scholarlab.

Audiologist

Audiologists and hearing aid dispensers work with children and adults who have hearing loss, tinnitus, or problems with balance.

Potential salary
£32,000 starter to £57,000 experienced per year
Typical hours
37 to 40. Working pattern: between 8am and 6pm.
Career area
Health and care
Where they might work
You could work in an NHS or private hospital or in a therapy clinic. You may need to wear a uniform.
A typical task
see NHS and private clients in clinics, retail settings or in their own homes
Subjects that may help
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
Typical route
You can complete the NHS Practitioner Training Programme leading to a degree in healthcare science (audiology). This is a 3-year training scheme and includes a mix of on the job training and study.
Interest area used here
Health and laboratory science, Helping and teaching

Career actions

What you might do

  • see NHS and private clients in clinics, retail settings or in their own homes
  • assess hearing using different tests
  • fit, test or repair hearing aids
  • advise on ear health and hygiene or remove ear wax
  • keep customer records and administration up to date

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

  • customer service skills
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
More skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of English language
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Routes into this career

University route

  • You can complete the NHS Practitioner Training Programme leading to a degree in healthcare science (audiology). This is a 3-year training scheme and includes a mix of on the job training and study.
  • To work as an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser in the private sector, you'll need to do an audiology or hearing aid dispensing foundation degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council .
  • If you already have a science degree, you could join the postgraduate NHS Scientist Training Programme . This is a 3-year course in clinical science, specialising in neurosensory sciences.
  • You could study for the MSc in Audiology with the option to include a clinical placement depending on where you study.
  • You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • student finance for fees and living costs
  • university courses and entry requirements

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

  • Audiology

    Direct qualifying route. An approved audiology or healthcare science degree can be the registration route. Check the specialism.

Explore university routes

Apprenticeship or vocational route

  • You might be able to do a Hearing Aid Dispenser Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.
  • This apprenticeship usually takes 2 years to complete and is a mix of learning on the job and study. This will qualify you to work independently to test people's hearing and fit hearing aids.
  • You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • guide to apprenticeships
Career progression
  • With experience you could specialise in an area like:
  • cochlear implants
  • managing tinnitus
  • working with deafblind people
  • assisting people with learning disabilities
  • You could:
  • lead a clinical team, manage a unit or move into a general management position in healthcare
  • become a director of your own retail stores
  • move into research or become a higher education lecturer at a university

Registration and requirements

pass enhanced background checks

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

What you could do next