Audiology 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 audiologists. An audiologist is a health-care professional specializing in identifying, diagnosing, treating and monitoring disorders of the auditory and vestibular system portions of the ear. The first Audiology & Speech Language Therapy program was started in 1966 at T.N.Medical College and BYL Nair Ch.Hospital in Mumbai. The job titles for professionals working in this field include Audiologist, Program Director, Rehabilitation Counselor, Sign Language Interpreter, Language Specialist, Linguist, Speech Pathologist etc. These professions provide essential services to people of all ages and backgrounds in developing the vital human skill – communication.
Various Courses offered in the field of Audiology
- B.Sc. (Speech and Hearing)
- B.Sc. Audiology and Speech Rehabilitation (B.Sc. ASR)
- B.Sc. Hearing, Language and Speech
- Bachelor in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (B.A.S.L.P)
- Bachelor of Speech Pathology and Audiology
- Diploma in Hearing, Language and Speech (DHLS)
- M.Sc. Hearing, Language and Speech
- M.Sc. Speech and Hearing
- Master in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (M.A.S.L.P)
- Ph.D. Speech and Hearing
- Ph.D. Speech, Language Pathology
Audiologists have multiple career options. Audiologists can work in government hospitals, health departments of government and government agencies. Private hospitals, health centres, clinics and nursing homes also offer employment opportunities to audiologists. Job opportunities are also available to audiologists in community care centres, community clinics, rehabilitation centers, and centre for disabled, nursing care facilities and clinics run by college and universities. Audiologists also can work privately to provide services to schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Teaching in medical or Para-medical colleges is also an option available to audiologists.