 Career
Path Forecast
Average employment growth is projected for Audiologists. However,
because of the small size of the occupation, few job openings are
expected. But, job prospects will be favorable for those possessing the
Au.D. degree.
Employment of audiologists is expected to grow 25 percent from 2008
to 2018, much faster than average for all occupations.
 Hearing loss is strongly associated with aging, so rapid growth in
older population groups will cause the number of people with hearing and
balance impairments to increase markedly. Medical advances also are
improving the survival rate of premature infants and trauma victims, who
then need assessment and sometimes treatment. Greater awareness of the
importance of early identification and diagnosis of hearing disorders in
infants also will increase employment. A number of states require that
newborns be screened for hearing loss and receive appropriate early
intervention services.
Employment in educational services will increase along with growth in
elementary and secondary school enrollments, including enrollment of
special education students.
Growth in employment of audiologists will be moderated by
limitations on reimbursements made by third-party payers for the tests
and services they provide.
Job prospects will be favorable for those possessing the Au.D.
degree. Only a few job openings for audiologists will arise from the
need to replace those who leave the occupation, because the occupation
is relatively small and workers tend to stay in this occupation until
they retire. Demand may be greater in areas with large numbers of
retirees, so audiologists who are willing to relocate may have the best
job prospects.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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