Audiologists and Audiometrists: What is the difference when it comes to your hearing care?

In Australia, Audiologists and Audiometrists can both look after your hearing health. What are the differences in their qualifications, clinical abilities, and scope of practice?

This article outlines the differences between the two professions, and while Audiometrists can fit hearing aids, you may need the services of an Audiologist for more complicated hearing loss concerns.

Education and Training

Audiologists in Australia typically hold a Masters level degree in Audiology through a university. This qualification provides extensive education and clinical training in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of hearing and balance disorders. They undergo specialised coursework covering topics such as anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, hearing assessment techniques, rehabilitation strategies, and counselling skills. Audiologists also complete supervised clinical placements to gain hands-on experience in various audiological settings. Audiologists may work as independent practitioners, in the health sector, as specialised practitioners (eg vestibular, balance or tinnitus specialists) or as part of a hearing aid retail clinic.

Audiometrists typically complete a Certificate IV or Diploma level qualification in Audiometry through TAFE or a private registered provider. This training focuses on performing hearing assessments, conducting audiometric testing, and fitting hearing aids.

At Cert level, audiometrists do not prescribe or dispense hearing aids and are not qualified to work as independent practitioners. At Diploma level, audiometrists can prescribe and dispense hearing aids and/or other non-implantable devices to assist in hearing rehabilitation.

Audiologists and Audiometrists have different clinical scope as defined by their industry bodies.

Clinical Abilities and Scope

The following definitions have been sourced from the document Scope of Practice for Audiologists and Audiometrists issued by the three industry certification bodies in Australia.

Audiologists in Australia work with clients of all ages – from infants to older adults – and clients with complex needs. They can assess hearing and auditory function, vestibular (balance) function, tinnitus, auditory processing function, and neural function. Audiologists can do this by performing diagnostic tests, including advanced tests using electrophysiological methods. Audiologists provide aural, vestibular (balance) and tinnitus rehabilitation as well as communication training. They can provide a range of rehabilitation services including counselling and the prescription and fitting of devices/aids (e.g. bone conduction aids; earplugs (custom noise/swim/musician plugs); FM and other remote sensing systems; hearing aids; and Hearing assistive technology). Audiologists have knowledge of implantable devices (e.g. cochlear implants, middle ear implantable hearing aids, fully implantable hearing aids, bone anchored hearing aids) and collaborate with other professionals in their applications in rehabilitation.

Audiometrists in Australia primarily work with adult clients (including older adults) and provide a range of services to school-aged children. They focus on hearing and auditory function assessment and rehabilitation. Audiometrists achieve this by applying a range of diagnostic tests and rehabilitation approaches including counselling and the prescription and fitting of non-implantable devices/aids (e.g. bone conduction aids; earplugs (custom noise/swim/musician plugs); FM and other remote sensing systems; hearing aids; and Hearing assistive technology). Audiometrists may also provide rehabilitation for tinnitus using education and hearing aids.

Limitations of the Scope of Practice Document

Importantly, the Scope of Practice document highlights that it cannot be used to define, regulate or restrict the scope of an individual’s practice. These regulatory aims are instead achieved via a suite of other relevant policies and by-laws that Audiology Australia, ACAud and HAASA members must adhere to.

It is the responsibility of the individual to be aware of, and only engage in, those aspects of the Scope of Practice that they have the appropriate educational qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience to practice lawfully, safely and effectively, in a way that meets professional standards and does not pose any danger to the public or to themselves.

In effect, the Scope of Practice emphasises two main points:

1. Non-Regulatory Nature: The Scope of Practice document itself is not intended to define, regulate, or restrict what an individual can do within their professional practice. Instead, this regulatory function is covered by various other policies and by-laws established by professional bodies such as Audiology Australia, ACAud, and HAASA. These organisations have specific regulations that members must follow.
2. Individual Responsibility: Each professional is responsible for ensuring that they only perform tasks and engage in activities for which they have the necessary educational background, knowledge, skills, and experience. They must practice in a manner that is lawful, safe, effective, and in accordance with professional standards, ensuring no harm comes to the public or themselves.

In summary, while the Scope of Practice document guides professional activities, actual regulatory control is exercised through other policies and by-laws. Professionals are required to self-regulate their practice to ensure they meet all relevant standards and qualifications.

Critically, the Scope of Practice, and associated organisational policies and bylaws, only apply to those audiologists and audiometrists who choose to belong to one of these industry organisations.

Clinical Currency

Audiologists and audiometrists in Australia who wish to provide service through government programs, like the Hearing Services Program (HSP) or NDIS, must belong to an audiology industry association and demonstrate Clinical Currency via a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program every year.

If an audiologist or audiometrist fails to acquire sufficient CPD points they will not receive their Clinical Currency certification from their relevant industry body.

In Australia, there are three Industry bodies:

1. Audiology Australia (AudA – Audiologists only)
2. The Australian College of Audiology (ACAud – Audiologists and Audiometrists can join this association)
3. Hearing Aid Audiology Society of Australia (HAASA – Audiometrists only)

Most Audiologists and Audiometrists will display their Clinical Currency certificate in their office, but you can always request to see their certificate and their qualifications.

Beware, there are no compulsory professional registration requirements for audiology service providers outside of providers to government services. While we are not aware of this happening, there is the potential for someone to call themselves an audiologist or audiometrist and provide audiology services to private patients. There is no regulatory vehicle to stop them even if they are not qualified as an audiologist or audiometrist.

Whether you choose to see an Audiologist or an Audiometrist, ensure they are qualified and have a Clinical Currency certificate.

In Summary

While both audiologists and audiometrists play important roles in the field of audiology, there are differences in their qualifications, and there may be differences in their clinical abilities and scope of practice.

Audiologists undergo extensive graduate-level training and possess advanced clinical skills, allowing them to independently assess, diagnose, and manage a wide range of auditory and vestibular disorders.

Audiometrists receive TAFE-level training in hearing assessment and hearing aid fitting.

Consumers need to be aware of the lack of national regulation of the industry, including the potential for non-qualified practitioners to offer services to private patients. Always check the qualifications and Clinical Currency Certificate of your hearing health professional. It never hurts to ask.

Want More Hearing Loss News and Information?

Stay informed and connected by subscribing to our monthly newsletter. You’ll receive the latest insights on hearing loss, community updates, and exclusive content tailored for the hearing loss community in Queensland. Don’t miss out—subscribe now.