Pathologists teach other patients how to make sounds or increase their language skills. Audiologists work with people who have hearing and related problems. They use various testing devices with their patients. They determine how loud sounds must be for patients to hear them. They also test patients' ability to distinguish between sounds.
Treatments vary by the type of hearing disorder.
Audiologists often examine and clean the ear canal or fit a hearing aid. They may teach some patients to use sign language. Pathologists and audiologists who run clinics or work in schools usually design treatment plans themselves. In hospitals, they work with doctors, social workers, and others when creating treatment plans. Like other health care workers, pathologists and audiologists do paperwork.