Audionom – an expert in audiological hearing health care

An audionom* plays a vital role as part of a multidisciplinary team in specialised healthcare. They assess hearing using a range of methods, such as audiometry, and are responsible for the selection, fitting, and adjustment of hearing aids.

Audionoms also provide guidance and education on hearing loss and support individuals in managing symptoms such as tinnitus. A key part of their work is helping people come to terms with changes in their hearing and adopt new communication strategies that enable them to make the most of their remaining hearing ability.

Their work spans all age groups and life stages. In addition to clinical care, audionoms contribute to preventive hearing health by raising awareness of ways to avoid acquired hearing loss and by promoting hearing health more broadly. This is done in collaboration with individuals, families, communities, and the wider population.

Audionoms work in a variety of settings, including specialised healthcare, primary health care, private-sector organisations, and as entrepreneurs within private healthcare services.

Education and training

The education of audionoms is an advanced-level programme intended for qualified public health nurses (240 ECTS) and registered nurses (210 ECTS). The programme is delivered as a specialisation pathway and takes approximately 1.5 years to complete (60 ECTS).

*Audionom (Finland) is a Finnish hearing care professional educated at a University of Applied Sciences, specializing in hearing assessment, hearing aid fitting, auditory rehabilitation and patient counselling.