Audiology and Hearing Healthcare

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop and administer a survey to the University of Arizona College of Science to assess students, faculty, and staff’s awareness of the profession of audiology and hearing healthcare. Method A survey was administered in 2023 to the University of Arizona’s College of Science students, faculty, and staff. Survey questions included questions asking participants to describe what an audiologist does. In addition, participants were asked to describe other healthcare professions, including podiatry, optometry, neuropsychology, speech language pathology, and teacher of the deaf. Participants were also asked questions related to hearing loss and hearing healthcare. Results Participants within the speech language and hearing sciences department had more awareness of the profession of audiology than those outside of the department. Furthermore, individuals outside of the speech language and hearing sciences department were surer of their knowledge of other healthcare professions, such as podiatry and optometry, than audiology. Conclusion Data from this survey may serve as a baseline for knowledge related to audiology and hearing healthcare among a university population. This data may be used to create a targeted hearing healthcare program for this niche population. A secondary aim of this study was to explore student’s knowledge of the profession of audiology to inform future avenues for recruitment into the profession.