Audiology is the medical specialty concerned with the evaluation and treatment of hearing disorders and balance problems. Audiologists are health professionals who specialize in the investigation, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing and balance system problems. They work with patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, to evaluate their hearing and balance and provide appropriate care. Here are some of the key duties and responsibilities of audiology:

1. Hearing tests: Audiologists perform hearing tests to assess patients' hearing function. These tests may include audiometry, which requires the patient to hear and respond to different tones, speech audiometry to evaluate speech understanding, and other tests to measure hearing.

2. Hearing Loss Diagnosis: After performing hearing tests, audiologists diagnose hearing loss and determine the cause and type of hearing loss the patient has.

3. Hearing aid fitting: For patients with hearing loss, audiologists can recommend, fit and program hearing aids to help them hear better and amplify the sounds around them.

4. Tinnitus management: Audiologists also specialize in the management of tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, where patients hear sounds that aren't there. They can provide therapies and strategies to reduce tinnitus and reduce its impact on daily life.

5. Balance assessment: Audiologists also assess patients' balance system to diagnose balance problems and vertigo. They can perform tests to determine the cause of balance disorders.

6. Audiological rehabilitation: Audiologists can help patients adjust to hearing loss and learn how to use hearing aids or other assistive devices.

7. Hearing protection: Audiologists can advise patients on hearing protection, especially for people who work in noisy environments or are often exposed to loud noises.

8. Research and Teaching: Some audiologists are involved in research on hearing and balance disorders and may also be involved in educating students and other medical professionals about audiology.

In short, audiology is concerned with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders and balance problems. Audiologists play an important role in promoting the health and well-being of patients by helping them maintain or improve their hearing and balance function.