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Hear Here! Audiology at UCL

Deepak Prasher, Professor of Audiology at the UCL Ear Institute and author of the recent Widex UK Noise Report talks to Smaart Advice about bionic ears and the challenges and excitement of a career in audiology.

What is Audiology?

Humans don�t just use their ears to hear; they also stop us from falling over by
helping us with our sense of balance. Audiology is the study of these hearing and
balance functions, diseases and disorders of hearing and balance and ways of treating or
managing them.

Where do audiologists work?

An audiologist can work in the NHS or private hospitals. They are involved in
the diagnosis, rehabilitation and therapy of people with hearing and balance problems.
Some might conduct research whilst others work as hearing aid audiologists in the
independent sector, for instance providing an audiology service on the high street.

Do they work only with adults?

Far from it! One of the most important aspects of an audiologists work is to screen the
hearing of new-born babies. This way, an audiologist can assess whether a baby requires
a hearing aid or a cochlear implant, which is sometimes called a bionic ear. This enables
a baby to hear even if their inner ear (the cochlea) is damaged from birth.

New-born babies can�t tell you what they can and cannot hear, so how can an

audiologist test their hearing?

A test was developed by Professor David Kemp at UCL�s Ear Institute and is now used
all around the world. It records echoes of sounds within the ear canal using a tiny
microphone. If these echoes, which are called otoacoustic emissions are present, it means
the child has good hearing.

How long is the audiology course?

It is four years. At the UCL Ear Institute, the third year is spent working as an
audiologist-in-training at a an NHS Hospital whilst the other three are spent at the
university. After qualifying the graduate is able to legally register to practise as an
audiologist.

Can I sell hearing aids in the private sector?

Yes, once you are registered you can work in the NHS and private sectors.

What if I want to do research?

There is plenty of research which needs doing! There are still a lot of aspects of hearing
and balance, how we perceive sound or orient ourselves in space, that we don�t really
understand. From a more technological point of view, advances are continually being
made to the design of hearing aids so that audiologists can provide an even better service
to those with hearing problems.

Why should I go into Audiology?

Audiology covers many areas: acoustics, anatomy and physiology, hearing and
balance disorders, rehabilitation and therapy. It involves working with patients from new-
born babies to the very elderly. It is satisfying to be able to help people overcome their
disabilities and is very rewarding for anyone interested in working in healthcare to help
people.

Is it well paid?

The starting salary is over �18k. As a consultant audiologist it can rise to over �71k.

What are the entry qualifications for the BSc course?

At the UCL Ear Institute, we require three A level passes at BBB and one additional AS
plus English Language and Mathematics at GCSE.

How expensive is the BSc?

This is an NHS funded course and so, as long as you have Home Student fess status,
there are no tuition fees to be paid. What�s more, in the third year, when you are at a
placements at a hospital, you will get paid a salary. There is also the provision to be paid
a means-tested bursary.