They frequently work with medical specialists, educators, engineers, scientists, and other allied health professionals and technicians. Patience, emotional stability, tact, and excellent communication skills are also helpful. During high school, prospective audiologists should consider a program with courses in biology, physics, mathematics, and psychology. A program of study in audiology is not usually available at the undergraduate level. More typically, students obtain an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders which provides introductory course work in audiology.
Most states also require speech-language pathologists and audiologists to be licensed to practice.
Licensure requirements are frequently identical to the ASHA CCC standards. In some work settings, such as colleges, universities, or hospitals, a Ph.D. degree may be desirable. Salaries of audiologists depend on their educational background, experience, work setting, and geographical location of employment. Fringe benefits such as insurance and leave for these professionals are usually very good. Most audiologists work in clean, comfortable, air-conditioned surroundings.