Audiologist
A health professional trained to assess, diagnose, and manage disorders of hearing, balance, and related conditions.
Full Definition
An audiologist is a regulated health professional who holds a recognised qualification (typically a master's or doctoral degree) in audiology and practises across settings including hospitals, community clinics, schools, and private practice. In documents, the title should be capitalised only when used as a formal job title preceding a name. Editors must distinguish between 'audiologist' and 'hearing aid dispenser' or 'hearing instrument specialist,' which denote a narrower scope of practice focused on device fitting. In the United Kingdom, state-registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is required; in the United States, state licensure is obligatory. The term should not be shortened to 'audio' in formal documents.
Usage
Usage note: Do not abbreviate to 'audio' in formal or clinical copy. Distinguish from 'audiometrist,' a term used in some countries (e.g., Australia) for a more limited scope of practice.
In Context
- "The patient was referred to an audiologist following GP identification of a bilateral high-frequency hearing loss." — GP referral letter
- "Capitalise 'Audiologist' only when it directly precedes a personal name as a title." — Clinical documentation style guide