Audiologist
Career Description
Audiologists are professionals specializing in the study of normal and impaired hearing, including the prevention of hearing loss, identification and assessment of hearing problems and the rehabilitation of persons with hearing impairment. Daily duties include conducting ear examinations, training clients in speech and lip reading, measuring noise levels in work settings and teaching individuals to use hearing aids or other helpful devices.
Annual Salary
| Entry: $33,322 | Mean: $45,843 | Experienced: $52,125 |
| Source: Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, November 2004 | ||
Hourly Wage
| Entry: $16.02 | Mean: $22.04 | Experienced: $25.06 |
| Source: Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, November 2004 | ||
Academic Requirements
In Missouri, a master’s degree is required for licensure. Nationwide, 49 states require audiologists to be licensed, and many doctorate programs now are available. Additional requirements include a significant number of hours of clinical work, passing a national examination and fulfilling a post-graduate requirement of clinical experience.
Schools
KU School of Allied Health (Kansas City, Kan.)
913/588-5235
Rockhurst University
800/842-6776
University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg)
877/729-8266
Professional Associations
National
American Academy of Audiology
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
State
Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Missouri State Advisory Commission for Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists
