CSD 150 Audiology and speech and hearing science

What is speech, language and hearing science?

The investigation of anatomic, physiological, and perceptual factors that form bases of, and contribute to the production and comprehension of speech and language

Speech and hearing scientists come from:

• CSD

• Education

• Engineering

• Anatomy/Biology

Education requirements include

• requires a doctoral degree (PhD)

• may or may not need Certificate of Clinical Competence

Where can you work as a speech and hearing scientist?

• most work in research and teaching in university settings

• research laboratories

• government agencies

• private industry

• potentially some expert testimony in criminal proceedings

What a speech and hearing scientist studies

• the normal or disordered process of communication

  • develop evidence based methods for diagnosing and treating individuals with speech, language, and hearing problems

Audiology

• the study and treatment of hearing and balance impairments

• treats patients across the lifespan

Some audiologists work primarily in areas where they…

evaluate and diagnose hearing loss; while others provide educational or rehabilitative services

Eduacation to be an audiologist

• Undergrad degree

• Doctoral degree in audology (AuD)

  • which is 3-4 years graduate program

Rankings in audiology

• #37 in Best Healthcare Jobs

• #54 in Best STEM Jobs

Factors driving job growth

•Increasing geriatric population who require hearing and balance assessments

•Aging baby boomers retiring

•Early identification and diagnosis of hearing loss

•Improvement in premature infant mortality rate

most commont setting for an audiologist

ENT clinic

Practice settings of an audiologist

• Office of Physicians 26%

• Offices of PT, OT, SLP and audiologists 26%

• Hospitals: state, local and private 16%

• Educational settings 10%

Interpersonal Qualities

• Communication skills

• Compassion

• Critical-thinking skills

• Interpersonal skiills

• Patience

• Problem-solving skills

How many Americans have hearing loss in at least one ear

1 in 5 (48 million people)

ASHA is predicting that the use of personal stereos and an aging population may create a ….

Hearing impairment epidemic

The most frequent causes of hearing loss

• Exposure to loud noise

• natural aging

• heredity

• head injury

• ototoxic medications

• illness

Medical vs. Cultural Views

• The medical model sees deafness as something to be fixed, while the cultural model sees it as part of one’s identity

Many in the deaf community believe that:

• cochlear implants will reduce the number of ASL speakers, leading to the decline of deaf institutions and culture

Ethical concerns with cochlear implants

• Some view the implantation of devices in children as an ethical issue, arguing it deprives them of the right to choose their cultural identity later in life