An audiologist is not a medical doctor. Audiologists carry a masters and/or doctoral degree and are regulated health professionals governed by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario. They are primary health care providers who focus on the prevention of hearing loss as well the identification, management and treatment of both hearing and balance problems. They are able to direct their career path in many different directions, including private practice, hospital work, education, research, and administration. They are also able to work with any age of the population to provide hearing solutions, including those with special needs.