How do I become an Audiologist?

Audiology is the study of hearing and balance in the challenging and expanding field of clinical science and technology.

Audiology involves assessment, management and rehabilitation of people with hearing, balance and associated disorders. This includes patients of all ages from newborns, children, adults and older people.

To gain access to the audiology profession:

  • Candidates must hold a minimum of a Second Class Honours, Grade I, in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8), or a postgraduate degree in any scientific or medical discipline.

  • Candidates must also complete the two-year, full-time M.Sc. in Audiology awarded by University College Cork.

Additional information on the career and courses can be found on Careers Portal.

Find out more about the role on The Irish Academy of Audiology website.

Your role with the HSE

Audiologists are part of a clinical workforce called Health and Social Care Professionals, who work together with medical and nursing colleagues as a team in the delivery of clinical, therapeutic and social care.

Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat hearing, balance, or ear problems. They work in the field of audiology, which is the science of hearing and balance. They determine the severity and type of hearing loss a patient has and develop a plan for treatment.

Audiologists work with doctors, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, classroom teachers, social workers, and psychologists — treating patients of all ages.

Career Progression

As your clinical experience grows, so too do opportunities to advance into senior roles and specialise in area such as Paediatrics.

There are many ways to progress in your career, such as becoming a Senior Audiologist or a Clinical Specialist.

Clinical pathway:

  • Staff Grade Audiologist
  • Senior Audiologist
  • Clinical Specialist Audiologist

Management pathway:

  • Audiologist Chief
  • Audiology, Assistant National Lead
  • Audiology, National Lead

Educational pathway:

There are also opportunities available for education roles across the Health and Social Care professions.

Further training and development

The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of HSCPs working in the HSE.

Professional Development refers to the continuing education and career training a person engages in, after entering the workforce in order to help you develop new skills and stay up-to-date on current trends in your profession. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of all Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCPs) is considered vital to ensure that HSCPs continue to have the up-to-date knowledge and skills necessary to deliver a safe and effective service to service users. The National HSCP Office is committed to support CPD activities for all HSCPs.

HSeLanD is our portal that offers an array of training & development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting the HSCP Hub.

The Irish Academy of Audiology (IAA) holds a conference every two years. There are also CPD courses held at University College Cork each year.

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff.

Staff Testimonials coming soon.

To ensure that you are informed of all vacancies please register on the HSE Career Hub for weekly job alerts.

 

Audiologist with patient in Soundproof room. Hearing Check-up