Audiology Audire (to hear) + logos (the study of) Term coined in the 1930s. Profession became prominent after World War II. Raymond Carhart: Founder of Audiology

Audiologist “An audiologist is a trained professional who measures hearing loss and can fit hearing aids” (http://www.nchearingloss.org/audiolo.htm ) “An individual who, by virtue of academic degree, clinical training, and license to practice and/or professional credential, is uniquely qualified to provide a comprehensive array of professional services related to the assessment and habilitation/rehabilitation of persons with auditory and vestibular impairments, and to the prevention of these impairments” (American Acedemy of Audiology, 1997)

Qualifications Initally, Bachelor’s degree Then, Master’s. Currently, AuD. (Doctor of Audiology)

Professional organizations ASHA: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (Established in 1927) AAA: American Academy of Audiology (founded in 1988)

Prevalence of hearing loss Around 31 million Americans affected (AAA website www.audiology.org). Nearly 13 million over the age of 65 will be affected by year 2015. 90% of American children under 6 years have had at least one ear infection (NIDCD, 1992). Six out of 1000 children born with hearing impairment.

Specialties of Audiology Medical Educational Pediatric Rehabilitative Industrial