How to Become an Audiologist in the UK
Audiologists assess hearing and balance, diagnose problems such as hearing loss and tinnitus, and fit and adjust hearing aids. In the NHS you might test newborn babies, run adult hearing aid clinics, assess dizziness, or support patients with cochlear implants alongside speech and language therapists. In the private sector, the work centres on hearing tests and hearing aid fitting.
The main NHS route is a BSc in Healthcare Science (Audiology). Private hearing aid audiologists usually train through a hearing aid audiology course and must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £31,049 (NHS Band 5)
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £48,000
- Senior salary
- £55,000 - £75,000
- Work environment
- Hospital, clinic or community setting
- Time to entry
- 3 - 4 years
- Degree required
- Required - an HCPC-approved degree (or degree apprenticeship)
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: Stable careers.
What a Audiologist does
Diagnose hearing and balance disorders and fit hearing aids for patients of all ages.
- Adult Audiology - Hearing assessment and aids for adults.
- Paediatric Audiology - Hearing screening and management for children.
- Tinnitus Specialist - Assessment and management of tinnitus patients.
- Cochlear Implants - Programming and rehab for implant patients.
How to become an audiologist in the UK
For NHS audiology, study an accredited BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Audiology), which includes clinical placements, or join a Level 6 Healthcare science practitioner degree apprenticeship with an NHS employer. Graduates usually start at Agenda for Change Band 5 and can join a voluntary register such as the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP) or the Academy for Healthcare Science. To dispense hearing aids privately, you must register with the HCPC as a hearing aid dispenser, usually after a foundation degree or other approved hearing aid audiology programme. Clinical scientists in audiology train through the NHS Scientist Training Programme.
- Take A levels or equivalents including at least one science, as BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology) courses usually ask for a science subject.
- Visit or shadow an NHS audiology department or independent hearing practice to see newborn screening, hearing tests and hearing aid fittings first-hand.
- Apply for an accredited BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology) degree, or look for Level 6 Healthcare science practitioner apprenticeships advertised by NHS trusts.
- If you want to work privately, choose an HCPC-approved hearing aid audiology programme so you can register as a hearing aid dispenser.
- Apply for Band 5 audiologist posts on NHS Jobs, or graduate hearing aid audiologist roles with high street and independent providers.
- After qualifying, specialise in paediatric audiology, tinnitus, balance or cochlear implants, or apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme to become a clinical scientist.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology) | 3-4 years | Tuition fee loan | School leavers aiming for NHS audiology |
| Level 6 Healthcare science practitioner apprenticeship | Around 3-4 years | Paid by the employer | Assistants already working in NHS audiology |
| Hearing aid audiology foundation degree or approved programme | About 2 years | Varies, sometimes employer-funded | Private hearing aid dispensing |
| Audiology assistant, then train | Varies | Paid role | Getting experience before committing |
How long it takes
Expect 3 to 4 years to qualify through a BSc or degree apprenticeship. The hearing aid audiology route into private practice can be quicker, typically around 2 years of study and supervised practice.
Audiologist salary in the UK
NHS audiologists start on Band 5, given in our data as £31,049. Check the current Agenda for Change pay scale, as NHS bands are updated each year. With experience and a specialism, pay rises to around £35,000 to £48,000, and senior or principal audiologists earn around £55,000 to £75,000. High-cost area supplements apply in and around London. In the private sector, pay often includes commission or bonuses linked to hearing aid sales, so earnings vary more between employers.
Key skills
- Clinical assessment
- Hearing aid tech
- Patient comms
- Patience
- Reporting
Audiologist FAQs
How do I become an audiologist in the UK?
Most NHS audiologists complete an accredited BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology) or a Level 6 healthcare science degree apprenticeship, then start in a Band 5 post. To fit hearing aids privately, you train on an approved hearing aid audiology programme and register with the HCPC as a hearing aid dispenser.
Do I need a degree to be an audiologist?
For NHS audiologist posts, usually yes: a BSc in Healthcare Science (Audiology) or equivalent. For private hearing aid dispensing, a foundation degree or other HCPC-approved programme is the usual route. You can start as an audiology assistant without a degree and train later.
How much does an audiologist earn in the UK?
NHS audiologists start on Band 5, listed in our data at £31,049, though the current Band 5 rate may be higher. Experienced audiologists earn around £35,000 to £48,000, and senior or specialist audiologists around £55,000 to £75,000.
Is an audiologist the same as a hearing aid dispenser?
Not quite. Hearing aid dispensers are registered with the HCPC and focus on hearing tests and fitting hearing aids, mostly in private practice. NHS audiologists have broader training covering diagnostics, balance, paediatrics and rehabilitation, and usually join a voluntary register instead.
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