Computer Class Research: Audiology as a Career 4 th – 6 th grade Lesson BY: RACHEL BROSS Next Slide

Main Menu What is Audiology? Fun Facts Equipment/Devices Education Needed Skills Job Outlook Statistics Audiology Programs Click on each of the pictures to find out more! When you are finished will all of them, click the button to test your knowledge. Test your knowledge!

What is Audiology? Back to Main Menu  “Audiology” means “the study of hearing.”  It is a branch of science and medicine that is concerned with hearing, balance, and related disorders.  It is a career that involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hearing problems.  Hearing professionals are called audiologists.  They work with patients to determine if they have normal hearing, and if not, what portion of hearing is affected and to what degree.

Fun Facts Back to Main Menu  Audiology began in the 1920s after World War I, though the term wasn’t coined until  Audiologists don’t work only with elderly patients.  They work with clients who are of any age range, including newborns when testing their hearing.  Audiologists can work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, doctor offices, schools/colleges, and private practice businesses.  Causes of hearing disorders can include: exposure to loud noise, ear infections, aging, medications, or genetic tendencies.

Education Needed Back to Main Menu  A person in college at the undergraduate level must get at least a Bachelor’s degree (lowest level) in Speech Pathology before pursuing audiology.  A doctorate degree (highest level) is required in most states for someone to be an audiologist.  This process takes about eight years total to complete, including both undergraduate and graduate programs.  Most states require audiologists to be licensed and obtain their CCC-A certification (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology).

Skills Back to Main Menu  Strong foundations in science and math courses are needed because of the extensive knowledge of the ear structure and how sound travels in the ear.  People going into this profession must have competent technical skills and become familiar with different computer programs.  Communication skills, patience, and critical thinking are important because of audiologists working with patients and having to identify possible causes of hearing disorders.

Audiology Programs Back to Main Menu  AuD: Clinical Doctorate  It is a degree for audiologists that emphasizes practical methods, and it allows them to work with patients, fit devices, and recommend solutions.  There may be a little research involved, but not near as much as the PhD degree.  PhD: Doctor of Philosophy  Unlike the AuD degree, this focuses on a lot of research to improvise hearing equipment, such as cochlear implants and hearing aids.  There is emphasis on data analysis and publishing findings.

Statistics Back to Main Menu  Salary:  The typical salary for audiologists ranges anywhere from $69,773-$82,753, with an average of about $75,794.  Different factors affect how much they make, such as education, performance, and job location.  Hearing loss:  Approximately 36 million people in the United States have some sort of hearing loss, which is almost one out of every five people.  It is the number one chronic birth defect.

Equipment/Devices Back to Main Menu  The main equipment that audiologists use to test the hearing of patients is the audiometer, which tracks the hearing level in both ears.  Two types of hearing tests for infants are the auditory brainstem response (ABR) and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs).  Three types of hearing tests for older children and adults include but are not limited to: pure tone testing, tympanometry, and speech testing.  Devices that may be recommended to clients, depending on the severity of their hearing loss, include the hearing aid, cochlear implant, and the use of the FM system (an amplifying device). ABR

Job Outlook Back to Main Menu  Employment in audiology is expected to grow up to 29% from 2014 to 2024 which is the fastest growth rate compared to all professions.  This is because of people living longer and having more hearing problems which increases the demand for audiologists.  However, because it is a small profession, few job openings are available.  Job prospects are the best for audiologists who possess the AuD degree, and those who are willing to relocate may have the most success.

Question 1: When did audiology begin as a career? A. 1900s B. 1920s C. 1940s

Try Again  Good try, but audiology originated at a later time span. Hint: Think of the time period when World War I occurred. Take another shot at the question! Go back to question

Correct!  Good job! In the 1920s, shortly after World War I, audiology started as a profession. This is because soldiers had hearing problems due to noise exposure from the war. Click the button to try another question. Next question Old-fashioned hearing equipment

Try Again  Good try, but this time span was when the term “audiology” was coined, not when the career actually began. Try another answer. Go back to question

Question 2: What of the following educational requirements is NOT needed for someone to be an audiologist? A. Take part in extensive research throughout the career. B. Obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology. C. Have a doctorate degree after finishing college.

Correct! Next question  Nice choice! Research is required for audiologists who want to obtain a PhD degree. It is only an option for those who have the AuD degree and are in clinical audiology. Go to the next question.

Try Again  Good try, but a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology is required since students who wish to pursue audiology must have an understanding of the basics of speech. This is because speech and hearing are closely related. Go back and try again! Go back to question

Try Again  Good guess, but a doctorate degree is needed because of college students having to first complete the Speech Pathology undergraduate program. This process takes about eight years total. Please attempt to try again. Go back to question

Question 3: Which of the following is NOT a method used to test the hearing of babies? A. Otoacoustic emissions B. Auditory brainstem response C. Pure tone testing Next slide

Try Again  Nice try, but this choice is incorrect. It is one of two hearing tests that are used to check a baby’s hearing level. Go back and try again! Go back to question

Try Again  Good try, but the answer you chose is not correct. Do you remember this picture? ABR is a method that is used for babies when they get their hearing screened. Click on the button to try again. Go back to question

Correct!  Congratulations! Pure tone testing is mostly used for older children and adults; it involves hand movement or the pushing of a button when sounds are heard. Click below to go to the end of the lesson. Next slide

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