audionom

Audionom is a title used in several countries for a hearing health professional who specializes in the identification, assessment, and rehabilitation of hearing and balance disorders. An audionom typically conducts hearing tests, interprets results, and helps patients choose and fit hearing aids or other assistive devices. They may perform measurements such as real-ear verification and tympanometry, take earmold impressions, and provide counseling on communication strategies, tinnitus management, and auditory training. They also help with prevention, protective strategies for noise exposure, and follow-up care to optimize device use and comfort. In pediatric and adult care, audionoms work as part of a broader hearing health team that can include ENT doctors, audiologists (in jurisdictions where both roles exist), speech-language pathologists, and educators of the deaf.

Education and regulation: The path to becoming an audionom varies by country. It generally requires higher education in audiology, hearing science, or hearing care, often with a supervised clinical component. In some regions the title and practice are regulated, requiring registration or licensure.

Work settings: Public health clinics, hospitals, ENT departments, private practices, and community hearing services.

Scope and limits: Audionoms focus on non-medical aspects of hearing and balance. They refer patients with suspected medical conditions (such as sudden deafness, severe pain, or suspected tumors) to physicians for further evaluation.