Are Audiologists Doctors?

An Audiologist can have one of several degrees. Prior to 2007, the most common degree was Master’s of Science in Audiology since a Clinical Doctorate is required to practice Audiology in the United States. There is a small percentage of Audiologists who also obtain their Ph.D. in Audiology. If an Audiologist obtained their Masters prior to 2007 they are grandfathered in and still practice within the profession.

Are Audiologists Medical Doctors?

No, Audiologists are not Medical Doctors, they are Clinical Doctors. Just as Optometrists are eye doctors but Ophthalmologists are Medical doctors that specialize in the eyes. In the auditory world Audiologists are clinical hearing doctors and ENTs or Otolaryngologists are Medical Doctors who specialize in the Auditory system. A better way to distinguish is using the word Physician for Doctors as they can be Medical Doctors (MD) or osteopathic doctor (DO) are both practicing physicians but referred to as Doctor. The use of Doctor is not owned by the medical field, it is defined as a person who has a doctorate degree. Audiologists are required to have a post-graduate degree and most definitely have earned the title Doctor.

Do Audiologists Go To Medical School?

Audiologists must complete a postgraduate degree, AuD to practice in the United States. It is a different degree than those who complete a Medical degree. Many Universities have AuD in-house within the Medical College, but it can also be associated within the Communication Disorders College with Speech Disorders as well. The beginning of audiology began with a close tie with Speech Pathology after WWII.

What Clinical Experience Do Audiologists Have?

Within the Clinical rotations during the AuD program students are exposed to and learn:

  • Hearing
  • Balance
  • Auditory Processing
  • Hearing Conservation
  • Aural Rehabilitation in both adults and children

The settings are within:

  • Government (VA settings)
  • Hospitals
  • ENT Physician offices
  • Otoneurology offices (monitoring hearing during surgeries)
  • University settings
  • Audiology Private practices

Common Questions:

What’s the difference between an audiologist and a doctor of audiology?

The terms can be used to mean the same specialty. Although, an Audiologist who has their Masters may not use the title Doctor. Master degree audiologists do have more clinical experience as they have been practicing prior to 2007. Some who held their Masters of Science or Masters of Art in Audiology did go on later to obtain their doctorate degree and may use the title Doctor of Audiology.

What is the title of an audiologist?

It is recommended that an Audiologist list their name and title as follows: Judy Huch MS Audiologist, Judy Huch, AuD, or Dr. Judy Huch, Audiologist. It is not proper to be redundant Dr. Judy Huch, AuD as a title.

What credentials does an audiologist have?

A practicing Audiologist must have a Masters of Science or Masters of Art prior to 2007. After 2007 a clinical doctorate or Ph.D. (Philosophy doctorate) with the dissertation associated within the study of Audiology.

How much do audiologists make?

Depending on the clinical setting, area of employment, and experience an Audiologist makes between 60K and 200K a year.

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