HealthInfo Canterbury
Audiologists & audiometrists
Audiologists and audiometrists specialise in all aspects of hearing loss. Audiologists also help with ear-related problems such as auditory processing disorder, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and balance problems.
They can work independently and may be found in many settings, such as hospitals, schools, otolaryngology practices and private hearing aid clinics.
They work closely with other specialists such as GPs, otolaryngologists (previously called as ear, nose and throat or ENT specialists), hearing therapists, speech therapists, advisers on deaf children, and paediatricians.
Finding an audiologist or audiometrist
You can search for an audiologist or audiometrist on Healthpages or the New Zealand Audiological Society (NZAS) website.
Qualifications and training
NZAS is the professional body for audiologists and audiometrists in New Zealand. Only NZAS members can access government funding for hearing devices.
NZAS audiologists have a post-graduate qualification in audiology. NZAS audiometrists have a recognised qualification in audiometry.
Both maintain continual professional development to stay current within the profession.
What audiologists do
Audiology is the science of hearing, balance, and related disorders.
NZAS audiologists and audiometrists both test hearing and treat people with hearing loss. They can provide different kinds of hearing aids and implants, and give advice.
NZAS audiologists can also test and advise on auditory processing, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and balance problems. They will usually deal with the more complex kinds of hearing loss.
NZAS audiologists can access hearing aid funding from the Ministry of Health, ACC and Veterans’ Affairs.
NZAS audiometrists work with people aged 16 years and over with non-complex hearing loss. They can also work with people with complex needs with mentoring and support from an NZAS audiologist. They can access hearing aid funding from the Ministry of Health.
Cost of seeing an audiologist
There is normally a charge to see an audiologist. If your hearing loss is caused by workplace noise you may be covered by ACC. Costs may also be covered if you have private health insurance or by Work and Income in some circumstances.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created May 2020.
SourcesReview key: HIAUD-710433
