Audiology
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2008-07-14T09:51:32Z
Maxxima
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{{Refimprove|date=January 2008}}
'''Audiology''' (from Latin: ''audire'', "to hear"; and from Greek: and λόγος, ''logos'', "knowledge") is the branch of Science that studies hearing, balance and related disorders. Its practitioners, who treat those with hearing loss and proactively prevent related damage are '''[[audiologist]]s'''. Employing various testing strategies (e.g. [[hearing test]]s, otoacoustic emission measurements, videonystagmography, and electrophysiologic tests), audiology aims to determine whether someone can hear within the normal range, and if not, which portions of hearing (high, middle, or low [[frequencies]]) are affected and to what degree. If an audiologist determines that a [[hearing loss]] or vestibular abnormality is present he or she will provide recommendations to a patient as to what options (e.g. [[hearing aid]]s, [[cochlear implant]]s, [[surgery]], appropriate medical referrals) may be of assistance.
In addition to testing hearing, audiologists can also work with a wide range of clientele in rehabilitation (cochlear implants and/or hearing aids), paediatric populations and assessment of the vestibular system.
==History==
The use of the terms "Audiology" and "Audiologist" in publications has been traced back only as far as 1946. The original creator of the term remains unknown, but Berger<ref>Berger KW. Genealogy of the words "audiology" sdfasdgafgadfgvfdgfgfdgfsdvfsdgcb fSoc. 1976 Sep-Oct;2(2):38-44. PMID 789309</ref> identified possible originators as [[Mayer BA Schier]], [[Willard B Hargrave]], [[Stanley Nowak]], [[Norton Canfield]], or [[Raymond Carhart]]. The first US university course for audiologists was offered by Carhart at [[Northwestern University]], in 1946.<ref>Raymond Carhart (1912-1975) Papers, 1938-1975. Northwestern University Archives, Evanston, Illinois. http://www.library.northwestern.edu/archives/findingaids/raymond_carhart.pdf Accessed 2006-07-31.</ref>
Audiology was born to address the hearing damage from World War II veterans.
==Audiologist==
Audiologists are licensed professionals who hold a bachelor's degree, master's degree, Clinical Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.), or Ph.D. in the hearing sciences, as well as state licensure and national board certification. Since January 2007 a doctoral degree has been the entry level degree to become a practicing Audiologist (in the United States of America). Audiologists who have earned the master's degree prior to the change in licensing standards are not required to earn a doctorate to continue practicing in the field.
Audiologists have a clinical/educational background that emphasizes diagnostic testing, amplification technology, hearing science, and assistive device fitting. Audiologists may also specialize in pediatric diagnostics/amplification, cochlear implants, educational audiology, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, vestibular and balance issues, and/or industrial hearing conservation. Audiologists can also evaluate and fit patients for hearing aids as treatment for various forms of hearing loss.
Audiologists are also involved in the prevention of hearing loss and other communication disorders. Hearing Conservation programs in industry and government strive to prevent noise induced hearing loss through education and Audiologist intervention. Audiologists are often in charge of Newborn Hearing Screening programs designed to identify hearing loss within the first 4 months of life.
===United States===
In the [[United States]], in at least 48 states, they require licensing of Audiologists and they all require a graduate clinical degree. Starting in 2007, the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) will be the entry level degree for clinical practice for some states, but not all states. Other requirements include passing a national exam offered by Praxis Series of the Educational Testing Service, at least 375 hours of supervised clinical experience, and a full year mentored fellowship or supervised externship. All states have continuing education renewal requirements that must be met to stay licensed. Audiologists can also earn a certificate from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or seek board certification through the American Board of Audiology. Most states also require a Hearing Aid Dispenser License to enable the Audiologist to dispense hearing aids, though legislation is currently underway in many states which would not require this extra step. It would allow Audiologists to dispense under their Audiology license. Currently there are 67 AuD. or programs in United States:
'''Distance Au.D. Programs:'''
*[[Arizona School of Health Sciences, A.T. Still University]]
*[[University of Florida]]
'''Residential Au.D. Programs:'''
{|
| valign="top" |
*[[Arizona School of Health Sciences, A.T. Still University]]
*[[Arizona State University]]
*[[Auburn University]] (AL)
*[[Ball State University]] (IN)
*[[Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania]]
*[[Central Michigan University]]
*[[East Tennessee State University]]
*[[Gallaudet University]] (DC)
*[[Idaho State University]]
*[[Illinois State University]]
*[[James Madison University]](VA)
*[[Lamar University]] (TX)
*[[Long Island Au.D. Consortium]] (NY)
*[[Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans|Louisiana State University at New Orleans]]
*[[Louisiana Tech University]]
*[[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]]
*[[Pennsylvania College of Optometry]], School of Audiology
*[[Purdue University]] & [[Indiana University School of Medicine]] (IN)
*[[Rush University]] (IL)
*[[San Diego State University]]/[[University of California San Diego]](CA)
*[[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]]
| valign="top" |
*[[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]] [http://cprsweb.rcm.upr.edu/audiologia.asp (link)]
*[[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]] & [[Central Institute for the Deaf]] (MO)
*[[Wayne State University]] (MI)
*[[West Virginia University]] (WV)
*[[Western Michigan University]]
*[[Wichita State University]] (KS)
|}
===Australia===
In [[Australia]] Audiologists must hold a Masters in Audiology, alternatively Bachelor's degree from overseas certified by the vetasses. As per the law of the land currently to practise as an Audiologist one doesn't need to be a member of any professional body. But to dispense hearing aids to eligible pensioners and eligible war veterans one must have 2 years clinical experience and be registered with an approved body such as Audiology Australia or the Australian College of Audiology (ACAud).
In [[India]], an Audiologist must hold a Bachelors/Masters Degree in Audiology and be registered with an approved body such as Indian Speech and Hearing Association (ISHA)or Rehabilitaion Council of India (RCI).
Hearing aid dispensers (Hearing Instrument Specialists, Hearing Aid Dealers) are not to be confused with Audiologists. Hearing aid dispensers must pass a state licensing written and practical examination in fitting hearing aids. A Board Certified dispenser must have two years experience and pass a National Competency Examination. However, no college education is required. Hearing aid dispensers work on a commission. Prior to 1988, hearing instrument dispensers fit patients referred to them by Audiologists and physicians who wrote a prescriptions for hearing aids.
===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 9 [[United Kingdom]] educational institutions offering degrees in Audiology:
*[[University of Aston]] [http://www.aston.ac.uk/prospective-students/ug/pros2006/lhs/00lhsaud.jsp]
*[[University of Bristol]] [http://www.bristol.ac.uk/audiology/]
*[[De Montfort University]] [http://www.dmu.ac.uk/Subjects/Db/?course=2320]
*[[University of Leeds]] [http://healthcare.leeds.ac.uk/pages/1_audiology/audiology1.htm]
*[[University of Manchester]] [http://www.manchester.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/search/atoz/course/?code=UMBF1-M5B610&pg=2]
*[[Queen Margaret University]] [http://www.qmu.ac.uk/sls/]
*[[University of Southampton]] [http://www.isvr.soton.ac.uk/audiology/BScaud.htm]
*[[University of Wales Swansea]] [http://www.healthscience.swan.ac.uk/Courses/UnderGraduate/XBSc_Audiology.asp]
*[[University College London]] [http://www.ucl.ac.uk/audiological-science/bsc/bsc]
Post Graduate Diploma
Entry qualification:- A 2.1 undergraduate degree in a relevant Science degree or previous experience as an audiologist through the old BAAT training route.
Structure of the course:- One-year university based course followed by a one-year full-time salaried supervised clinical practice placement, working under the guidance of a qualified audiologist. A national training scheme and logbook is a requirement and requires competence-based assessments to be undertaken. The in-service training period is currently under review and may get extend to 3 years.
MSc in Audiology
Entry qualifications:- Entry requirements are a good relevant science degree [usually 2:1], preferable some knowledge of physics or behavioural science and a proven interest or experience in Audiology. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and an interest in direct patient care are also essential.
Training posts are via the NHS Regional Scheme [http://www.nhsclinicalscientists.info] or British Academy of Audiology [http://www.baaudiology.org] Some NHS Audiology Departments employ trainee clinical scientist directly.
Structure of the Course
One year full-time MSc in Audiology can be undertaken at Southampton University, University College London or Manchester University.
This is then followed by 18-24 months supervised in-service clinical placement culminating in a written, practical and oral examination to obtain the BAA Certificate of Audiological Competency. Successful completion of the M.Sc practical training also includes a portfolio of clinical training, research and personal development leading to the Association of Clinical Scientists Certificate of Attainment required for Registration to the Health Professions Council.
Postgraduate diploma students and MSc students follow the same academic course, the only difference being that the MSc students take an extra three months to complete an additional dissertation. The CAC scheme (only available to MSc students) resulting in "clinical scientist" status is likely to be replaced by the diploma/BSc in-service training year and an additional higher training certificate available to all students.
===India===
Audiology and Speech Pathology in India was started by a group of dedicated professionals like Dr. N Rathna, Dr. S Nikam, Mrs. Rekha Roy, Mr Ramesh Oza and Dr. Vijay Shah. Out of these pioneers, Dr. Nikam, Mrs. Rekha Roy, MR. Ramesh K. Oza and Dr. Rathna were all trained for their Master's degree in Audiology & Speech Language Pathology from the USA and the UK, in those days when both professions were part of the same combined program under the umbrella term of Speech and Hearing.. The first Audiology & Speech Language Therapy program was started in 1966 at T.N.Medical College and BYL Nair Ch.Hospital in Mumbai. In the same year, Government of India established the [http://www.aiishmsyore.com All India Institute of Speech and Hearing] which has become the country's leading Institute in the field of communication disorders. There are currently 20 Universities in India which provide Speech Pathology and Audiology programs. These programs are accredited by Rehabilitation council of India.
To practice audiology, professionals need to have either Bachelors/Masters degree in Audiology and be registered with Indian Speech and Hearing Association (ISHA) or the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). There are around 100 private clinics in India providing speech and hearing services.
An internationally recognized degree, unique multilingual/multicultural background, excellent communication in English has increased the global demand of Indian Audiologists considering the shortage of these graduates especially in western countries. There is a rapidly growing community of qualified and skilled Indian Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists across the world (mainly in North America, Singapore and Australia). The [http://www.iischs.com Indo-International Society of Communication and Hearing Sciences (IISCHS)] provides a web-based platform for this rapidly growing Indian community. This Society was founded by Sharad Govil & Arvind K.N in 2003.
===Malaysia===
''' There are only 3 Malaysian educational institutions offering degrees in Audiology:'''
*[http://www.fskb.ukm.my/ University Kebangsaan Malaysia]
*[http://www.ppsk.usm.my/ University Science Malaysia]
*[http://www.iiu.edu.my/kahs International Islamic University Malaysia]
==See also==
*[[Hearing Aid]]
*[[Speech-Language Pathology]]
*[[Audiometrist]]
==External links==
*[http://www.audiology.org American Academy of Audiology]
*[http://www.audiologist.org Academy of Dispensing Audiologists]
*[http://www.nafda.org National Association of Future Doctors of Audiology]Student Organization for future audiologists.
*[http://www.audiologyonline.com Audiology Online] News, information and online education for Audiology.
*[http://www.iischs.com Indo-International Society of Communication and Hearing Sciences]-Global society of Indian Audiologists and Speech Pathologists
*[http://www.audiologyinfo.com Audiology Info]
*[http://advocacy.letthemhear.org Let Them Hear Foundation] provides no-cost insurance advocacy and information for audiology, cochlear implants, and other hearing related medical services
*[http://www.canadianaudiology.ca Canadian Academy of Audiology]
*[http://www.acaud.org.au ACAud Australia]
*[http://www.audiology.asn.au/ Audiology Australia]
*[http://www.baaudiology.org British Academy of Audiology]
*[http://www.sound-seekers.org.uk Sound Seekers] - The Commonwealth Society for the Deaf, delivering audiology services in the developing world.
Canadian Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists
*[http://www.hei.org] House Ear Institute
*[http://www.Labmedrecruit.co.uk/ Labmed Audiology Recruitment - UK's Number One Audiology Recruitment Specialists]
==References==
{{reflist}}
*[http://www.asha.org American Speech-Language-Hearing Association]
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[[Category:Health sciences]]
[[Category:Otology]]
[[Category:Audiology| ]]
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