Audiologist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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audiologist
[หษห.diหษl.ษ.dสษชst ]
Definition
medical profession
An audiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, managing, and treating hearing and balance disorders. They use various assessments to evaluate hearing function and provide rehabilitation solutions such as hearing aids and auditory training. Audiologists work in a range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools. Their expertise is essential for improving the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.
Synonyms
ear doctor, hearing doctor, hearing specialist.
Examples of usage
- The audiologist conducted a thorough examination of my hearing ability.
- Patients often seek the help of an audiologist after noticing changes in their hearing.
- Audiologists play a vital role in identifying hearing impairment in newborns.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
History
- The profession emerged around World War II, driven by a growing need for hearing rehabilitation among veterans.
- In the 1950s, the development of hearing aids helped establish audiology as a distinct field within healthcare.
Pop Culture
- Audiology is often featured in movies and TV shows that focus on medical professionals, highlighting the importance of communication.
- Popular figures in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community have advocated for awareness around audiology and hearing health.
Science
- Audiologists use technology like audiometers to test hearing ability and diagnose related disorders.
- Research in audiology has shown a strong connection between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline, emphasizing the need for regular check-ups.
Psychology
- People with hearing loss can experience social isolation, making audiologists vital in helping improve quality of life.
- Audiologists often address the emotional impact of hearing loss, providing counseling and support to their patients.
Origin of 'audiologist'
Main points about word origin
- 'Audiologist' comes from the Latin word 'audire,' meaning 'to hear' and the Greek 'logia,' meaning 'study.'
- The term was first used in the early 20th century as hearing loss became more recognized as an important health issue.
The term 'audiologist' is derived from the Latin word 'audire', meaning 'to hear', and the Greek word 'logia', meaning 'study' or 'science'. The profession emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the increasing recognition of hearing disorders and the need for specialized care in this area. In the United States, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) was instrumental in the development of audiology as a profession. The first doctoral programs in audiology were established in the 1970s, leading to greater standardization and professional recognition. Audiologists now play a crucial role in the field of healthcare by addressing not only hearing loss but also related conditions such as tinnitus and balance disorders.