Audiologists and audiometrists
Audiology is the science of hearing, balance and related disorders. Audiologists and audiometrists both test hearing and treat hearing loss.
What audiologists and audiometrists do
Audiologists work with people who have hearing disorders and related problems. They usually see those who have more complex hearing loss. Some audiologists can also test and advise on auditory processing disorder (APD), tinnitus and balance problems.
Audiometrists conduct hearing assessments in people aged 16 years and over with non-complex hearing loss. They may also work with those who have complex needs with mentoring and support from an audiologist.
Both groups can work independently, and work in:
- hospitals
- ear, nose and throat (otolaryngology) practices
- private audiology clinics.
They work closely with other specialists such as:
- general practice teams
- otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists)
- hearing therapists
- speech-language therapists
- advisers for deaf children
- paediatricians.
Audiologists and audiometrists can give advice and provide different kinds of hearing aids and implants.
Audiologists can access hearing aid funding from:
- ACC
- Disability Support Services
- Veterans' Affairs.
Audiometrists can access hearing aid funding from Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People.
Finding an audiologist or audiometrist
Search for an audiologist or audiometrist on the New Zealand Audiological Society (NZAS) website or Healthpoint.
Find an audiologist or audiometrist — New Zealand Audiological Society
Qualifications and training
NZAS is the professional body for audiologists and audiometrists in Aotearoa New Zealand. Only NZAS members can access government funding for hearing devices.
- NZAS audiologists have a postgraduate qualification in audiology.
- NZAS audiometrists have a recognised qualification in audiometry.
Both maintain continual professional development to stay current within the profession.
Cost of seeing an audiologist or audiometrist
You will usually need to pay to see an audiologist or audiometrist.
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.
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is a government agency that helps pay for treatment if you are injured in an accident.
The ACC provides comprehensive, no-fault personal injury cover for all residents and visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand. This means if you are hurt in an accident, ACC can help no matter who caused the accident.
If you have an accident and need emergency care in a hospital, it will be covered by ACC.
ACC usually pays some of the other medical costs if you have an accident, like surgery, physiotherapy and medicines. ACC may also be able to cover some loss of earnings resulting from an accident.
I'm injured — The Accident Compensation Corporation