Audiology Program

Audiologists are educated in and concerned with:

Evaluation of normal and impaired hearing abilities
Assessment of communicative function in persons with hearing impairments
Planning and executing of habilitative and rehabilitative programs designed to assist individuals with hearing problems
Prevention of hearing loss.

Audiologists provide a wide range of assessment, habilitative, and rehabilitative services to individuals of all ages who are at risk for hearing impairment. They use special tests and protocols to evaluate hearing abilities and to assess the impact of hearing problems on communication.

When hearing problems are detected audiologists provide habilitative or rehabilitative services including the prescription and fitting of assistive listening devices, training in speech (lip) reading and other listening skills, and counselling to individuals and their families about how to cope with hearing problems.

For children with hearing impairments, audiologists consult with teachers, principals and others to help maximize the child's learning potential. For adults with hearing impairments, audiologists consult with family members, health and social care providers, and industry, among others.

Audiologists also are involved in the prevention of hearing loss. They consult with industry and government representatives, suggesting ways to minimize the impact of noise on people's hearing. Audiologists also engage in research in hearing science, and the habilitation and rehabilitation of individuals with hearing problems. They also are involved in the clinical education of students.