In this editorial piece, Deafness Forum Australia shares its opinion on the importance of clearer distinctions between audiometrists and audiologists.
Members of the community may encounter both audiometrists and audiologists when they seek hearing assistance, but would they know the difference?
There appears to be confusion among consumers about the roles of audiometrists and audiologists, with some expressing uncertainty about the expertise each profession possesses. This points to a need for better public education about professional roles and where the current system could be enhanced.
Terms like ‘audiology professionals’, ‘audiology profession’ and ‘audiology clinics’, are often used in advertising which can contribute to consumer confusion. The use of unclear terminology makes it harder to understand the qualifications of different service providers.
We believe that establishing a consistent national standard for both audiologists and audiometrists, supported by strong governance structures and evidence-based data, could help ensure that consumers receive accurate information. This approach aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their hearing health care. We are committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure that these improvements are made together, with them, and not for them.
Differences between audiometrists and audiometrists
Audiometrists
are involved in conducting hearing assessments, managing hearing devices, and providing advice on rehabilitation programs primarily with adult clients. They usually hold a Diploma in Audiometry which involves two years of study at TAFE followed by a formal supervision program through a recognised employer. Some audiometrists may also then complete a Bachelor of Audiometry.
Audiologists
are university trained health professionals, with the entry level educational requirement being a postgraduate two-year Master of Audiology degree. They work in a range of settings: hospitals, government hearing clinics, private practice, academia and research, schools for individuals with impaired hearing, and hearing instrument manufacturers. They are the main provider of services relating to hearing and balance disorders including diagnosis, non-medical/surgical treatments and rehabilitation.
It has been difficult to determine how many practitioners there are in Australia. There were 2,492 accredited audiologists in 2021, according to A Review of the Literature Relating to the Hearing Health Care Workforce in Australia (2021): anecdotally, we have heard of figures as high as 3,500 and greater. The same report notes 665 audiometrists who were members of the Australian College of Audiology and the former Hearing Aid Audiology Society of Australia. The report does not attempt to estimate audiometrists who were not members of the professional bodies.
National Survey
To capture the experiences of receiving or delivering hearing services in Australia, Deafness Forum Australia’s constituents (consumers primarily, but also service providers) were invited to complete an in-depth survey. You can download the survey report here.
Consumers’ comments illustrate their views on the differences between audiometry and audiology providers:
- I was not aware of audiometrists
- It would be helpful to clearly explain the roles of audiologists and audiometrists to the public
- Clear identification of healthcare professionals is important for transparency.
Survey respondents who were providers of hearing care services (mostly audiologists, we conclude), including business owners, raised potential concerns about the delivery of hearing services by those who are not audiologists. These are comments from providers:
- It’s important for healthcare professionals to use accurate titles that reflect their qualifications and training. Clear titles help ensure transparency and trust with the public.
- Patients with complex conditions like tinnitus benefit from specialised care. Clear referral guidelines can help ensure they receive the appropriate level of expertise.
- Defining the scope of practice for audiologists and audiometrists can help clarify roles and responsibilities. Additionally, providing pathways for professional development can support career advancement and improve patient care.
Our survey on hearing services has provided valuable insights into the industry’s current state, but it also has a limitation: the underrepresentation of audiometrists. We encourage audiometrists to participate in our survey to gather more responses and ensure that their perspectives are heard. We have invited their professional body to share our survey and contribute editorial to One in Six to outline its views and aspirations for its members. We would also like to hear from employers. This collaborative approach will help the community better understand the needs and challenges faced by audiometrists.
Clarifying Roles for Better Consumer Outcomes
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is conducting an Audiometry Qualification Review.
Deafness Forum Australia supports the continued growth and development of the audiometry profession. We believe in quality education that meets an agreed national standard for audiometrists’ specialised skills in assessing adults, performing basic hearing tests, battery and hearing aid fittings.
We believe each consumer should receive person-centred care tailored to their individual needs. In our view, it’s important for audiometrists and audiologists to collaborate as a team, ensuring clear referral pathways are in place, ideally guided by a consistent, evidence-based national standard.
While existing processes are in place, we see an opportunity to strengthen them by uniting under a single national standard. We think this approach could facilitate smoother transitions in care, allowing audiologists to build on the work provided by audiometrists, and potentially enhance service delivery. We support a clear separation of roles between audiologists and audiometrists. We believe collaboration between the two professions should be coordinated and transparent with a clear structure in place to ultimately ensuring seamless care for consumers.
Can Mandatory Regulation of All Audiologists and Audiometrists Solve this Dilemma?
The debate over regulating audiologists and audiometrists in Australia is complex and multifaceted. Currently, the profession is largely self-regulated, with professional bodies Audiology Australia and the Australian College of Audiology representing membership of their bodies as a form of regulation. However, other stakeholders, including Independent Audiologists Australia and Deafness Forum Australia, strongly support mandatory registration under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Challenges and Opportunities
The hearing services industry in Australia is a complex ecosystem involving multiple stakeholders, each with their own interests and perspectives. Some of our constituents feel that the current self-regulating model may face challenges in ensuring consistent quality across the industry.
One respondent in our national survey (you can download the report here) expressed concerns about the potential influence of financial interests in the hearing services industry stating:
“There’s a lot of money in hearing aids, and some players in the industry might not want to see that change…”
While this reflects one perspective, we recognise it may be one of several factors that require further exploration to ensure clarity and consistency within the system, ultimately ensuring that consumers receive the care they need.
The opportunity for positive change is here. Our survey suggests growing support for independent, national regulation from consumers and providers presenting a unique chance to strengthen and improve our hearing health services system. Now is the time to take meaningful steps toward enhancing the system and ensuring better outcomes for everyone.
- Here is the survey for hearing professionals to complete
- This one is for consumers of hearing services to complete