Module 1: Profession of Audiology Flashcards
(47 cards)
What is audiology?
The study of hearing disorders and the rehabilitation of people with hearing impairments.
Audiology involves assessment, hearing conservation, and aural rehabilitation.
Who is an audiologist?
A person devoted to the study of hearing disorders, assessment of hearing, hearing conservation, and aural rehabilitation.
Audiologists provide professional services related to audiological identification, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
What percentage of Americans aged 12 and over have hearing loss?
14.3%
This corresponds to approximately 38.2 million people in the United States.
What is the estimated number of individuals with hearing loss in the United States?
Approximately 38.2 million people.
This number reflects individuals aged 12 and over.
How common is hearing loss among older adults?
91% of adults with hearing loss are aged 50 and older.
Hearing loss increases with age, approximately doubling with every decade.
What is the average time a person with hearing loss waits to seek treatment?
Between seven to ten years.
This delay can lead to worsening hearing and various health issues.
What health conditions are linked to untreated hearing loss?
Higher rates of depression, cognitive decline, and social isolation.
Untreated hearing loss can also lead to anger and frustration.
What are the educational requirements to become an audiologist?
A Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree is required.
This typically involves 4 years of education after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
What is the role of audiologists in relation to cochlear implants?
Audiologists work with physicians to fit patients with cochlear implants.
Cochlear implants deliver electrical impulses directly to the auditory nerve.
What is the projected job growth for audiologists from 2019 to 2029?
13%
This growth is faster than the average for all healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners.
What are some common settings where audiologists work?
- Private Practices
- Hospitals
- Medical Clinics
- Schools
- Rehabilitation Centers
- ENT/Physicians’ Offices
- Academia
- Industrial Audiology
Offices of physicians, especially ENT, are among the largest employers.
What is the median annual wage for audiologists as of May 2020?
$81,030
The wage varies by employment type and geographical location.
What certification is required by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for audiologists?
Certificate of Competence in Audiology (CCC-A).
ASHA certified members must complete 30 hours of continuing education within a 3-year period.
What is Interprofessional Collaboration?
Collaboration among professionals from different disciplines to enhance patient care.
This is important for speech-language pathologists to have knowledge of audiology.
Fill in the blank: Audiology requires a professional doctorate known as _______.
AuD
True or False: Audiologists only treat elderly patients with age-related hearing loss.
False
Audiologists treat patients of all ages and various hearing disorders.
What is the significance of early identification and diagnosis of hearing disorders in infants?
Early intervention improves treatment outcomes.
Most states now require newborns to be screened for hearing impairment.
What are some reasons for the growth in the field of audiology?
- Aging baby-boom population
- Older population/retirees
- Improved survival rates of premature infants
- Early identification and diagnosis
- Increased school enrollments
- Demand for direct and contract services
These factors contribute to the rising need for audiologists.
What is audiology?
A growing and evolving profession focused on hearing and balance disorders.
What is a significant technological aspect of audiology?
The technology behind hearing aids and cochlear implants is constantly changing and improving.
What is a key reason for enjoying audiology?
Working with patients and their families and seeing the impact of treatment on their lives.
According to Clark & English (2004), what makes audiology a rewarding profession?
The blending of the science of audiology with the art of patient treatment.
What is an important soft skill for audiologists?
Compassion.
True or False: Audiologists must have critical thinking skills.
True.
