by Michael Piskosz
I’ve been fortunate to sustain a long and meaningful career in audiology, and for only a handful of years have I worked within the traditional four walls of a clinic. That surprises people. “So, you don’t see patients?” they ask, often puzzled, and unfortunately, sometimes judgmental. But audiology—like many healthcare professions—is more versatile than most people realize and there are lots of ways to bring value to the profession. Our skills are not confined to the clinic, even though this isn’t an often-had conversation. In fact, some of the most impactful and innovative work being done in this field is happening outside of it.
In this article, I want to highlight the breadth of opportunities available to audiologists beyond clinical practice. I believe this is important because not everyone wants to be in a clinic, but they have nowhere to turn for help to understand their options.
Whether you’re feeling burnt out from day-to-day appointments, eager to use your expertise in new ways, or curious about where the profession is headed – there is room for you. The key is to see your audiological training not as a box, but as a launchpad.
Reimagining Our Professional Identity
Audiologists are highly trained in human communication, technology, and healthcare. We understand people’s needs. We understand complex devices. We know how to translate technical knowledge into life-changing outcomes. These are rare and valuable competencies—far too valuable to be limited to a single environment.
The future of healthcare, consumer technology, and wellness is being shaped by data, innovation, user experience, and personalization. All of these intersect with sound, hearing, and human-centered design. And guess what? Audiologists are experts in all of those.
Industry Roles: Where Audiology Meets Innovation
One of the most established pathways beyond clinical care is working in hearing aid manufacturing. Most of the world’s leading hearing aid companies employ audiologists in critical roles, many of which are both creative and strategic.
Take, for example:
- Clinical Trainers – Audiologists who educate and support professionals using new products, software, and fitting tools. This role is part teacher, part tech evangelist, and part collaborator. It’s ideal for someone who loves connecting with others and translating complex concepts into actionable knowledge.
- Product Managers – These professionals work at the intersection of R&D, marketing, and user feedback. They help define product roadmaps, ensure devices meet real-world needs, and collaborate with engineers and designers. Audiologists bring immense value to these roles, grounding product development in clinical reality.
- Marketing and Brand Strategy – Audiologists who understand both the science and the consumer experience are uniquely positioned to shape brand stories, campaigns, and content that resonates with real users and professionals. More and more companies are seeking medically trained professionals to ensure authenticity in their outreach.
These roles allow audiologists to influence product design, accessibility, and consumer messaging—at scale.
Consulting: The Audiologist as Strategist
Another exciting path is consulting. Audiologists can serve as advisors to organizations, start-ups, public health campaigns, and other partners looking to better understand the audiological landscape. From supporting clinical operations for hearing clinics, to advising tech companies on auditory UX and other auditory features into their products—there is growing demand for credible, sound-savvy professionals.
The rise of wearables, personalized health apps, and voice-first technology presents wide-open opportunities for audiologists to consult on:
- Soundscapes and auditory environments
- Tinnitus and cognitive load integration into software
- Accessibility compliance and inclusive design
- Auditory biomarkers and remote hearing assessments
Consulting work also offers flexibility and the chance to continually learn across industries.
Entrepreneurship & Creative Applications
Some audiologists are leveraging their expertise to create entirely new ventures. Whether it’s launching a podcast, designing educational programs for schools, or creating app-based therapies—these efforts expand what it means to be an “audiologist.”
We’re also seeing audiologists build platforms that connect hearing health with broader lifestyle and wellness movements—like mindfulness, cognitive aging, and overall well-being. These efforts help destigmatize hearing issues and create more accessible on-ramps to care.
If you’ve ever had a niche idea—a new product, service, or experience—chances are you’re not the only one who needs it. With the right vision, audiologists can be entrepreneurs and creators too.
The Aspirational Future: Where We Could Go
As we look to the future, a few roles stand out as aspirational (yet increasingly plausible):
- Director of Auditory User Experience at a tech company developing voice interfaces, immersive audio environments, or accessibility features.
- Advisor on Sensory Health & Auditory Longevity in healthcare innovation labs or think tanks focused on aging populations and holistic well-being.
These positions may not exist yet in large numbers, but they represent where the world is going. Sound is central to our connection, cognition, and communication—and audiologists should be at the table where these futures are being shaped.
How to Begin: Steps Toward a Broader Career Path
If this vision excites you, here are some practical steps:
- Network Beyond the Clinic – Connect with industry professionals, product teams, tech developers, or public health leaders. See where your skill set could add value.
- Strengthen Your Voice – Start writing, speaking, or creating content. Share your perspective as an audiologist and build your authority in non-clinical circles.
- Build Business Fluency – If you’re aiming for product, marketing, or leadership roles, consider developing skills in strategy, business communication, or design thinking.
- Stay Curious – Keep exploring new fields where sound, hearing, and communication play a role. Look for the gaps where your expertise could make a difference.
For Those Who Dare to Dream, Opportunity Awaits
We often talk about “scope of practice” as a constraint. But I believe we should also talk about “scope of possibility.” Audiology has never been more relevant, and I truly believe the golden age of auditory health is upon us. But to thrive, we must be willing to reimagine where and how we work.
The clinic will always play a crucial role. But for those of us who dream bigger, who want to innovate, or who simply want a change—there is a whole world of opportunity waiting just beyond the clinical walls.
Let’s step into it together.
About the Author
Michael Piskosz, MS, is an audiologist with decades of expertise in auditory health and consumer insights, along with a broad network of experts across audio/sound/design related communities and industries. I am passionate about advancing auditory health awareness in ways that go beyond traditional approaches to hearing loss and hearing aids. This passion focuses on the broader impact of sound and noise in our lives, including auditory fatigue and noise’s influence on mood, productivity, and well-being.
