Audiological Practice in India: An Internet-Based Survey of Audiologists

Abstract

The field of Audiology in India has expanded exponentially in recent years. Audiologists practice in a variety of work places. However, little is known about the practice trends across these several work places. An Internet-based survey probing into Audiology practice was conducted between June and September 2012. The survey focused on four domains, namely, demography, assessment, hearing aid (HA) fitting and protocol usage. A total of 199 audiologists completed the survey. A large proportion of these audiologists were from Southern India. Majority of the respondents provide hearing assessment and HA services for children and adults. Results indicate diverse practice among respondents, even in essential procedures such as otoscopy. Although a large proportion of audiologists reported performing HA fitting in children as well as adults, less than 12 % of them performed real ear or simulated real ear verification during any HA fitting. Implications for the development of preferred practice guidelines in India have been discussed.

The field of Audiology in India has expanded exponentially in recent years. Audiologists practice in a variety of work places. However, little is known about the practice trends across these several work places. An Internet-based survey probing into Audiology practice was conducted between June and September 2012. The survey focused on four domains, namely, demography, assessment, hearing aid (HA) fitting and protocol usage. A total of 199 audiologists completed the survey. A large proportion of these audiologists were from Southern India. Majority of the respondents provide hearing assessment and HA services for children and adults. Results indicate diverse practice among respondents, even in essential procedures such as otoscopy. Although a large proportion of audiologists reported performing HA fitting in children as well as adults, less than 12 % of them performed real ear or simulated real ear verification during any HA fitting. Implications for the development of preferred practice guidelines in India have been discussed.