Explore a Career in Audiology

Audiologists are specialized healthcare professionals who work at the intersection of science, communication, and human connection. They play a vital role in diagnosing, preventing, and treating hearing, balance, and other auditory disorders for individuals across the lifespan—from newborns to seniors. More than just hearing specialists, audiologists are advocates for better quality of life, helping people reconnect with their environment, regain independence, and thrive socially and emotionally.

 

What Do Audiologists Do?

 

Audiologists are trained to manage complex auditory and vestibular conditions that can impact medical, psychological, educational, and occupational well-being. They use a patient-centered and evidence-based approach to deliver care tailored to each individual's needs.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Diagnosing and managing hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and balance disorders

• Conducting advanced hearing and balance assessments using specialized equipment

• Dispensing and fine-tuning hearing aids and assistive listening devices

• Overseeing cochlear implant and bone-anchored hearing systems

• Designing individualized auditory rehabilitation programs

• Educating patients and families on communication strategies

• Advising workplaces on hearing protection and noise exposure

 

Beyond the Clinic: Diverse Roles and Impact

 

Audiologists take on a wide array of roles beyond clinical practice. They work as:

• Therapists and Educators – Supporting clients in schools and rehab settings, teaching students in audiology and related fields

• Researchers and Consultants – Contributing to scientific advancement and developing new technologies or therapeutic approaches

• Policy Advisors and Advocates – Shaping public health policies and workplace safety regulations through hearing conservation programs

• Forensic Audiologists – Offering expert testimony in legal cases involving auditory damage

 

Where Audiologists Work

 

You’ll find audiologists in:

• Hospitals and private clinics

• Rehabilitation centers and public health units

• School boards and early intervention programs

• Government agencies and military healthcare

• Research labs and hearing technology companies

 

Pathway to Becoming an Audiologist in Canada

 

To practice audiology in Canada, aspiring professionals must complete a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Audiology from an accredited institution. Most provinces require licensure through a regulatory body to ensure standards of care are met.

 

Universities in Canada offering audiology programs (as of 2025):

These five universities offer audiology and speech-language pathology:

• University of British Columbia

• Dalhousie University

• Université de Montréal

• University of Ottawa

• Western University

 

The following also offer speech-language pathology programs only:

• University of Alberta

• Université Laurentienne

• Université Laval

• McGill University

• Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

• University of Toronto

• McMaster University

 

Programs in French are available at:

• Université Laurentienne

• Université Laval

• Université de Montréal

• Université d'Ottawa

• Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

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Your undergraduate degree and coursework must prepare you for the academic and scientific rigour of the master’s program.

 

Best Undergraduate Programs for Audiology Preparation

 

There is no single required major for admission, but the best undergraduate programs typically include:

• Health Sciences

• Linguistics

• Psychology

• Biology

• Neuroscience

• Communication Sciences and Disorders (if available)

• Biomedical Sciences

These programs provide the foundational knowledge in human biology, communication systems, and scientific reasoning needed for graduate study in audiology.

 

Typical Prerequisite Courses for a Master’s in Audiology (Canada)

 

Graduate audiology programs often require or strongly recommend the following undergraduate coursework:

Core Science & Math:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology

• Statistics

• Biology (especially cell biology or human biology)

• Physics (basic acoustics and sound waves are helpful)

• Chemistry (sometimes required)

Social Science & Language-Related Courses:

• Linguistics (e.g., phonetics, phonology, language development)

• Psychology (e.g., cognitive, developmental, abnormal)

• Introduction to Communication Disorders (if offered)

Other Recommended:

• Research Methods (often built into psychology/statistics courses)

• Acoustics or Hearing Science (if available)

 

Admission Tip

 

Each university may have slightly different admission requirements. For example:

• Western University prefers applicants with a strong background in life sciences and linguistics.

• University of British Columbia and Dalhousie University look for well-rounded students with coursework across science, language, and psychology.

Always check the official program websites for their most current prerequisites and GPA requirements.

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Why Choose Audiology?

 

This profession blends healthcare, technology, and human service. As an audiologist, you’ll:

• Improve lives by helping people regain vital communication abilities

• Engage in a career that’s intellectually stimulating and emotionally rewarding

• Enter a field with high demand, flexibility, and opportunities for innovation

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Whether you're drawn to clinical care, research, or advocacy, audiology offers a meaningful and versatile career path. At Alpha Study Canada, we guide students through program selection, application support, and long-term career planning for success in this impactful field.

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