* Clinical Audiology: This is the most common type of audiology. It involves diagnosing and treating hearing and balance disorders in patients of all ages.
* Research Audiology: Audiologists in research roles might study the causes and treatment of hearing loss, develop new hearing aids and other devices, or investigate the effects of noise on hearing.
* Educational Audiology: These audiologists work in schools to identify and support children with hearing loss. They might provide hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and other support services.
* Industrial Audiology: This specialization focuses on protecting the hearing of workers in noisy environments. They might conduct noise surveys, develop hearing conservation programs, and provide hearing protection.
* Pediatric Audiology: This specialization focuses on the hearing and communication needs of children. They might work with infants, toddlers, and school-aged children.
* Geriatric Audiology: This specialization focuses on the hearing needs of older adults. They might work with seniors in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals.
* Cochlear Implant Audiology: These audiologists specialize in the fitting, programming, and rehabilitation of cochlear implants.
To be an audiologist, you'll need to have a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree. This is a four-year professional degree that includes coursework, clinical experience, and a research component. You can find out more about the Au.D. degree on the American Academy of Audiology website (https://www.audiology.org/).
If you're interested in becoming an audiologist, you can find out more about the different specializations by contacting audiology programs or by visiting the websites of professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Audiology and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.