What is an Educational Audiologist?
Educational Audiologist: Salary, Job Description, & Requirements
The role of an educational audiologist, also referred to as a school audiologist, is crucial in the development of students with hearing impairments. By providing specialized services and support, they help ensure that students with hearing loss can access and succeed in their education just as effectively as their peers.
In this career guide, you’ll learn about the educational audiologist job description, responsibilities, salary, requirements, and how this role differs from other roles, such as the teacher of the deaf.
What is an Educational Audiologist?
An educational audiologist specializes in providing audiological support within educational settings. They focus on identifying, diagnosing, and managing hearing impairments in children to help them access their education effectively.
Educational audiologists may work in schools, school districts, or clinics that serve educational institutions. They are trained to assess hearing, recommend hearing aids, and provide solutions that support classroom participation and social integration for students with hearing loss.
What Does an Educational Audiologist Do?
An educational audiologist is responsible for much more than hearing tests. Each day looks different for an educational audiologist, but their work generally involves a combination of diagnostic, clinical, and support-based activities in schools that directly benefit students with hearing impairments. They also work closely with educators, parents, and other professionals to create an environment where students can excel.
Educational Audiologist Job Description: Key Responsibilities
The role of an educational audiologist typically involves the following responsibilities:
- Conducting hearing assessments for students of all ages
- Identifying hearing impairments and providing diagnostic evaluations
- Recommending and fitting hearing aids or other assistive listening devices
- Monitoring the effectiveness of hearing devices and adjusting as needed
- Providing strategies for teachers to support students with hearing loss in the classroom
- Educating school staff and parents about hearing loss and its impact on learning
- Collaborating with teams to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with hearing impairments
Difference Between Educational Audiologist and Teacher of the Deaf
While both educational audiologists and teachers of the deaf work with students who have hearing impairments, their roles are distinct.
- Educational Audiologist: Focuses primarily on diagnosing and managing hearing loss. They assess hearing, fit and maintain hearing devices, and provide audiological support to ensure students can participate in the classroom. Audiologists collaborate with teachers and parents to create strategies for students’ success.
- Teacher of the Deaf: Specializes in providing direct educational instruction to students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing work to teach students language skills, communication methods (such as sign language), and other academic subjects.
In short, educational audiologists provide technical and audiological support, while teachers of the deaf focus more on educational instruction and communication.
Explore School Audiologist Opportunities
If you are passionate about helping students with hearing impairments and making a difference in their educational experience, a career as an educational audiologist might be the right path for you. Start by exploring Soliant’s range of audiology positions that match your career aspirations today!
Looking for more information on audiology careers in education? Browse Soliant’s additional career resources to learn more about the rewarding role.
