How to Be Audiovestibular Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 30, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Audiovestibular technicians specialize in testing, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the auditory and vestibular systems. They use a variety of tests, such as audiometry and tympanometry, to evaluate hearing, as well as specialized tests to evaluate balance and dizziness. Their expertise is essential in diagnosing and treating hearing loss, balance problems, tinnitus, and other auditory and vestibular conditions.

By providing accurate diagnosis and treatment, they are able to help improve the quality of life of their patients. In addition, they often work with audiologists, speech-language pathologists, otolaryngologists, and other healthcare professionals in order to provide comprehensive care to their patients.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require audiovestibular technicians to have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Attend a Vocational School. Vocational schools offer certificate and associates degree programs in audiovestibular technology. These programs provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work as an audiovestibular technician.
Gain Work Experience. Many employers require audiovestibular technicians to have at least one year of work experience prior to being hired. This experience can be obtained through internships, volunteer positions, or entry-level positions in the field.
Obtain Certification. Certification is not required by all employers, but it can be beneficial when seeking employment. There are several organizations that offer certification for audiovestibular technicians, such as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Academy of Audiology (AAA).
Pursue Continuing Education. Audiovestibular technicians must stay up-to-date on new technology and techniques in order to provide the best care for their patients. Continuing education courses are available through various organizations and can help audiovestibular technicians stay current.

Staying qualified and up-to-date as an audiovestibular technician is essential for providing quality service to patients. To do so, technicians must stay abreast of the latest developments in the field, including advances in hearing aid technology, new diagnostic testing protocols, and applicable legislation. Keeping up with the latest industry news and developments can be accomplished by attending conferences, seminars, and workshops hosted by professional organizations such as the American Academy of Audiology, as well as enrolling in continuing education courses and reading industry publications.

staying current with licensure and certification requirements is critical for maintaining a valid professional license. By taking the time to stay informed and compliant, audiovestibular technicians can ensure they are providing their patients with the best possible care.

You may want to check Tinnitus Therapist, Tinnitus Management Clinician, and Vestibular Evaluator for alternative.

Job Description

Install, maintain, and repair hearing aid or other audiovestibular equipment in order to ensure proper functioning.
Assist in the diagnosis of patient hearing and balance issues.
Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of audiovestibular equipment.
Calibrate and adjust hearing aid equipment for optimal performance.
Provide technical support to physicians and other healthcare professionals.
Educate patients on use of hearing aid or other audiovestibular equipment.
Troubleshoot and diagnose issues with audiovestibular equipment.
Maintain records of patient results and progress.
Collect and analyze patient data to develop treatment plans.
Research new audiovestibular technology and products.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the auditory and vestibular systems.
Understanding of hearing and balance testing procedures, including Audiometry, Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs), Tympanometry, and Vestibular Testing.
Proficiency in the use of audiometric and vestibular test equipment, including troubleshooting and maintenance.
Ability to conduct patient interviews and accurately document patient medical history.
Knowledge of hearing aid technologies, including digital and analog hearing aids.
Ability to provide patient education and counseling on hearing health care concerns and hearing aid selection.
Ability to interpret test results and make recommendations for patient care.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance protocols and standards.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
Proficiency in computer software applications related to audiovestibular technology.

Audiovestibular technicians must have a wide range of skills in order to be successful in their field. Attention to detail, strong problem solving skills, and excellent communication are all essential for this role. Audiovestibular technicians must be able to identify the cause and effect of the auditory and vestibular systems and be able to diagnose and treat any issues that arise.

They must be able to work with state-of-the-art audiological and vestibular equipment in order to accurately evaluate a patient's condition. they must be able to provide patient education and support in order to help them understand their condition and possible treatments. With these skills, audiovestibular technicians can provide the best possible care to their patients.

Audiology Assistant, Speech-Language Pathology Audiologist, and Cerumen Management Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in audiovestibular technology?
What methods do you use to diagnose and treat patients with audiovestibular disorders?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends in audiovestibular technology?
What challenges have you faced while working with audiovestibular technology?
How do you troubleshoot issues with audiovestibular equipment?
How would you explain audiovestibular technology to a patient?
What is your approach to record-keeping for audiovestibular test results?
Describe a project you have completed in audiovestibular technology that you are proud of.
Explain the process of calibrating audiovestibular equipment.
What safety protocols do you follow when working with audiovestibular technology?

Common Tools in Industry

Audiometer. A device used to measure hearing sensitivity, usually in the form of an earphone headset. (eg: Grason-Stadler GSI-61 Audiometer)
Tympanometer. A device used to measure the response of the eardrum to sound pressure. (eg: Madsen Accuscreen Tympanometer)
Otoacoustic Emissions Tester. A device used to measure the response of the inner ear to sound pressure. (eg: Interacoustics Otoacoustic Emissions Tester)
ABR/BERA Tester. A device used to measure the electrical activity of the hearing nerve and brainstem in response to sound. (eg: Grason-Stadler ABR/BERA Tester)
Cochlear Implant Mapping System. A device used to adjust and program cochlear implant devices for optimal hearing performance. (eg: Cochlear Nucleus CI-100 Cochlear Implant Mapping System)
Hearing Aid Analyzer. A device used to measure and adjust hearing aid performance. (eg: Audiomatica Clio Hearing Aid Analyzer)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Audiology
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
American Auditory Society
International Hearing Society
British Society of Audiology
European Federation of Audiology Societies
International Society of Audiology
American Tinnitus Association
The Vestibular Disorders Association
National Association of School Psychologists

We also have Audiometric Assistant, Hearing Instrument Practitioner, and Hearing Loss Prevention Specialist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Audiology. The study of hearing and related disorders, including the assessment and treatment of individuals with hearing loss and other auditory disorders.
Acoustics. The science of sound and its effect on the environment.
Audiogram. A graphical representation of an individual's hearing levels.
Tympanometry. A test to measure how well the eardrum and middle ear are functioning.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE). Tests for hearing loss that measure the response of the cochlea to sound.
Hearing Aids. Devices used to amplify sound and help individuals with hearing loss communicate more effectively.
Vestibular Disorders. Disorders that affect the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and coordination.
Balance Testing. Tests used to assess the balance system and identify any underlying problems.
Tinnitus. A disorder characterized by a ringing or buzzing noise in the ear.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. Hearing loss caused by exposure to loud noise over an extended period of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Audiovestibular Technician? A1: An Audiovestibular Technician is a specialized healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ear, hearing, balance, and speech. Q2: What qualifications do Audiovestibular Technicians need? A2: In order to become an Audiovestibular Technician, one must have completed a specialized program in audiology or speech-language pathology accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Q3: What kind of testing do Audiovestibular Technicians perform? A3: Audiovestibular Technicians perform a variety of tests to evaluate an individual's hearing and balance, as well as speech and language abilities. These tests can include audiometric testing, tympanometry, acoustic reflex testing, otoacoustic emissions testing, and auditory brainstem response testing. Q4: How many Audiovestibular Technicians are there in the United States? A4: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 17,790 Audiovestibular Technicians employed in the United States in 2019. Q5: What is the average salary for an Audiovestibular Technician? A5: The average salary for an Audiovestibular Technician in the United States is $57,980 per year.