Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Audiologist
What audiologists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an audiologist?
Perform a full hearing test. From there, the day usually includes test hearing and balance, diagnose hearing loss, and fit and program hearing aids. Most work full-time during regular hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an audiologist working full time.
- Perform a full hearing test.
- Fit new hearing aids.
- Program a cochlear implant.
- Test a child’s hearing with play audiometry.
- Evaluate a patient with dizziness.
- Counsel a patient on tinnitus.
- Write reports.
Where audiologists work
Audiologists work in clinics, hospitals, ENT practices, schools and hearing aid practices.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time during regular hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Test hearing and balance
- Diagnose hearing loss
- Fit and program hearing aids
- Manage cochlear implants
- Treat tinnitus
- Screen newborns and children
- Counsel patients on hearing protection
Tools you’ll use every day
- Audiometers
- Sound booths
- Tympanometers
- Hearing aid software
- Otoacoustic emission equipment
- Videonystagmography
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Faster-than-average growth
- Meaningful improvements in quality of life
- Regular hours
- Technology-focused care
What’s hard
- Doctoral degree required
- Sales pressure in some settings
- Insurance coverage limits
- Repetitive testing
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to help people hear
- I like technology
- I’m patient with older adults and kids
- I want regular hours
- I like science
- I’m willing to earn a doctorate
Not sure? Take the free Audiologist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Clean equipment between patients
- Use safe sound levels in testing
- Refer sudden hearing loss urgently
- Follow infection control