Which action is included in the duties of an audiologist?

An audiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in assessing and treating hearing and balance disorders. One of the primary duties of an audiologist is conducting hearing tests, which involves evaluating a patient’s hearing ability through various methods, including pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and tympanometry. These tests help determine the type and degree of hearing loss, allowing audiologists to recommend suitable interventions or therapies, such as hearing aids.

The other actions listed are outside the typical scope of audiologists. For instance, prescribing medication for ear problems typically falls under the responsibility of physicians, particularly otolaryngologists. Performing ear surgeries is also a surgical function usually reserved for medical doctors with specialized training in surgery. Diagnosing eye conditions is the domain of optometrists or ophthalmologists, rather than audiologists. Thus, conducting hearing tests is the critical task that aligns with the professional responsibilities of an audiologist.