Audiology, which examines both the auditory and balance systems, is a versatile scientific discipline that identifies difficulties or problems and investigates appropriate rehabilitations. Experts note that audiologists have a wide range of patient profiles across a broad population and age range, thus highlighting the importance of education in this field. Dr. Didem Şahin Ceylan stated, 'Individuals of all ages, from newborns, babies aged 24/48 hours, to those experiencing increased hearing and balance loss with age, are included in the patient profile that audiologists deal with.'
Dr. Didem Şahin Ceylan, Head of the Audiology Department at the Faculty of Health Sciences, made evaluations regarding the audiology department and its education.
Audiology examines both hearing and balance systems
Dr. Didem Şahin Ceylan stated that while the word Odyo (audio) means sound or hearing, or audible sound, it is not correct to confine audiology to such a narrow definition. She explained, 'Because our ears, which enable us to hear, are also the organs responsible for our balance. Therefore, audiology is a scientific discipline that examines both hearing and balance systems; identifies difficulties or problems, and investigates appropriate rehabilitations. Professionals who practice the science of audiology or contribute to this field are called audiologists.'
Audiologists have a very broad patient profile
Dr. Didem Şahin Ceylan noted that audiologists have a wide range of patient profiles across a broad population and age range, thus implying significant responsibilities. She stated, 'Individuals of all ages, from newborns, babies aged 24/48 hours, to those experiencing increased hearing and balance loss with age, are included in the patient profile that audiologists deal with. Since a baby deprived of auditory information will not develop speech production, audiologists play a significant role in integrating individuals into society by early detection of hearing loss, fitting them with devices, and implementing appropriate rehabilitation programs to ensure they develop at the same or a similar level to their peers. Furthermore, since balance problems significantly reduce quality of life, audiologists are again the ones who impact the lives of these individuals through appropriate interventions.'
Empathy skills are required
Dr. Didem Şahin Ceylan stated that the audiology department has a demanding curriculum due to its nature as a health-related field. She said, 'The audiology department should be chosen by students who can handle this demanding workload. As it concerns human beings, its moral reward is high, but it requires a high level of empathy, patience, and conscience. An audiologist, like all other healthcare professionals, must be able to put themselves in the other person's shoes; have the patience to listen completely to all of the patient's complaints, and be able to touch a person's life instead of selling false hope.'
Offers options in terms of employment and job opportunities
Dr. Didem Şahin Ceylan noted that audiology is a promising field in Turkey. She stated, 'Our graduates can work as audiologists in both the public and private sectors. They can be appointed to state positions, and in the private sector, they can work in hearing aid companies, in more advanced hearing device companies (what we call bionic ear companies), or in special education institutions where auditory rehabilitation for individuals with hearing impairments is conducted. We also believe that with the development of earphone technology or the increase in the number of individuals with hearing impairments, employment in audiology will increase in the coming periods. As individuals with hearing loss or those with earlier onset hearing loss emerge, the need for audiologists will also increase. Furthermore, the extension of life expectancy with changing and developing medicine means more elderly people and more hearing loss.'
Work areas in industry and manufacturing will increase
Dr. Didem Şahin Ceylan noted that demand in industry and manufacturing is expected to increase in the field of audiology in the future, and she added the following regarding employment opportunities in this area:
'Since these sectors are areas with high noise levels, we foresee that audiologists will also be employed in this field, similar to occupational health physicians. Additionally, there are many children in preschool and school age who suffer from undetected hearing loss. Therefore, in addition to newborn screenings, state and private schools can also be listed among the areas where audiologists can work, with duties such as conducting routine hearing screenings for children, referring them for further examinations, or applying auditory rehabilitation. Of course, they can also open their own businesses, such as hearing aid dealers, and operate hearing aid application centers.
There is also an academic dimension to this profession. There are now many audiology departments in universities. Compared to the number of audiology departments, there are very few doctoral graduates in the field. Therefore, an academic career can be attractive for graduates.'
Audiology is an enjoyable professional field
Dr. Didem Şahin Ceylan stated that despite the demanding educational process and professional obligations of the audiology department, it is a beautiful and enjoyable professional field with various areas of work within itself. Ceylan said, 'It is a field that should be chosen not only for its financial benefits, but only after one is confident in possessing the qualities to properly perform this profession.'