Careers in Audiology

Audiology is an allied health science, which deals with the study of hearing disorders. It concerns with evaluation of hearing functions and the rehabilitation of patients with hearing impairments. Hearing is vital for communication through speech and language. Thus both audiology and speech therapy are inter-related to each other. Audiologists examine and identify symptoms of hearing loss, auditory, balance and related sensory and neural problems. After diagnosis they design a course of treatment by using remedial measures and rehabilitation strategies depending on the situations.

Course Details
The basic course is Bachelor's Degree or B.Sc in Audiology. Eligibility for the course is 10+2 pass in science with Biology or Maths as optional. The course duration is of 4 years. After Bachelor's Degree one can pursue higher studies like 2 years master's degree programme. For practising, an Audiologist needs to be registered with either Indian Speech and Hearing Association (ISHA) or Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Diploma courses are also available other than undergraduate/ post graduate courses.

Career Prospects
Audiologists have multiple career options. They can work in government hospitals, health departments of government and government agencies. Private hospitals, health centres, clinics and nursing homes also offer employment opportunities to audiologists. Job opportunities are also available to audiologists in community care centres, community clinics, rehabilitation centers, centre for disabled, nursing care facilities and clinics run by college and universities. Audiologists also can work privately to provide services to schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Teaching in medical or para-medical colleges is also an option available to audiologists.

Top Colleges Offering UG/PG/Other Courses
There are more than 20 universities in India which provide Audiology courses, which are accredited by Rehabilitation Council of India. Most prominent among them are: All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore; T.N. Medical College and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai; Christian Medical College, Vellore; National Institute of Physiotherapy & 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 and Institute Of Speech & Hearing, Bangalore.

Remuneration
Annual income of audiologists is quite promising. The salary differs for audiologist with UG and PG. The starting salary for UG is 12000 to 15000 and for PG is 18000 to 20000 in a private sector. The salary easily rises up to 25000 to 30000 with 1-2 years of experience.