Pediatric Audiologist
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Pediatric audiologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss in children. They work with children of all ages, from infants to young adults, to provide a variety of services, including:
Educational Background and Training
Pediatric audiologists must have a master’s degree or a doctorate in audiology. To enter into an AuD program, you must first earn a bachelor's degree in a discipline like communication sciences or disorders or in natural sciences.
AuD programs provide the foundational knowledge and clinical experiences necessary to practice audiology. Coursework includes the study of:
- anatomy and physiology of the auditory system
- acoustic and electroacoustic measures
- diagnostics
- rehabilitation
- counseling
- research methods
In addition to coursework, AuD programs also require students to complete a supervised clinical practicum. This experience allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. Upon graduation, audiologists must pass a national certification exam in order to practice. Passing this exam results in the professional credential of CCC-A (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology).
What Do Pediatric Audiologists Do?
Pediatric audiologists provide a range of services to children with hearing loss, including:
- Evaluate hearing
- Diagnose hearing loss
- Recommend and fit hearing aids and other assistive devices
- Provide auditory training
- Counsel families on hearing loss and its impact on a child's development
- Work with other professionals, such as speech-language pathologists and otolaryngologists, to provide comprehensive care for children with hearing loss
