Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations 1.3

AUDIOLOGISTS AND SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS/THERAPISTS provide diagnostic assessment, treatment, rehabilitative services and management of human hearing defects, and communication and swallowing impairments.

Indicative Skill Level:

In Australia and New Zealand:
Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks Include:

assessing and diagnosing the extent of client hearing loss using a wide range of techniques, including audiometric tests;
reporting results of assessments and tests in writing and making referrals to medical practitioners;
recommending solutions to those with hearing impairment including amplification, implantable devices, medical interventions and assistive listening devices and providing aural rehabilitation programs;
providing counselling, advice and information to clients and families as a part of overall treatment;
assisting with the development and management of workplace noise control and hearing conservation strategies;
administering standardised and informal tests and observing clients to determine nature and extent of their communication disorders or swallowing difficulties;
providing treatment and management of speech, language, learning and communication disorders that may be developmental, part of a disability, or acquired as a result of injury or disease;
advising on the positioning of the body and on the textures of food and fluids which assists an individual to eat and swallow safely without choking;
providing information and education to health professionals, early childhood educators and teachers; and support and counselling to individuals affected by communication and swallowing difficulties, and to their families and carers.

Occupations:
252711 Audiologist
252712 Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist