Australia is home to more than 3,000 practising audiologists, according to Audiology Australia, the profession's peak accrediting body. These clinicians work across hospitals, private clinics, community health centres, and research institutions, providing the diagnostic testing, rehabilitation, and preventive care that forms the backbone of the nation's hearing health system. Yet many people are unclear about what an audiologist actually does, how the role differs from other hearing and medical professionals, and when a visit to an audiologist is the right step. This guide covers the audiologist role in detail, from qualifications and core services to what you can expect during your first appointment at a Melbourne audiology clinic.
What Is an Audiologist?
An audiologist is a university-qualified allied health professional who specialises in the assessment, management, and prevention of hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders. In Australia, qualified audiologists hold either a Master of Clinical Audiology or a Master of Audiology, typically completed over two years of full-time study after an undergraduate degree. Many also hold a Doctor of Audiology qualification from international institutions. The training covers acoustics, anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, diagnostic testing methods, hearing aid technology, counselling techniques, and clinical placement hours.
Professional accreditation matters. Membership with Audiology Australia (AudA) or the Australian College of Audiology (ACAud) signals that an audiologist meets national competency standards, undertakes continuing professional development, and adheres to a code of ethics. When choosing an audiologist, confirming their membership with one of these bodies ensures you are working with a clinician who meets recognised professional benchmarks. All audiologists at SoundClear are members of Audiology Australia and maintain current clinical certifications.
Core Services Audiologists Provide
The audiologist role spans a broad range of clinical services. While many people associate audiologists primarily with hearing tests, the scope of practice is considerably wider. Below are the four core service areas that define what an audiologist does on a daily basis.
Hearing Tests and Diagnostic Assessments
Hearing assessment is the foundation of audiology practice. An audiologist conducts a comprehensive hearing test that measures your ability to hear sounds across the full frequency range, typically from 250 Hz to 8,000 Hz, and at varying volumes measured in decibels. The most common test, pure-tone audiometry, produces an audiogram that maps your hearing thresholds. Speech audiometry evaluates how clearly you understand words at different volumes. Tympanometry assesses middle ear function by measuring how the eardrum responds to changes in air pressure. These tests together allow the audiologist to determine the type of hearing loss (sensorineural, conductive, or mixed), the degree of loss (mild through profound), and the configuration across frequencies. This detailed profile is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
Hearing Aid Fitting and Programming
When a hearing test identifies hearing loss that would benefit from amplification, the audiologist guides the patient through the hearing aid selection and fitting process. This is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. The audiologist considers the degree and configuration of hearing loss, lifestyle needs, manual dexterity, communication demands, and personal preferences before recommending specific devices. During the fitting appointment, the audiologist programs the hearing aids using real-ear measurement, a process that verifies the amplification output at the eardrum matches prescription targets for the patient's specific hearing profile. Follow-up visits allow fine-tuning based on real-world listening experiences. The audiologist also provides instruction on insertion, removal, cleaning, battery management, and Bluetooth connectivity. Ongoing audiologist services include adjustments, reprogramming, and performance checks to ensure the hearing aids continue to meet the patient's needs as their hearing or lifestyle changes.
Tinnitus Management
Tinnitus, the perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing without an external sound source, affects approximately 18 per cent of Australians. Audiologists play a central role in tinnitus management because the condition is frequently linked to hearing loss. The audiologist begins with a tinnitus assessment that evaluates the pitch, loudness, and masking characteristics of the perceived sound, alongside a full hearing evaluation. Management approaches include sound therapy using wearable noise generators or hearing aids with built-in tinnitus maskers, tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) that combines counselling with sound therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy strategies that address the emotional response to tinnitus. The audiologist tailors the management plan to the individual's symptoms, hearing profile, and the degree to which tinnitus affects their daily life.
Earwax Removal
Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance that protects the ear canal. In some cases it accumulates and hardens, creating a blockage that reduces hearing, causes discomfort, and can produce tinnitus. Many audiologists provide professional earwax removal using methods such as microsuction (gentle vacuum extraction), curettage (manual removal with a specialised instrument), or irrigation (warm water flush). Removing wax before a hearing test ensures accurate results, because a blockage in the ear canal can produce a temporary conductive hearing loss that masks the true state of your hearing. Attempting to remove wax at home with cotton swabs or ear candles risks pushing it deeper, scratching the ear canal, or damaging the eardrum, which is why professional removal is recommended.
Audiologist vs ENT vs Audiometrist
The hearing health field includes several types of professionals, and understanding the distinctions between them helps you choose the right provider for your situation. Three roles that patients commonly encounter are the audiologist, the ENT specialist, and the audiometrist. Each has a different scope of practice and level of training.
Audiologist
As outlined above, an audiologist holds a master's degree or higher in audiology and is qualified to diagnose hearing loss, fit hearing aids, manage tinnitus, assess balance disorders, and provide aural rehabilitation. Audiologists work independently in private clinics and alongside medical teams in hospitals. They can refer patients to ENT specialists when medical or surgical intervention is needed.
ENT Specialist (Otolaryngologist)
An ENT specialist is a medical doctor who has completed a medical degree, followed by specialist surgical training in ear, nose, and throat conditions. ENTs diagnose and treat diseases of the ear, perform surgeries such as tympanoplasty, stapedotomy, and cochlear implantation, and manage conditions including chronic ear infections, acoustic neuroma, cholesteatoma, and sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The key distinction in the audiologist vs ENT comparison is that ENTs treat medical and structural conditions of the ear, while audiologists focus on hearing function, measurement, and rehabilitation. In many cases, audiologists and ENTs work collaboratively, with the audiologist performing diagnostic testing and the ENT making medical treatment decisions based on those results.
Audiometrist
An audiometrist is a hearing health professional who has completed a shorter course of training, typically a Certificate IV or Diploma in Audiometry, rather than a university master's degree. Audiometrists are qualified to perform hearing screenings, basic hearing assessments, and hearing aid fittings under certain conditions. They generally work under the supervision of an audiologist or in industrial hearing screening programs. The distinction matters because audiometrists have a more limited scope of practice compared to audiologists. Complex diagnostic assessments, tinnitus management, and balance testing typically fall outside the audiometrist's scope and require referral to a qualified audiologist.
When to See an Audiologist
Knowing when to see an audiologist can prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment. Several signs and situations indicate that a professional hearing assessment is warranted.
Difficulty following conversations: If you regularly struggle to understand speech, particularly in noisy environments such as restaurants, meetings, or family gatherings, an audiologist can determine whether hearing loss is the cause and to what degree.
Frequently asking people to repeat themselves: When "pardon" and "what was that" become part of your daily vocabulary, it is time to have your hearing evaluated. Family members often notice this pattern before the person with hearing loss does.
Ringing or buzzing in the ears: Persistent tinnitus warrants a professional assessment. An audiologist can determine whether hearing loss is present and develop a management plan to reduce the impact of tinnitus on your daily life.
Changes in hearing: Any noticeable change in your hearing, whether gradual or sudden, should be investigated. Sudden hearing loss in one ear is a medical emergency that requires urgent evaluation, ideally within 48 hours, to maximise the chance of recovery.
Reaching age 50: Age-related hearing loss begins gradually, often without the person realising it. The Australian government recommends regular hearing checks for adults over 50, typically every one to three years, even without obvious symptoms. Early detection preserves more hearing and opens more treatment options.
Occupational noise exposure: If you work in construction, manufacturing, mining, music, or any environment where noise levels regularly exceed 85 decibels, annual hearing checks with an audiologist are recommended to monitor for noise-induced hearing damage.
If any of these signs apply to you, booking an appointment with an audiologist in Melbourne is a straightforward process that takes about 30 minutes.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Understanding what happens during an initial audiology appointment can ease any uncertainty and help you prepare. A first visit to an audiologist typically follows a structured process.
Case history: The audiologist begins by asking about your hearing concerns, medical history, medications, noise exposure, family history of hearing loss, and any symptoms such as tinnitus, dizziness, or ear discomfort. This background helps the audiologist tailor the assessment to your specific situation.
Ear examination: The audiologist examines your ear canals and eardrums using an otoscope. This reveals whether wax buildup, infection, or structural abnormalities are present that might affect hearing or influence the testing process.
Hearing assessment: You will be seated in a sound-treated booth or quiet room and wear headphones connected to an audiometer. The audiologist plays tones at different frequencies and volumes, and you press a button or raise your hand each time you hear a sound. Speech testing follows, where you repeat words played at various volumes. Tympanometry may also be performed to check middle ear function. The entire testing process takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Results and discussion: The audiologist reviews your audiogram and explains the results in plain language. They will describe the type, degree, and configuration of any hearing loss, discuss how it may be affecting your daily communication, and outline treatment options if needed. If hearing aids are recommended, the audiologist will explain the styles and technologies suited to your loss and lifestyle.
Next steps: You leave the appointment with a clear understanding of your hearing health and a documented plan. This might include a follow-up fitting for hearing aids, a referral to an ENT specialist if a medical condition is identified, or simply a recommendation to return for monitoring in one to three years.
Bringing a family member or friend to your first appointment is encouraged. They provide additional perspective on how your hearing affects daily communication, and a second set of ears can help you absorb the information discussed during the visit. You can book your first appointment online or by calling our clinic directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an audiologist do?
An audiologist diagnoses, manages, and treats hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders. They perform hearing tests, fit and program hearing aids, remove earwax, provide tinnitus management, and offer communication strategies. Audiologists hold a university qualification in audiology and are members of professional bodies such as Audiology Australia.
What is the difference between an audiologist and an ENT?
An audiologist is a university-qualified hearing health professional who assesses hearing and fits hearing devices. An ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) is a medical doctor who treats diseases and performs surgery on the ear, nose, throat, and related structures. Audiologists focus on hearing function and rehabilitation, while ENTs focus on medical and surgical treatment of ear conditions.
When should you see an audiologist?
You should see an audiologist if you have difficulty following conversations, frequently ask people to repeat themselves, experience ringing in your ears, notice changes in your hearing, or are over 50 and have not had a recent hearing check. Sudden hearing loss requires urgent evaluation within 48 hours.
Can an audiologist remove earwax?
Yes, many audiologists provide earwax removal as part of their clinical services. They use methods such as microsuction, curettage, or irrigation to safely remove wax blockages that can cause hearing difficulties, ear discomfort, and tinnitus. Earwax removal is often performed before a hearing test to ensure accurate results.
Works Cited
Audiology Australia. "Become an Audiologist." AudA, 2024, audiology.asn.au.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. "Ear and Hearing Health." AIHW, Australian Government, 2024, aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/hearing-health.
Hearing Australia. "Hearing Loss and Hearing Services." Australian Government, 2024, hearing.com.au.
Gelfand, S. A. Essentials of Audiology. 4th ed., Thieme, 2016.
National Acoustic Laboratories. "Workforce and Professional Standards in Audiology." NAL, Australian Government, 2023, nal.gov.au.