The science of
hearing and balance.
Audiology is the healthcare field concerned with hearing and balance. It includes the assessment of hearing difficulties, understanding how they affect communication, and supporting people through appropriate hearing care and rehabilitation.
Understanding Audiology
Audiology Goes Beyond Hearing Tests
Audiology brings together hearing science, clinical assessment, technology and rehabilitation. It considers how the ear and auditory system work, how hearing or balance difficulties can affect everyday life, and which forms of support may be appropriate.
Hearing Assessment
Continue through the Knowledge Hub to understand how hearing works, how hearing is assessed and the role of hearing-care professionals.
Hearing Technology
Continue through the Knowledge Hub to understand how hearing works, how hearing is assessed and the role of hearing-care professionals.
Rehabilitation & Support
Audiological care can include communication strategies, counselling, rehabilitation and ongoing support alongside technology.
What Does Audiology Cover?
The field spans hearing, balance and communication.
Audiology supports people across the lifespan, from infants and children to adults and older people. The exact role of an audiologist varies by setting, but may include hearing assessment, hearing-device care, tinnitus support, balance-related assessment, rehabilitation, prevention and collaboration with medical and other healthcare professionals.
Audiology can help
at every stage of life
How Audiology Care Works
Care begins by understanding the person and the concern.
Understand the Concern
The audiologist discusses hearing, communication, ear-health history, listening situations and any symptoms or difficulties that have been noticed.
Assess Hearing
Appropriate tests are selected to examine hearing and, where relevant, the function of different parts of the auditory system.
Explain the Findings
Results are interpreted and explained in relation to the person’s hearing, communication needs and everyday experiences.
Plan the Next Step
Recommendations may include monitoring, hearing technology, rehabilitation, hearing protection or referral to another healthcare professional.
History
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Assessment
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Results
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Options
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Ongoing Care
Where Audiologists Work
Hospitals & Clinics
Audiologists may work in healthcare settings assessing hearing, supporting rehabilitation and collaborating with ENT and other professionals.
Hearing-Care Practices
Independent and specialist practices may provide hearing assessment, hearing-aid fitting, follow-up and ongoing hearing care.
Paediatric & Educational Services
Some audiologists specialise in children’s hearing and work alongside families, schools and other professionals supporting communication and learning.
Research, Industry & Community
Audiologists may also contribute to research, hearing technology, occupational hearing programmes, public education and community hearing initiatives.
Concerned about your child’s hearing?
If something about your child’s listening, speech or response to sound concerns you, an age-appropriate hearing assessment can help provide clarity.