Chapter 1 – The Profession of Audiology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, specialties, statistics, credentials, and concepts introduced in Chapter 1 – The Profession of Audiology.

Audiology

The branch of science devoted to the study of hearing, balance, and their associated disorders.

Audiologist

A healthcare professional who prevents, identifies, diagnoses, and treats hearing, balance, and other auditory disorders for people of all ages.

Aural Rehabilitation

Services and therapies aimed at restoring or optimizing a person’s hearing function, often including hearing aids, auditory training, and counseling.

Otology

The medical specialty that focuses on diseases and disorders of the ear.

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

A clinician who diagnoses and treats speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing disorders.

Licensure

State-issued legal authorization required to practice audiology in all U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

Certification

Voluntary credential (e.g., ASHA-CCC-A, ABA Board Certification) that demonstrates professional competence and requires continuing education.

ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)

Professional association that offers the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) and sets practice standards for SLPs and audiologists.

ABA (American Board of Audiology)

Credentialing body under the American Academy of Audiology that offers board certification and specialty certifications in pediatrics and cochlear implants.

Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.)

The entry-level professional doctorate for audiologists, typically consisting of three years of coursework and one year of clinical practicum.

Hearing Screening

A quick pass/fail procedure used to identify individuals who may have hearing loss and need further evaluation.

Hearing Evaluation

Comprehensive testing of the peripheral and central auditory systems to determine type and degree of hearing loss.

Electrophysiology

Measurement of electrical activity in the auditory and balance pathways (e.g., ABR, OAE) to assess function.

ENG/VNG

Electronystagmography/Videonystagmography tests that analyze eye movements to diagnose balance (vestibular) disorders.

Cerumen Management

The removal of earwax to ensure an unobstructed ear canal and accurate hearing assessment.

Tinnitus

Perception of sound (ringing, buzzing, etc.) in the ears or head without an external source.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Permanent cochlear damage caused by exposure to hazardous noise levels.

Ototoxic Chemicals

Substances that can damage the inner ear, leading to hearing loss or balance problems.

Hearing Conservation Program

Workplace initiative designed to prevent occupational hearing loss through monitoring, protection, and education.

Medical Audiology

Specialty that performs diagnostic assessments in medical settings and collaborates with physicians on patient care.

Educational Audiology

Specialty that supports students with hearing loss in schools through identification, amplification, and classroom accommodations.

Pediatric Audiology

Branch focused on diagnostic and rehabilitative services for infants and children with hearing loss.

Rehabilitative (Dispensing) Audiology

Area that fits hearing aids and assistive devices while providing auditory training and counseling.

Industrial Audiology

Specialty that monitors workers’ hearing, controls noise exposure, and serves as expert witness in occupational cases.

Vestibular Diagnosis and Rehabilitation

Evaluation and treatment of balance disorders such as vertigo, often in collaboration with ENT and physical therapy.

Cochlear Implant Audiology

Assessment of candidacy, programming, and follow-up care for cochlear implant users.

Tele-Audiology

Delivery of audiologic services remotely via telecommunication technologies.

Prevalence of Hearing Loss

Statistic indicating that 48 million Americans and 360 million people worldwide have some degree of hearing loss.

Tinnitus Prevalence

Condition affecting roughly 50 million Americans who experience ear or head noises.

Aural Rehab Centers

Facilities established during and after WWII to provide integrated hearing services to soldiers and civilians.

Hazardous Noise Levels

Sound intensities that pose a risk of permanent hearing damage; approximately 30 million U.S. workers are exposed.

Impact of Childhood Hearing Loss

Severe or permanent loss can impede speech, language, education, and psychosocial development, with high associated costs.

Impact of Adult Hearing Loss

Untreated loss contributes to strained relationships, depression, reduced physical activity, and lost income.

American Academy of Audiology (AAA)

The largest professional organization devoted solely to audiology, offering education, advocacy, and networking.

Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA)

Association that promotes autonomous audiology practice and business development.

Continuing Education

Ongoing professional learning required for maintaining licensure or certification (e.g., 10 hours/year for ASHA, 20 for ABA).

Hearing Aid Dispensing

Process of selecting, fitting, and selling hearing aids, legalized for audiologists after ASHA lifted its ban in 1976.

Job Outlook for Audiologists

Projected 16 % employment growth (2018-2028), much faster than average, driven by aging population.

Interprofessional Collaboration

Regular teamwork between audiologists, SLPs, physicians, and other professionals to improve communication and quality of life.

Required Soft Skills

Empathy, clear communication, patience, objective problem-solving, and counseling abilities essential for audiology practice.

Hearing Aid Evaluation

Clinical process to determine suitability, style, and programming parameters of hearing aids for a patient.

Assistive Technology

Devices such as FM systems, captioning, or alerting systems that enhance communication for people with hearing loss.