How to become an Audiometrist
Audiometrists test hearing by administering audiometric tests to enable the rehabilitation of hearing loss through counselling and/or the fitting of hearing devices. They may refer or report to a medical practitioner or an audiologist as required.
Personal requirements for an Audiometrist
- Good communication skills
- Able to work accurately with precision instruments
- Able to be patient with hearing-impaired and elderly people
Education & Training for an Audiometrist
To become an audiometrist you usually have to complete a VET qualification in audiometry. Entry usually requires Year 12. Students must also have a suitably qualified supervisor to oversee practical tasks and guide them through required competencies. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You can also become an audiometrist through a traineeship in Audiometry. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 12.
Additional information
Audiometrists are not able to work with patients suffering complex hearing loss. Such cases require more advanced knowledge of audiology and its associated skills. See the separate entry for Audiologist for more details.
Duties & Tasks of an Audiometrist
Audiometrists:
- Administer tests to assess and measure hearing
- Explain to patients how the audiometric equipment will be used to measure their hearing
- Fit earphones or bone conductors on patients and adjust controls on an audiometer to administer the tests
- Send a report to the audiologist or medical practitioner where required once the results of a test are recorded
- Take ear impressions to make ear moulds, so that a suitable hearing aid may be chosen
- Fit and check hearing aids and give instructions on their use
- Provide follow-up care and advice.
Tasks
- Tests for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples.
- Prepares and stains slides and tissue sections to study the cells of blood for histological examination.
- Undertakes and assists with medical analytical procedures and assists anaesthetists and surgical teams.
- Sets up, checks and maintains operating theatres, and anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment.
- Operates equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of hearing, the heart, kidneys and nervous system, and during anaesthesia.
- Performs diagnostic tests on tissues and fluids and analyses the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues.
- Records the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured and pattern and rhythm is interpreted.
Employment Opportunities for an Audiometrist
Audiometrists are mainly employed by hearing aid firms but may also work in hospitals, laboratories and some audiology practices. There are also opportunities to work in public facilities. Demand for audiometrists is expected to grow with the ageing of the population.
Specializations
Clinical Audiometrist
A clinical audiometrist performs hearing tests to assist medical practitioners and audiologists.
Hearing Aid Audiometrist
A hearing aid audiometrist specialises in fitting hearing aids and advising clients on their use.
Industrial Screening Audiometrist
An industrial screening audiometrist performs hearing tests for pre-employment screening. They also fit and instruct clients in the use of noise protection devices such as earplugs, and perform noise assessments in factories using sound-level meters and dosimeters.
Audiometrist
Audiometrists test hearing by administering audiometric tests to enable the rehabilitation of hearing loss through counselling and/or the fitting of hearing devices. They may refer or report to a medical practitioner or an audiologist as required.
Clinical Audiometrist
A clinical audiometrist performs hearing tests to assist medical practitioners and audiologists.
Hearing Aid Audiometrist
A hearing aid audiometrist specialises in fitting hearing aids and advising clients on their use.
Industrial Screening Audiometrist
An industrial screening audiometrist performs hearing tests for pre-employment screening. They also fit and instruct clients in the use of noise protection devices such as earplugs, and perform noise assessments in factories using sound-level meters and dosimeters.
Average age
42
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
60% female
Average full-time
40 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
56%
Employment Size
2,700
Employment by state
ACT: 1.8%
NSW: 29.0%
NT: 1.0%
QLD: 22.0%
SA: 8.2%
TAS: 3.5%
VIC: 20.2%
WA: 14.3%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.8%
20-24: 8.4%
25-34: 22.2%
35-44: 24%
45-54: 24.6%
55-59: 11%
60-64: 6%
65 and Over: 3%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 22.5%
Bachelor degree: 29.8%
Certificate III/IV: 17.4%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 10%
Year 10 and below: 5.5%
Year 11: 2.3%
Year 12: 12.5%
