Most people have heard of ENT doctors. Far fewer have heard of audiologists \u2014 even though audiologists are often the professionals who actually diagnose and rehabilitate hearing conditions that ENTs refer out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In India, audiology remains one of the most underrepresented healthcare professions relative to the scale of need. Over 63 million Indians are estimated to live with significant hearing impairment. Cochlear implant surgeries are rising. Newborn hearing screening is expanding to district hospitals under national health programmes. And yet, the number of trained audiologists in the country falls well short of what is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This guide explains what audiologists actually do \u2014 not in textbook terms, but in plain, practical language. Whether you are a student figuring out your career path, a parent exploring options for a child with hearing difficulties, or a BASLP graduate considering postgraduate study, this should give you a clear picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are specifically looking at MSc Audiology as a postgraduate option, the MERF Institute MSc Audiology page<\/a> gives a detailed breakdown of the programme and eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An audiologist is a healthcare professional trained to evaluate, diagnose, and manage disorders of the auditory and vestibular systems \u2014 in simpler terms, hearing loss and balance problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are not surgeons. They do not prescribe medication. What they do is assess the type and degree of hearing or balance dysfunction, determine the most appropriate intervention, and either provide that intervention directly (such as fitting a hearing aid or mapping a cochlear implant) or guide the patient to the right specialist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In India, audiologists must be registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) to practise clinically. This registration requires a formal audiology degree \u2014 either a BASLP (Bachelor of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology) or a dedicated B.Sc. in Speech and Hearing, followed optionally by an MSc in Audiology for specialist roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The day-to-day work of an audiologist depends on their setting, but here is what the job typically involves across different environments:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the core of the profession. Audiologists conduct a range of tests to assess hearing function:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) \u2014 the standard test that produces an audiogram showing hearing thresholds across frequencies<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Tympanometry \u2014 measures the movement of the eardrum and middle ear function<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) \u2014 used primarily in newborn and paediatric screening<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR \/ BERA) \u2014 assesses the neural pathway from the ear to the brainstem, used for infants, non-cooperative patients, or medico-legal cases<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR) \u2014 used for objective threshold estimation, especially in young children<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Speech Audiometry \u2014 assesses how well a person hears and understands speech<\/p>\n\n\n\n Audiologists are the professionals who select, programme, and fit hearing aids. This is not simply picking a device off a shelf. It involves real-ear measurement, audiogram-based fitting targets, verification of the fitting, and ongoing follow-up to adjust the device based on patient feedback. The app will track your activity related to hearing aid usage and rehabilitation appointments, helping patients stay on schedule with their audiologist visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In cochlear implant centres, audiologists play a crucial role post-surgery. They conduct the implant mapping sessions \u2014 programming the device based on the patient’s neural responses \u2014 and manage long-term rehabilitation. This is a highly specialised sub-field that requires advanced training, and qualified cochlear implant audiologists are in short supply across India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Balance disorders \u2014 dizziness, vertigo, chronic imbalance \u2014 are often rooted in vestibular system dysfunction. Audiologists trained in vestibular assessment conduct tests such as Videonystagmography (VNG) and Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) to diagnose these conditions, and provide vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) for appropriate cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) is now a national priority in India. Audiologists conduct OAE and ABR-based screenings in hospitals, NICU settings, and community programmes to identify hearing loss as early as possible \u2014 because early identification directly improves outcomes for children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, registered audiologists are authorised to assess and certify hearing disability for official government records. This certification determines eligibility for welfare benefits, educational accommodations, and assistive device schemes like ADIP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of the most commonly asked questions, and it is worth being precise about.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWho Is an Audiologist?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Does an Audiologist Actually Do? (Day-to-Day Work)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Diagnostic Assessments<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hearing Aid Fitting and Rehabilitation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cochlear Implant Programming<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vestibular (Balance) Assessment and Rehabilitation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Newborn and Paediatric Hearing Screening<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Disability Certification<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Audiologist vs ENT Doctor \u2014 What Is the Difference?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n