Audiologist

Audiologists are regulated health care professionals with a broad understanding of ear disorders. This includes understanding normal ear function and structure as well as how diseases and conditions affect the ear. Furthermore, Audiologists are experts in ear instruments and health care tools, such as hearing aids. They use this knowledge to help those with hearing and balance difficulties regain their health.

Ear disorders treated by Audiologists include:

• Hearing loss 
• Tinnitus (Ringing in the ears)
• Difficulty understanding speech
• Balance disorders (instability or dizziness caused by inner ear disorders)
• Sensitivities to sound 

Using diagnostic tools and techniques, Audiologists provide many services to allow people to regain ear function and health. Some of these services include:

• Using ear testing instruments to determine the health of the patient’s ears
• Prescribing, providing, fixing and fitting hearing aids
• Providing recommendations for surgery or hearing tools 
• Educating the public on ear health and hearing aids
• Working with other health care professionals to create treatment plans

In Ontario, “Audiologist” is a regulated profession subject to the Practice Standards and Guidelines(Street, 2018), Code of Ethics (By-Law No.7: A By-law providing for a Code of Ethics for the Members of the College, n.d.) and Health and Safety Standards (General Standard: Health and Safety, 2018) defined by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario. For more information on regulatory colleges, view our What is a Regulatory College page.