Career in Audiology

Audiology is a specialized branch of health-science which deals with studies related to hearing problems. An audiologist will evaluate hearing functions through tests and rehabilitate patients having hearing-impairments. Since hearing is essential for communication using speech and language, a therapy in audiology can not be administered to a patient in isolation. Rather, therapy in audiology and speech are closely inter-related.

Audiologists firstly examine and identify symptoms causing loss of hearing, auditory imbalance or other related neural and sensory problems. On completing diagnosis, their next target will be to design a treatment based on the patient’s situation using either remedial measures or rehabilitation strategies. The main areas of work for audiologists are in pediatrics, special need group, teaching, adult assessment and their rehabilitation or research and development.

Working as an audiologist can be challenging since it is becoming an expanding field in clinical science and technology. These professionals need to be communicative with people from varies age-groups, think logically and be able to adopt analytical and scientific approach towards work while being patient and caring.

Audiologist can choose from multiple options to pursue their careers including government-run hospitals, health departments in government or government –aided agencies, private hospitals, nursing homes, clinics or health-centers. Job opportunities are also available in community clinics and care-centers, rehabilitation centers, nursing-care establishments, centers for disabled and in clinics run by universities or colleges.

Audiologists can also volunteer to work privately with schools, nursing homes and hospitals. Those having an academic bent of mind can look for career options as teachers in para-medical or medical colleges. In order to commence practicing as an audiologist, one should be registered with Indian speech and Hearing Association-ISHA or with Rehabilitation Council of India-RCI.

The basic course an individual needs to complete to get started in this profession is Bachelor’s degree or B.Sc in audiology for duration of three to four years. On completing this course, graduates can opt to pursue two-year Master’s degree programme. In order to qualify for these courses, one needs to complete 12th class examinations in science, particularly in Biology. Students wanting to pursue a career as an audiologist can also opt for diploma courses.

In India, almost 20 universities offer courses in audiology which are all accredited by RCI.

Some prominent names are:

• All INDIA Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore.
• T.N Medical College, Mumbai.
• BYL Nair charitable Hospital, Mumbai.
• Christian Medical College, Vellore.
• National Institute of Physiotherapy and Communication Disorders, Patna.
• Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
• Dr. M.V. Shetty Institute of Health Science, Mangalore.
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences, new Delhi.
• Indian Institute of Health Education and Research, Patna.
• Institute of Speech and Hearing, Bangalore.

The annual income an audiologist can earn can be quite handsome. Beginners can start with a monthly salary of approximately 8,000 to 10,000 rupees in government or aided organizations. In private clinics and hospitals, audiologists can expect to start with an income of 15,000 rupees per month onwards. On gaining experience and/or completing higher educational qualifications, audiologists can expect higher earning ranging from 25,000 to 30,000 rupees per month.

Audiology is a rapidly expanding science with an ever-increasing demand for professionals in this field. With skills like effective communication, problem-solving abilities, team-work and confidence in handling latest technology, process and systems; this can be a promising and rewarding profession for budding science graduates.