level Audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist transitioning to clinical audiology
Speech-Language Pathologist with hearing specialization

Advancement To:

Senior Audiologist / Lead Clinician
Pediatric Audiology Specialist or Cochlear Implant Specialist
Clinical Manager, Hearing Services Director or Clinic Administrator
Academic faculty or Research Audiologist

Lateral Moves:

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapist
Hearing Rehabilitation Specialist / Patient Care Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive diagnostic audiological evaluations for adults and children, including pure-tone air and bone conduction thresholds, speech audiometry (SRT, WRS), masking, and immittance testing (tympanometry and acoustic reflexes) to accurately diagnose conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss.
Perform objective hearing assessments using otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR)/automated ABR for newborn and infant hearing screening, diagnostic thresholds in non-behavioral populations, and referral recommendations.
Administer and interpret vestibular diagnostic tests such as videonystagmography (VNG/ENG), caloric testing, rotary chair, and posturography to evaluate dizziness and balance disorders and collaborate with ENT and neurology for integrated patient care.
Complete comprehensive hearing aid consultations, selection, programming, and fitting, including earmold impression taking, counseling on amplification options, and integration of hearing assistive technologies (ALDs, FM systems).
Verify hearing aid fittings using real-ear measures (REM), probe microphone verification, and speech-in-noise testing; adjust fittings to meet validated prescription targets (NAL, DSL) and patient functional goals.
Evaluate patients for cochlear implant candidacy, conduct pre-operative testing and counseling, collaborate with implant centers/surgeon teams, and perform post-implant activation, mapping, and ongoing programming adjustments.
Provide pediatric audiology services including behavioral audiometry for infants and children, play audiometry, specialized testing accommodations, parent counseling, educational recommendations, and school-readiness communications.
Manage newborn hearing screening programs (UNHS/EHDI), perform screenings, document results, coordinate follow-up diagnostics, and ensure compliance with state reporting requirements and timelines.
Offer tinnitus assessment and management, including tinnitus counseling, sound therapy recommendations, hearing protection education, and referral to multidisciplinary tinnitus programs when indicated.
Implement and document aural rehabilitation plans including auditory training, communication strategies, counseling for hearing loss impact, and coordination with speech-language pathologists and educators.
Perform cerumen management and ear cleaning when clinically indicated and within scope of practice, maintaining high standards of safety, infection control, and documentation.
Accurately document clinical findings, diagnostic test results, treatment plans, device settings, and follow-up actions in the electronic medical record (EMR) and submit timely clinical notes for insurance and regulatory compliance.
Manage prior authorizations, insurance billing documentation, and coding for audiology services and hearing devices; work with billing teams to secure coverage and streamline patient financial counseling.
Provide patient- and family-centered counseling on test results, prognosis, device expectations, communication strategies, and realistic benefit timelines, with sensitivity to cultural and language needs.
Supervise, train, and mentor audiology assistants, externs, and support staff; delegate tasks appropriately while ensuring quality control of clinical testing and device fittings.
Participate in multidisciplinary case conferences and care coordination with otolaryngology (ENT), neurology, primary care, pediatrics, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy for complex hearing and balance cases.
Lead quality improvement initiatives and maintain clinical protocols for audiology services including calibration of audiometric equipment, adherence to ANSI/OSHA standards, and infection control procedures.
Provide outreach, community hearing health education, workplace hearing conservation programs, and school-based hearing screenings to increase access and awareness of hearing services.
Maintain currency in professional licensure, state regulations, and clinical best practices by engaging in continuing education (CE), clinical competency assessments, and professional certifications (e.g., CCC-A, ASHA, ABA).
Troubleshoot, repair, and coordinate manufacturer servicing for hearing instruments and implants, including remote programming solutions and assistive listening device installations.
Collect and analyze clinical outcome measures (e.g., APHAB, GHABP, COSI, functional gain) to evaluate intervention effectiveness and report outcomes to stakeholders.
Support tele-audiology services: perform remote fitting checks, counseling, follow-ups, and diagnostic triage using secure telehealth platforms following HIPAA-compliant workflows.
Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and ethical standards (HIPAA, FDA guidance for medical devices, workplace safety) and maintain accurate inventory and device tracking per clinic policy.

Secondary Functions

Contribute to clinical operational planning: optimize patient flow, appointment templates, and resource allocation to maximize access to audiology services.
Assist in marketing and patient acquisition initiatives by developing educational materials, website content, and SEO-optimized descriptions of audiology services.
Participate in device trials, product evaluations, and vendor relationships to inform procurement and service offerings.
Support research projects, clinical trials, or quality improvement studies by recruiting participants, collecting audiometric data, and maintaining study documentation.
Provide backup coverage on-call or for cross-site clinical support, including Saturday or evening clinics when required.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Diagnostic audiometry (pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry) — skilled in pediatric and adult protocols.
Tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing for middle-ear assessment.
Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) screening and diagnostic usage.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and electrophysiological testing (ASSR) for threshold estimation and neurological assessment.
Vestibular testing (VNG/ENG, calorics, rotary chair) and interpretation of balance disorder panels.
Hearing aid selection, programming and verification (manufacturer software proficiency: Phonak, Oticon, ReSound, Widex, Starkey, GN) including real-ear measurement (REM).
Cochlear implant evaluation, initial activation, mapping, and follow-up programming.
Cerumen management and safe aural cleaning techniques (per clinic scope and state regulations).
Proficiency with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems and digital audiology platforms; accurate clinical documentation.
Knowledge of billing, coding, and prior authorization processes for audiology services and devices.
Remote/tele-audiology platforms and best practices for secure virtual care delivery.
Knowledge of hearing conservation standards and workplace noise measurement basics.

Soft Skills

Patient-centered communication with ability to explain complex diagnostic results in clear, empathetic language.
Counseling skills for managing patient expectations and supporting behavioral change related to hearing rehabilitation.
Strong problem-solving and clinical decision-making under uncertainty.
Time management and organizational skills with the ability to manage a variable patient caseload.
Team collaboration: works effectively with ENT, pediatrics, speech-language pathologists, and support staff.
Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse patient populations and communication needs.
Attention to detail for accurate testing, device programming, and documentation.
Coaching and mentoring skills for training clinical staff and externs.
Adaptability to new devices, software, and evolving clinical best practices.
Professionalism and ethical conduct including confidentiality and regulatory compliance.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Master’s degree in Audiology (where accepted) or Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) depending on jurisdiction and employer requirements.

Preferred Education:

Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) from an accredited program.
Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from ASHA or equivalent professional certification.
State licensure to practice audiology and any required local certifications (e.g., dispensing license where applicable).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Audiology
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Speech-Language Pathology (with audiology experience)
Hearing Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

Entry-level (0–2 years) to experienced clinicians (3–10+ years), depending on role seniority and specialty.

Preferred:

2+ years of clinical audiology experience for full-scope clinical roles.
Prior experience in pediatric audiology, cochlear implant centers, vestibular diagnostics, or hearing aid dispensing for specialized positions.
Demonstrated experience with real-ear verification, ABR/ASSR, and vestibular testing for roles emphasizing diagnostic breadth.