Audiology

What does an audiologist do?

Assess hearing loss

Audiologists are allied health professionals who diagnose hearing loss and other auditory disorders in adults and children.

Assess balance function

Audiologists are also professionally trained to assess balance problems arising from the organ of balance which is located in the inner ear.

Manage hearing loss

Audiologists work closely with Ear, Nose and Throat doctors to manage patients with hearing loss. They do so with devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Advocate hearing health

Besides helping people with hearing loss and auditory disorders, audiologists also advocate and raise awareness for good hearing health practices to help prevent hearing loss.

What do I need to qualify?

As a prerequisite, you will need a National Senior Certificate that meets the requirements for a degree course.

Make sure you familiarise yourself with the different institutes’ specific program information and admission requirements.

A general guideline: Minimum APS requirement of at least 32 in Grade 12.

Which subjects do I need?

Generally recommended subjects are:

• Mathematics
• Life Sciences
• Physical Sciences

Where can I study audiology?

• University of Pretoria
• University of Cape Town
• University of Witwatersrand
• University of KwaZulu-Natal
• Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

How long do I have to study?

The graduate program typically requires 4 years to complete.

After graduating, you will be required to do 1 year of community service before you can register as an independent practitioner with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Will I enjoy being an audiologist?

As an audiologist, you will be helping people overcome hearing problems that have been hindering certain aspects of their lives. You might even be offering them a chance to enjoy some of the things they’ve been missing out on. Hearing is important to people, and helping people to hear better can be especially rewarding.