Audiology

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Audiology (derived from the Latin word "audīre" which means "to hear", and the Greek suffix "-λογία" or "-logia" suggesting the study of) is the scientific discipline dedicated to the understanding and treatment of hearing, balance, and their associated disorders.

Introduction

Audiology investigates the complexities of human auditory and vestibular systems, providing solutions for hearing impairment and balance disorders. This branch of science is instrumental in both the diagnosis and rehabilitation of auditory and balance conditions.

Scope of Audiology

Audiology encompasses a vast range of areas, including:

• Hearing Assessments: Utilizing strategies such as hearing tests, otoacoustic emission measurements, videonystagmography, and electrophysiologic tests, audiologists evaluate an individual's auditory capacity. They identify the specific nature of hearing impairment, be it in high, middle, or low frequencies, and the severity of the loss.
• Rehabilitation: Audiologists cater to diverse groups, including children, veterans, cochlear implant users, those with tinnitus, and individuals with auditory processing disorders. Their rehabilitative efforts span from suggesting auditory aids to therapeutic interventions.
• Tinnitus and Vestibular Assessment: Beyond hearing, audiologists also evaluate and manage tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and conditions related to the vestibular system (related to balance).

The Role of an Audiologist

An Audiologist stands as a beacon in the realm of hearing healthcare. These professionals hold expertise in:

• Diagnosis: Identifying auditory and vestibular disorders, spanning from mild hearing loss to complex inner ear issues.
• Treatment: Dispensing and managing hearing aids, assessing suitability for cochlear implants, and facilitating their appropriate usage.
• Counseling: Guiding families through the emotional journey of a new hearing loss diagnosis or aiding late-deafened adults in adapting to their new reality.
• Prevention: Crafting and instituting hearing safety initiatives, such as newborn and school hearing screening programs. They also specialize in creating personalized hearing protection solutions to avert hearing loss.
• Specialization: Evaluating and treating peripheral vestibular issues stemming from inner ear problems, and providing treatment for specific balance disorders like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
• Research: Many audiologists contribute to the field as auditory scientists, advancing our understanding of the auditory and vestibular systems.

Audiologists boast a rigorous educational background, delving deep into subjects like anatomy, physiology, acoustics, neurology, and vestibular function. Depending on their educational trajectory and country of study, an audiologist might graduate with diverse qualifications such as MSc(Audiology), Au.D., STI, PhD, or ScD.

Malaysia

There are only 3 Malaysian educational institutions offering degrees in Audiology:

• University Kebangsaan Malaysia
• University Science Malaysia
• International Islamic University Malaysia

United Kingdom

There are currently three routes to becoming a Registered Audiologist:

• BSc in Audiology
• MSc in Audiology
• Fast track conversion Diploma for those with a BSc in other relevant science subject, available at Southampton, Manchester, UCL, London and Edinburgh

There are 8 United Kingdom educational institutions offering degrees in Audiology:

• De Montfort University
• University of Manchester
• University of Leeds
• Aston University
• Queen Margaret University
• University of Southampton
• Swansea University
• Middlesex University

United States

In the United States, audiologists are regulated by state licensure or registration in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Currently there are over 70 Au.D. programs in the United States:

Distance Au.D. Programs:

• A.T. Still University through Arizona School of Health Sciences
• University of Florida

Residential Au.D. Programs:

A.T. Still University through Arizona School of Health Sciences Arizona State University Auburn University (AL) Ball State University (IN) Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Central Michigan University East Carolina University East Tennessee State University Gallaudet University (DC) Idaho State University Illinois State University Indiana University James Madison University(VA) Lamar University (TX) Long Island Au.D. Consortium (NY) Louisiana State University at New Orleans Louisiana Tech University Miami University (OH) Missouri State University Montclair State University Northeast Ohio Au.D. Consortium Northeastern University Northern Illinois University Northwestern University Nova Southeastern University (FL) Ohio State University Ohio University Pacific University (OR) Purdue University & Indiana University School of Medicine (IN) Rush University (IL) Salus University (formerly Pennsylvania College of Optometry) San Diego State University/University of California San Diego(CA) Syracuse University Texas Tech University CUNY Graduate Center (NY) Towson University (MD) University at Buffalo (NY) University of Arizona University of Arkansas at Little Rock & University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Consortium University of Cincinnati (OH) University of Colorado - Boulder (CO)

University of Connecticut University of Florida University of Illinois University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Louisville (KY) University of Maryland, College Park University of Massachusetts - Amherst University of Memphis (TN) University of Minnesota University of Nebraska-Lincoln University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Texas University of Northern Colorado University of Oklahoma University of Pittsburgh (PA) University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus University of South Alabama University of South Dakota University of South Florida University of Southern Mississippi University of Tennessee University of Texas at Austin University of Texas at Dallas University of Utah University of Washington - (WA) University of Wisconsin–Madison Utah State University Vanderbilt University (TN) Washington University (MO) Wayne State University (MI) West Virginia University (WV) Western Michigan University Wichita State University (KS)

In the past, audiologists have typically held a master's degree and the appropriate healthcare license. However, in the 1990s the profession began to transition to a doctoral level as a minimal requirement. In the United States, starting in 2007, audiologists were required to receive a doctoral degree (Au.D. or Ph.D.) in audiology from an accredited university graduate or professional program before practicing. All states require licensing, and audiologists may also carry national board certification from the American Board of Audiology or a certificate of clinical competence in audiology (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Audiologists are autonomous practitioners and do not need physician orders or supervision. However, many audiologists work in doctor's office and hospitals. The median salary for an audiologist in the United States is approximately $65,500 in 2008 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Audiologists who earn over $98,880 (top ten percentile) per annum typically have their own private practice.

Canada

University of British Columbia: Master of Science in Audiology and Speech Sciences. Dalhousie University: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Audiology.

Sweden

Lund University: Master's in Audiology.

Asia

India

All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH): Offers Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral programs in Audiology.

Singapore

National University of Singapore: Bachelor in Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety which includes modules on Audiology.

Australia and Oceania

Australia

University of Melbourne: Master of Clinical Audiology. Macquarie University: Master of Clinical Audiology.

Africa

South Africa

University of Pretoria: B. Communication Pathology - Audiology.

See also

• Auditory brainstem response (ABR)
• Auditory agnosia
• Auditory processing disorder
• Auditory verbal agnosia
• Audiometrist
• Audiometry
• Balance disorder
• Bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA)
• Cochlear implant
• Dichotic listening test
• Earplug

• Electronystagmography (ENG/VNG)
• Hearing Aid
• Hearing impairment
• Listening
• Noise induced hearing loss
• Otoacoustic emissions
• Otolaryngology
• Otology
• Speech and language pathology
• Spatial hearing loss
• Tympanometry

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