Audiologists
What does an Audiologist do?
Audiologists are hearing specialists who manage hearing health. They specialise in assessment, prevention and management of hearing loss, deafness and related conditions, including tinnitus and balance disorders. Audiologists provide assessment to all ages, from infants to adults, and help through the application of technology, rehabilitation and therapy. Adult hearing loss shows a comorbidity and associated increased risk for chronic health conditions including diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular conditions. Appropriate audiological management of hearing loss and communication needs contributes to quality of life and relationships - important for chronic disease or mental health disorders.
Indigenous communities have a higher incidence of chronic ear disease and hearing loss.
People treated with chemotherapy and ototoxic medication may need hearing monitoring.
Services
- Hearing screening and monitoring
- Diagnostic audiological assessment
- Hearing rehabilitation and communication programs
- Hearing aid fitting
- Implantable technology eg cochlear implants
- Tinnitus counselling
- Balance and neural assessment
- Assessment of workplace hearing injury
- Hearing conservation and education
Medicare Eligibility
To be eligible to provide services under the Medicare CDM items, audiologists must be a ‘Full Member’ of the Audiological Society of Australia (ASA), and hold a Certificate of Clinical Practice (CCP).