Introduction
My name is Ling Zhong, and I am from China. When I was seven years old, I lived with my great-grandfather in a small village near Heze, China, for two years. My parents told me that he had an ear problem. At first, I tried to talk to him by exaggerating my intonation and raising my voice. When he kept asking me to repeat myself, I quickly lost my patience and began to yell at him. Gradually, I stopped talking to my great-grandfather. As a kid, I figured there were better things to do than trying to talk to someone who could not even hear me. I remember him sitting alone on our family sofa. That memory still haunts me today.
At seventeen, I took an Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders class. I realized that the “ear problem” my great-grandfather had was clinically referred to as hearing loss. In class, I learned that the sounds my great-grandfather heard were extremely diminished and distorted. My exaggerated way of speaking only hindered his understanding. I realized that my great-grandfather lost his courage and desire to communicate with others due to a lack of knowledge about hearing loss within my community. This motivates me to become an audiologist who provides empathetic and effective treatment to patients with hearing impairments as early in their lives as possible. I also aim to educate my patients’ family members about hearing loss and help them understand the significance of their support.
In the audiology field, there is no longer a master's degree. Instead, the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) became the entry-level degree for the clinical practice of audiology in 2007. I completed my graduate studies at Vanderbilt University, where I received extensive training in areas including pediatric and adult hearing evaluation, amplification, and balance assessment. I currently work at a private practice hearing clinic. Our patient population is mainly older adults. I see patients for hearing evaluations, cerumen removal, hearing aid consultations, and programming. Working with older patients as an audiologist is a profoundly fulfilling experience, offering both significant rewards and some challenges. It is deeply satisfying to see the positive impact of my work—such as an older patient’s joy at hearing clearly for the first time in years. However, there are also many challenges because older patients may have additional health issues, such as cognitive decline, mobility problems, or other medical conditions, which can complicate the management of hearing loss.
Audiology Fellow
career options
Audiology is a diverse and dynamic field dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. As an audiologist, you have the opportunity to pursue a variety of career paths, each offering unique challenges and rewards.
Audiology Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Audiometric testing involves conducting various tests to assess patients' hearing abilities. During my graduate training, we began practicing how to administer pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, tympanometry, and other specialized tests to accurately diagnose hearing impairments from the very first semester. Mastering these skills requires precision in both testing procedures and result interpretation to formulate effective treatment plans.
Interpreting diagnostic results from audiometric tests and other assessments requires proficiency in understanding auditory anatomy, physiology, and pathology, which we studied in our anatomy and physiology classes. Audiologists must accurately analyze test data to diagnose hearing disorders, such as sensorineural or conductive hearing loss, and determine the best course of treatment or referral.
Audiologists are responsible for selecting and fitting appropriate hearing aids for patients with hearing loss. This involves understanding the different types of hearing aids, their technology, and how they address each patient’s specific hearing needs. Skills in hearing aid programming and adjustment are essential to ensure optimal performance and patient satisfaction. We acquired this knowledge through academic classes and practical experience during clinical rotations.
Effective communication and counseling skills are crucial for audiologists to educate patients and their families about hearing loss, hearing conservation, and rehabilitation options. Audiologists provide guidance on hearing aid use, communication strategies, and auditory training programs to help patients maximize their hearing abilities and enhance their quality of life. We developed these skills through academic classes and practical experience during clinical rotations.
Maintaining accurate patient records and documentation is essential for audiologists to track patient progress, treatment plans, and outcomes. This skill involves proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems, adherence to regulatory standards, and ensuring the confidentiality of patient information. Clear and detailed documentation supports continuity of care and facilitates collaboration with other healthcare professionals. We practiced this skill during clinical training.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Audiologists often work with patients who may be experiencing emotional distress due to hearing loss or other auditory issues. We learn and practice active listening—paying full attention to others without interrupting or judging, and striving to understand their emotions and perspectives before responding. Empathy allows us to connect with our patients' feelings and provide compassionate care and support throughout the diagnostic and treatment process.
Clear and concise communication skills are essential for audiologists when interacting with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. Audiologists must explain complex medical information in an easily understandable way, ensuring that patients are well-informed about their condition, treatment options, and rehabilitation strategies. In practice, we pay attention to our posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact to convey sincerity and interest.
Patience is critical when working with patients who may struggle with communication or understanding their hearing-related issues. Audiologists must take the time to listen attentively, address concerns, and adapt their approach to meet each patient’s individual needs. This helps foster a supportive and trusting therapeutic relationship.
Audiologists encounter a variety of challenges in diagnosing and treating hearing disorders. Strong problem-solving skills are essential for analyzing diagnostic data, interpreting test results, and devising effective treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique condition and lifestyle requirements.
Collaboration is essential for audiologists, who often work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as otolaryngologists, speech-language pathologists, and educators. Effective teamwork involves sharing information, coordinating care plans, and ensuring continuity of treatment across different specialties.
Ling
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Audiology Fellow
:
The platform I used to search for jobs was Indeed. Preparing a resume and cover letter for each application was time-consuming and required resilience. I submitted about 15 applications and received only one quick phone interview opportunity. While searching on Indeed, I also paid close attention to any job opportunities shared by our clinic coordinator. In the past, some clinics and practices reached out to our clinic coordinator to find potential candidates.
I learned about my current job opportunity from our clinic coordinator. This private practice hearing clinic is based in Silicon Valley. One of the clinic’s owners used to work at Vanderbilt University, where I completed my graduate studies. The owner contacted our clinic coordinator to indicate they were looking for upcoming graduates. I prepared for the initial online interview by thoroughly reviewing the clinic’s website to understand the services they provide, their core values, and areas of special interest so I could ask informed questions during the interview. I also requested a mock interview with our clinic coordinator and received valuable feedback.
During the online interview, I was nervous because it was my first real interview with four clinic owners. I recall that one of my responses was commented on as “very broad.” I quickly reminded myself of the interview skills we learned in class, which emphasized providing detailed responses with examples. When I shared specific cases to support my answers, the owners responded positively, as these cases resonated with their clinic’s experiences.
Following the initial online interview and reference check, I was invited for an in-person interview. This allowed me to observe the clinic’s operations, participate in appointments, and converse with the audiologists to learn about their experiences. I found this clinic to be an excellent fit for me due to my passion for working with older adult populations, the clinic’s professional and patient-centered practice, and the supportive stance on my visa sponsorship.
Reflecting on the job search journey, I found it challenging. The key is persistence and actively seeking opportunities through various channels, such as networking.
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
Continuous learning is crucial—never stop learning. Invest time in acquiring new skills and experiences, whether they are directly related to your major or not. The world changes rapidly, and adaptable skills are invaluable. I would also advise my younger self to focus on developing leadership skills, as they can enhance work effectiveness and open doors for advancement. Volunteering for leadership roles or projects provides hands-on experience in leading teams or managing projects, allowing you to practice and refine these skills.
Final thoughts & tips
The field of audiology is rapidly growing, and it is a profession where compassion, patience, and skill come together to create meaningful change. I encourage students to stay motivated, remain inspired, and continually push boundaries. If you are still exploring and unsure whether this is the field for you, engaging in volunteer work and observing real practice can be very helpful.
For those already on the journey to becoming an audiologist, embrace each learning opportunity with passion and curiosity, and always remember why you started this journey. When seeking job or volunteer opportunities, reach out to your department professors for assistance. They are well-connected and can provide valuable resources and potential opportunities. Keep listening, keep learning, and keep making a difference.
Resources to dig in more
American Academy of Audiology (AAA)
The AAA website offers a wealth of resources including articles, blogs, and updates on audiology practices, research, and job opportunities.
ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)
ASHA provides a variety of resources related to audiology, including articles, newsletters, and job postings.
Audiology Online
Audiology Online is an educational resource that offers articles, webinars, and courses on various topics in audiology, including professional development and clinical practices.
LinkedIn - Audiology Groups
LinkedIn hosts several professional groups and networks related to audiology where professionals share articles, job postings, and engage in discussions.
