'Audio' refers to 'hear' and 'logy' to 'the study of'. In essence, audiology is the study of hearing - as the inner ear is also required for balance, this is also included in the study. In medical terms it is the branch of science dedicated to the study of hearing, balance and their associated disorders.

Audiology is provided by audiologists and speech/language pathologists to children with known or suspected hearing or listening disorders, and/or those with speech or language delays. It is the scope of practice for speech/language pathology (SLP) to provide the communication assessment and rehabilitation services to children who are deaf or hearing impaired, as described in the American Speech–Language–Hearing Association (ASHA, 1996) Scope of Practice in Speech–Language Pathology. Deconde et al. (1997) suggested that children with central auditory processing disorders (CAPDs) may be eligible for special education or 504 services, depending on the severity and implications of the problem – usually students with significant CAPD qualify for eligibility consideration with either a hearing, speech/language, or learning disability. The audiologist is the only professional who is qualified to perform an audiological evaluation for verification purposes. For purposes of the MDT evaluation, the audiologist provides a written report that documents the hearing loss.