"Audiology is the science of hearing, balance, and related disorders. Audiologists are healthcare professionals who provide patient-centered care in the prevention, identification, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of hearing, balance, and other auditory disorders for people of all ages. Hearing and balance disorders are complex with medical, psychological, physical, social, educational, and employment implications. Audiologists provide professional and personalized services to minimize the negative impact of these disorders, leading to improved outcomes and quality of life."  ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Associated).

The current minimum requirement in the State of California to practice audiology is a Doctorate Degree in Audiology (a total of 8 years of University Education).   The graduate program will also include clinical practice, which will provide the candidate with valuable experience and training in the field.  This experience is obtained under the supervision of an experienced dispensing audiologist or Audiologists. The degree granted is an Au.D. A Doctorate in Audiology.

In addition to the classroom training/instruction and labs, Audiologists must also complete two supervised internships (Adults and Pediatrics)at the University. Two supervised externships (Adults and Pediatrics) are then followed up with a supervised clinical year. All Audiologists must pass a practical state exam in Audiology and then a state written and practical exam in Hearing Aid dispensing. Prior to dispensing in the field of audiology, the candidate must possess vast experience in dispensing.  Audiologists must complete supervised hours to obtain the Clinical Certification in Audiology granted by the American Speech and Hearing Association. Some Audiologists take additional course work and exams to obtain Board Certification granted by the American Board of Audiology. 

Audiologist course work includes Electronics, auditory and vestibular pathologies, medical and surgical treatment of hearing, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, impression-taking techniques, the acoustics of sound, physics, ear disorders, genetics, pharmacology, radiology, forensic audiology, communication disorders, and syndromes. We understand the acoustics of sound, anatomy, and physiology of the ear and throat, vestibular system (balance disorders and pathologies), Neuroanatomy, pediatric and geriatric audiology.  Our course work includes phonetics, speech disorders.  In grad school, Audiologists plan speech therapy sessions for those patients who suffer from speech delay or have problems with speech, autistic children/adults, or those who have special needs.  We work closely with Medical doctors and especially with an ear nose and throat specialist.  We work closely with teachers, speech pathologists, school counselors, psychologists, teachers of the deaf, special aid teachers, Universities to at times contribute to new testing methods, collection of data, as well as any research related to finding the cure for hearing loss.