Unit 1 Exam Flashcards
Number of individuals with hearing loss worldwide
?
Number of individuals with hearing loss in US
48 Million
Number of Children born with a hearing loss each year
2-3 out of every 1000
Definition of Audiology (AAA)
“An audiologist is a person who… is uniquely qualified to provide a comprehensive array of professional services related to the prevention of hearing loss and the audiologic identification, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of persons with impairment of auditory and vestibular function, and to the prevention of impairments associated with them.”
Definition of Audiology (ASHA)
“Audiologists engage in professional practice in the areas of hearing and balance assessment, nonmedical treatment, and (re)habilitation. Audiologists provide patient-centered care… of hearing, balance, and other related disorders for people of all ages.”
Audiology Scope of Practice
-Prevention
-Identification/Assessment
-Treatment
-Diagnostics and treatment for hearing, balance, and other disorders
-Early health detection and intervention
-Educational audiology
-Hearing conservation and perservation
-Telehealth
-Counseling
-Additional areas: research, administration, consulting
Audiologic Assistant
Performs audiologic and related tasks under supervision/direction of an audiologist
Training requirements vary by state
Hearing Instrument Specialist
Evaluates hearing and dispenses hearing aids
Only works with individuals
18 and older
Requirements vary by state but involves less training than audiologist
ENT
Provides medical treatment for disorders of ear, nose, and throat
Requires medical degree and 5-year residency
Otologist/Neurotologist
Specializes in treatment of ear disease, hearing loss, and balance disorders
Requires 2-year fellowship after becoming otolaryngologist
Audiologist Academic Requirements
Undergraduate coursework in speech and hearing
Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) is entry-level degree
4-year clinical doctorate
Currently ~80 Au.D. programs in US
Au.D. program structure
Years 1-3: coursework and clinical experience
Year 4: Full-time clinical externship
Typically includes comprehensive exam and capstone
