Audiologists say that people can obtain hearing disorders for any number of reasons such as trauma at birth, viral infections, genetic disorders, loud noise, certain medications, or just by getting older. Treating these disorders may require hearing aids or even cleaning inside your ear. I've had my ears flushed out a couple of times to remove a wax build up, which improved my hearing. The process hurt a little, but I got through it. Other treatment can include counseling on adjusting to hearing loss, training on the use of hearing instruments, and teaching communication strategies for different settings.

The type of environment that audiologists typically work from consists of a table or desk located in a clean and secure atmosphere. While the work load in this field may not be physically demanding, anyone looking for an entry level job in audiology must be focused and attentive to details. Audiologists can work full-time, part-time, or on a contract basis.

To become an audiologist, you are required to have earned a master's degree, although some states want new entry level job seekers to have a doctoral degree in audiology (Au.D). In addition, all states require these individuals to be licensed or registered in the field. The license is important in case you want to graduate from an accredited program in audiology; admission into these programs require courses in English, math, physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, and communication. Because each state has its own education requirements and other requirements, make sure you find out exactly what you need for entry into audiology.

Some other qualifications for audiologists are:

-Effectively communicating diagnostic test results, diagnoses, and proposed treatments to patients
-Approach problems objectively
-Provide support to patients and their families
-Patience and compassion
-Good listening skills

Many audiologists also continue their education to stay up-to-date on new diagnostic and treatment technologies.

Most of the jobs in audiology seem to be found in health care facilities such as hospitals and outpatient care centers. From now to 2016, employment is expected to increase for the following reasons:

-Hearing loss due to aging
-Assessment and treatment of premature infants and trauma victims who benefit from medical advances
-Early identification and diagnosis of hearing disorders in infants
-Enrollment of special education students in elementary and secondary schools

Individuals who have a doctoral degree in audiology (Au.D) will have the best opportunities for employment, and will likely keep their jobs because the field is smaller than others and workers usually don't leave them until retirement. The starting salary for audiologists is $58,392, while the average salary is $64,613.

An audiologist's goal is to try to find a solution to any hearing problems people may have. This could be you and then you'll be able to ask your patients the question, "Can you hear me now?"

Sources
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos085.htm
http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_compresult_national_HC07000022.html