Audiology

Study of speech and hearing disorders is known as Audiology. Under this, an effort is made to understand shortcomings of speech and hearing capacities. Experts of this field are called audiologist. Deafness is increasing in the world for various reasons. Therefore, professional audiologists are in great demand for its treatment. They may find employment in places such as Public and private hospitals, child development centers, Rehabilitation centers etc. According to ASSOCHAM and other survey reports, more than one lack audiologists will be needed in near future.

Work

Audiologists diagnose reasons for speech and hearing difficulties and try to rectify them. This investigation can be
done in three ways. Audiometry Test, Impedens Test (barrier test) and Bera Test. An audiologist decides of how
much power and which (analog or digital) hearing aid will suit the patient. He also plays a role of therapists.
He also encourages patients to speak by employing various methods, like by gestures or by music.

Eligibility

For admission in degree or diploma courses in this field, it is necessary to have cleared 12th class with biology as a subject. Duration of degree level courses is three years. An entrance test has to be cleared for admission to this course.

Individual Characteristics

First and foremost, students should have a good grasp of the subject. In addition, they should be up to date with all the happenings and changes taking place in the fields of science and technology. Audiology is typically a part of ENT (eyes nose and throat) department. Hence, they should also have the quality of working in a team.

Scope

Plenty of employment opportunities for audiologists exist in Government and private hospitals, child development centers, pre-schools, counseling centers, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation centers, NGOs, etc. In addition, own clinic can be opened after doing courses related to Audiology and speech therapy. Income also is very good. One can also think in terms of going abroad for employment.

Courses

 • Bachelor of Special Education (Hearing Impairment)
 • B.Sc. in Speech and hearing
 • B.Sc. in Audiology (Speech and Language)
 • M.Sc. (Speech Pathology and Audiology)

Certificate Courses

Post graduation can also be done after three years degree course in Audiology and speech therapy. For those who cannot get a degree or diploma, they can do six months' certificate courses. Under this course subjects such as, Anatomy, Counseling, Hearing Disorder, Neurology and Neuro-Psychology, Psychology and Statistics etc. are taught.

Earning

The starting salary of an audiologist is 15 thousand. However, with experience, the salary also keeps rising.

Institutes

 1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
 2. IP University, Delhi
 3. Ali Yavarganj National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped, Mumbai
 4. All India Institute of speech and hearing, Mysore University, Bengaluru
 5. Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh
 6. J. M. Institute of speech and hearing, Indrapuri, Kesharinagr, Patna (Bihar)
 7. Indian Institute of Health Education, Patna
 8. Institute of speech and hearing, Bengaluru
 9. Usmania University, Hyderabad