Audiology is a branch of science and medicine concerning hearing, balance and related disorders. Audiologists are technicians who can diagnose hearing-related problems. However, please understand that audiologists are very different from the ear doctors like ENT. An audiologist can only diagnose hearing problems using advance technology and procedures but can’t perform medical ear surgeries. An audiologist’s main skill is to diagnose the cause of the decline in the hearing ability or complete loss of it.
Roles and Responsibilities of An Audiologist
- Administer hearing tests and examine patients to diagnose the type and degree of impairment, using instruments and electronic equipment.
- Recommend appropriate medication and treatment such as wax cleaning, assertive devices such as hearing aids, cochlear implantation
- Evaluate hearing and balance disorders to determine the course of treatment.
- Program and monitor cochlear implants to fit the needs of patients.
- Counsel and instruct patients and their families in techniques to improve hearing and communication related to hearing loss.
- Refer patients to additional medical or educational services if needed.
- Monitor patient’s condition and monitor their progress through regular check-ups.
- Manage records of the patients
- Plan and conduct treatment programs for patients’ hearing or balance problems, consulting with educators, physicians, nurses, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and other health care personnel as necessary.
- Be updated with new research and discoveries to provide proper care to patients.
Key Skills required
- Diagnosis skills
- Counselling skills
- Communication skills
- Problem solving skills
Career Opportunities For Audiologist
- Private practice
- Research
- Teaching
- Working for a medical device company
How to become an Audiologist
|
Stream |
Graduation |
After Graduation |
After Post Graduation |
|
|
Path 1 |
Class XII with Science stream | Bachelor of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology) for 4 years (3 years study + 1year internship) | Master of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology) for 2 years | Doctor of Philosophy in Audiology (Ph.D.) for 3-5 years |
|
Path 2 |
Class XII with Science stream | B.Sc. in (Audiology) for 3 years | M.Sc. in (Audiology) for 2 years | Doctor of Philosophy in Audiology (Ph. D.) for 3 -5 years |
|
Path 3 |
Class XII with Science stream | Diploma in (Audiology and Speech Rehabilitation) for 1-2 years, Pursue B.Sc. in (Audiology and Speech Rehabilitation) for 3 years/PG Diploma in Audiology and Speech Rehabilitation | M.Sc. in (Audiology and Speech Rehabilitation) for 2 years | Doctor of Philosophy in Audiology (Ph. D.) for 3-5 years |
Top Audiologist Colleges in India
- All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Bangalore
- Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai
- Christian Medical College – [CMC], Vellore
- Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research – [JIPMER], Pondicherry
- Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai
- Manipal University – [MU], Manipal
- Maharashtra University of Health Sciences – [MUHS], Nashik
- Government Medical College, Kota
- SRM University Kattankulathur, Chennai
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University – [GGSIPU], New Delhi
- Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University – [BVDU], Pune
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