About the Program

The program prepares students in four areas of audiology; foundations of practice, prevention in identification, evaluation, and treatment of hearing impairment.  The program expects graduates to be clinicians and scholars with a strong understanding of the connection between the scientific basis of the discipline and its clinical practices, and an appreciation for research.

The goal of the consortium of Universities offering this program is to produce highly skilled practitioners with the ability to provide a wide variety of diagnostic, remedial and clinical services, maintaining sensitivity to cultural and linguistic diversity.

The program will prepare graduates to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the development of hearing and its relation to the development of speech and language.

  • Identify the anatomical components and physiological processes of the peripheral and central auditory system.
  • Identify the anatomical components and physiological processes of the peripheral and central vestibular (balance) system.
  • Identify the factors that contribute to the development of normal hearing and its contribution to the development of speech and language in normal hearing infants and children.
  • Identify the factors that contribute to the development of the normal balance system.

Demonstrate knowledge of the various types of hearing disorders and their effect on communication and balance.

  • Identify of disorders of the auditory system, balance system and related systems.
  • Identify the etiological factors related to impairments of hearing and balance including anatomical, physiological, developmental and environmental factors.

Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and methods for assessment, treatment and prevention of disorders of hearing and balance.

  • Evaluate disorders of the auditory, balance and related systems using appropriate procedures.
  • Provide treatment of auditory, balance and related communication disorders.
  • Demonstrate the skill to educate the public and other professionals regarding the prevention of disorders of the auditory, and balance systems.

Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific and research foundations of practice and their incorporation into evidence-based clinical practice.

  • Critically analyze published research, the integrity of the reported evidence, and the possible clinical implications of the evidence as it applies to diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders.
  • Design suitable methodology to study the impact of impaired and unimpaired hearing on communication.
  • Design suitable methodology to study the effects of balance disorders on the quality of life.

Demonstrate knowledge of standards of ethical practice.

  • Describe the various legal and ethical guidelines for professional practice.
  • Identify the causes of infraction in cases of professional misconduct.

Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary professional issues.

  • Describe current professional trends in the scope of practice
  • Identify and explain legislation affecting the profession and issues of concern to professional associations in Audiology.

Demonstrate knowledge about certification and licensure as it pertains to the practice of Audiology.

  • Describe requirements and policies for professional practice at the national and local level as well as the steps necessary to meet those requirements.
  • Obtain professional licensure.