Jürgen Kießling Justus-Liebig-University Gießen

Workshop on “European Audiology Training” Rauischholzhausen/JLU Gießen, October 11-13, delegates from 15 European countries discussed and developed a concept of audiology professions in Europe, particularly the “General Audiologist” Cochlea

Definition of Audiology Audiology in terms of this paper deals with function and dysfunction of the auditory system. The services provided to hearing impaired people deal with 1. Diagnostics 2. Auditory (re)habilitation 3. Communication/communication disorders 4. Prevention 5. Research and teaching Audiology deals with the knowledge, protection and rehabilitation of human hearing, inclusive of the effects of pharmacological and surgical measures, but exclusive of matters relating to the techniques of these measures.

Definition of General Audiologist Definition of General Audiologist Basic level: General Audiologist (practically oriented) Level: university degree training, (B.Aud, M.Aud) - Entrance level: qualification for university/polytechnic - 3 years of theoretical studies  25% basic sciences  25% medical and diagnostic audiology  25% technical and environmental audiology  25% psychosocial audiology and educational issues etc. - Practical orientation by 1 year practical training GA may migrate to Audiological Specialist by specialisation in an additional field High level: Audiological Specialist Level: university degree (clinically oriented) with specialisation on graduate level Other professions with specialisation in audiology (medical, physical, educational degree)

General Audiologist (GA) embedded in a network of Audiological Specialists Duration of education/ Level of competence/ “deepness” of approach/ Number of persons employed Width across disciplines General Audiologist Other disciplines Audiological Specialists (with different backgrounds)

General Audiologist embedded in a network of Audiological Specialists Teacher of the deaf Social worker Hearing therapist Audiology technician Hearing aid acoustician/ dispenser Medical audiological expert ENT doctor Non-medical audiological scientist Psychologist psychotherapist General Audiologist

Tasks the GA should be able to perform 1.Diagnostics 2.(Re)habilitation 3.Educational audiology 4.Occupational issues 5.Financial matters, compensation issues 6.Follow up 7.Counselling (of patients and other professionals) 8.Research in a team 9.Assessment of audiological procedures and services 10.Counselling of general public The GA should also have sufficient knowledge about the need for referral to those more specialised in these tasks.

Proposal for a curriculum (Minimal training requirements) 1.Basic sciences 2.Medical audiology 3.Diagnostic audiology 4.Technical audiology 5.Environmental audiology 6.Psychosocial audiology and educational issues 7. General professional skills 8.Practical work (1 year) - Project work - Thesis work (6 months/minimum 3 months) - Practical work with patients (minimum 6 months)

General Audiologist: Status years after the workshop and 7 years after approval by EFAS 1. The of the “General Audiologist” is a perfect platform to improve - formal training in audiology and - audiological services for the hearing impaired in Europe 2. Some countries have started programs according to the GA concept and other countries will follow 3. However, not in all countries the graduates of theses programs are not given the responsibility to actually work as General Audiologist in the national health system.