The Trust currently provides placements for undergraduate Audiology students and postgraduate Clinical Scientists studying at the University of Manchester.
An audiologist works with patients as part of a multidisciplinary team of professionals. They identify and assess hearing and/or balance disorders, recommending and providing appropriate rehabilitation and management.
Audiology is a rapidly developing field, and the need for audiological services is clear. A national study of hearing showed that approximately 16% of the population have a significant hearing loss, indicating that working in this field is an important area of the NHS.
The audiologist's role is both challenging and varied. Audiologists need to be able to communicate with people of all ages. They need to be able to think logically and adopt a scientific approach combined with caring and patient focused attitude to their work.
Many audiologists develop a special interest and expertise in one area of audiology, such as paediatrics or balance.
The main areas of work are:
paediatrics adult assessment and rehabilitation special needs groups research and development
Once qualified, most audiologists work in a hospital, assessing and treating patients, and may reach consultant level. Some audiologists work in a university, where their job is primarily concerned with teaching and research.
Some audiologists may operate a referral clinic and may be the only point of contact for the patient. In this case, the audiologist will examine the patient and prescribe the appropriate hearing aid or arrange onward referral for further investigation.There are currently three ways to become an audiologist. These are:
BSc degree in audiology MSc in audiology postgraduate diploma in audiology
