noun

audiology

aw-dee-OL-uh-jee

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Audiology (noun) means Audiology is the scientific study of hearing and balance, and the disorders that affect them. Example: “She spent three years researching audiology before moving into clinical work.”

noun

Audiology is the scientific study of hearing and balance, and the disorders that affect them.

"She spent three years researching audiology before moving into clinical work."

"Audiology covers both how the ear works and what can go wrong with it."

Audiology is also the health profession concerned with testing and treating hearing and balance problems.

"He trained in audiology and now fits hearing aids for patients."

"The clinic's audiology department carries out hearing tests for newborns."

How to use audiology

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAudiology is the science and profession of understanding and treating hearing and balance problems.

When to use it

It is a neutral, technical term used in both medicine and everyday clinical settings.

Memory tip

Remember it is usually uncountable, so you talk about 'audiology' as a field, not 'an audiology'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

audiometry

Common pairings

audiology department paediatric audiology audiology clinic train in audiology

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She spent three years researching _____ before moving into clinical work.

Etymology

The word is built from the combining form audio-, relating to hearing or sound, and the suffix -logy, meaning the study of something. Put together, they give a word meaning the study of hearing.

Origin: English (from Latin and Greek elements)

Rhymes for audiology

eulogy apology zoology biology ecology analogy geology trilogy etiology pedagogy mycology virology

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Frequently asked questions

What does an audiologist actually do?

An audiologist tests people's hearing and balance, and helps treat or manage problems with them, including fitting hearing aids.

Is audiology a medical degree?

It is a health profession with its own specialist training, separate from a general medical degree, focused on hearing and balance.

What is the difference between audiology and ENT?

Audiology focuses on hearing and balance assessment and rehabilitation, while ENT (ear, nose and throat) medicine covers the wider medical and surgical treatment of these areas.

What is the meaning of audiology?

"audiology" (noun) means audiology is the scientific study of hearing and balance, and the disorders that affect them.