Audiologist vs Audiometrist
There are a number of terms used to describe the person who tests your hearing and fits your hearing aid – and these can vary across the world.
In Australia, the most common terms you will hear are Audiologist and Audiometrist.
You may also see the terms Hearing Healthcare Professional or Clinician.
Scope of Practice
Hearing Healthcare Professionals (HHPs) in Australia who fit hearing aids, whether they be Audiologists or Audiometrists will need to demonstrate a number of certifications, to enable them to practice within the Australian Scope of Practice for the industry.
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Qualifications:
- Audiologist: Masters of Audiology; OR Post Graduate Diploma in Audiology; OR Certificate in Audiology
- Audiometrist: Diploma of Audiometry; OR Diploma of Hearing Device Prescription & Evaluation
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Qualified Practitioner (QP) number:
- HHPs who wish to fit hearing aids as part of the Hearing Services Program run by the Federal Government, or claim services under Medicare, or carry out compensation assessments for WorkCover must also have a QP number.
- This number is only awarded once an Audiologist or Audiometrist has gained their initial qualification and joined the industry body of their choice (see below). They then follow a stringent process over a period of time, demonstrate their knowledge and skills and pass any examination requirements set by their industry association.
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Clinical Currency:
- To gain this certification, all Audiologists and Audiometrists must belong to an audiology industry association and demonstrate Clinical Currency via a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program every two years. Failure to gain sufficient CPD points will mean no Clinical Currency certification will be awarded.
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There are three Industry bodies in Australia:
- Audiology Australia (AudA – Audiologists only)
- The Australian College of Audiology (ACAud – Audiologists and Audiometrists can join this association)
- Hearing Aid Audiology Society of Australia (HAASA – Audiometrists only)
When you choose your HHP, you can request to see their qualifications and evidence of clinical currency. Most Audiologists and Audiometrists will have these displayed in their office.
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