Have you ever wondered what it takes to help someone hear clearly for the first time?
Audiology is a rewarding career that combines healthcare expertise with cutting-edge technology, allowing you to make a real difference in people’s lives.
As an audiologist, you’ll help people improve their hearing, stay connected with loved ones, and maintain their independence.
With 18 million people in the UK experiencing some degree of hearing loss*, the demand for skilled audiologists is higher than ever.
So, how do you become an audiologist in the UK? This guide will take you through the qualifications, training routes, and career opportunities available—featuring insights from our own audiologists, including those who trained with OutsideClinic.
What does an audiologist do?
Audiologists assess, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders. Their role includes:
- conducting hearing tests,
- fitting and adjusting hearing aids,
- advising on hearing protection, and
- supporting patients with long-term hearing conditions.
This career blends science, technology, and patient care, offering a varied and fulfilling workday.
Audiologists can specialise in areas such as paediatrics, adult rehabilitation, special needs care, research, and teaching. They work in diverse settings, including hospitals, private clinics, high-street providers, research institutions, and domiciliary care.
A great audiologist blends technical expertise with strong people skills, including effective communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, and a passion for improving lives.
What qualifications do you need to become an audiologist?
There are two main pathways to becoming an audiologist in the UK:
1. University degree route
Most audiologists qualify by completing a BSc (Hons) in Audiology or a Healthcare Science (Audiology) degree. These courses typically include:
- Academic study in hearing science and audiology
- Practical placements in NHS or private clinics
- Hands-on experience with hearing aid fitting and diagnostics
Some universities also offer Master’s degrees in Audiology for those with a related science background.
2. Apprenticeships and work-based training
For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, apprenticeships and work-based training are becoming a popular alternative:
- Degree apprenticeships in audiology allow you to earn while you learn, combining practical experience with academic study.
- In-house training programmes, like those at OutsideClinic, provide direct pathways into the profession.
At OutsideClinic, we are proud to have helped many team members train and qualify as audiologists through our development programmes.
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“I was able to do an apprenticeship with OutsideClinic and Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. I was originally working as a Hearing Care Assistant but wanted to be in a more scientific and clinical role where I could improve people’s lives.”
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“OutsideClinic sponsored me through my apprenticeship course. The team were incredibly supportive, always offering guidance and advice.”
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“Having the opportunity to develop has been invaluable. I previously worked for a company with no progression options, so gaining a professional qualification with support from my team has been an amazing experience.”
Why choose a career in audiology?
A career in audiology is rewarding, varied, and in demand. With an ageing population and increasing awareness of hearing health, skilled audiologists are more needed than ever.
Whether you work in the NHS, private sector, or domiciliary care, you’ll have the chance to change lives every day.
"Seeing the look on someone's face when they can finally hear properly - that's why I'm an audiologist." - Ian McKendrick.
What makes domiciliary audiology special?
Domiciliary audiology offers a unique and fulfilling career path outside of a traditional clinic setting. Instead of patients coming to you, you bring life-changing hearing care directly to their homes, making services more accessible to those who may struggle to travel.
This approach allows for more personalised care, as you see patients in their own environments, understand their daily challenges, and tailor solutions to fit their lifestyle.
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“The best thing about working in a domiciliary environment is that you can use a patient’s own surroundings. You can say, ‘Put your TV on - let’s see if your hearing has improved.’ That in itself is priceless.”
Ian McKendrick
Clinical lead
At OutsideClinic, our audiologists love the one-to-one patient time, the variety of each day, and the real impact they make on people’s independence and well-being. If you’re looking for a career that offers more flexibility, deeper patient connections, and the chance to truly change lives, domiciliary audiology could be the perfect fit.