As an audiologist, you will diagnose people for their hearing and balance related problems and treat them. You can also work as a speech therapist where you will help people recover from their speech and swallowing disorders.
An audiologist tests a patient’s hearing ability and balance using advanced technological devices and procedures. They measure the ability a person has, in distinguishing between different sounds and the level of volume at which they begin to hear. Once a problem is diagnosed, they use various treatment procedures like cleaning the ear canals, use of hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Speech therapy (also known as Speech-Language Pathology) is a related field which deals with speech and swallowing disorders. A speech therapist works with people who have problems like speaking difficulties, voice disorders, and lack of fluency or stuttering.
Examine patients and administer hearing tests
Collect information about the impairment, using specialized instruments and electronic equipment.
Fit, dispense, and repair assistive devices like hearing aids
Maintain patient records and subsequent evaluation results
Evaluate hearing and balance disorders to determine the diagnosis procedures and courses of treatment
Program and monitor cochlear implants(CI) to fit the needs of the patients
Studying Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English and/or Maths at the 10+2 level and securing at least a 50% score in these subjects would be a prerequisite for admission into audiology courses.
The common course offered at the UG level in this area is Bachelor’s in Audiology. You can either go for a B.Sc. Audiology of 3 years duration or a Bachelor’s in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) of 4 years duration.
After 10+2, you can also go for a Diploma in Hearing, Language and Speech (DHLS) or a Diploma in Hearing Aid and Earmould Technology (DHAET).The duration of these courses are 1 year.
After completing the UG degree, you can go for either M.Sc. Audiology or MASLP (Master’s in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology). The duration of these courses are 2 years.
You can also pursue Post Graduate Certificate Courses in Auditory Verbal Therapy (PGCAVT), the duration of which is usually 6 months.
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Requirements for admission into a PG course in one of the top institutions to help you get an overall picture
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Audiologists need to communicate test results,diagnoses and proposed treatments to the patients in order to ensure effective treatment.They also may need to communicate with other healthcare providers regarding patient care.
Audiologists work with patients who may be emotionally down or frustrated because of their hearing or balance issues. They must treat patients and their families with compassion and understanding.
Audiologists as medical professionals must be active listeners, so that the patient can convey their issues effectively.
Audiologists must be able to analyze the patient’s situation in detail in order to offer the best treatment. They may need to provide alternative plans when patients do not respond to initial treatment.
Audiologists may work work with patients for long periods, especially with those who need special attention.
Audiologists must figure out the causes of hearing and balance problems and determine the appropriate treatment to solve them.
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