Master in Clinical Audiology
Offered by Department of Otorhinolaryngology
Brief Description
The Master of Clinical Audiology (MClinAud) is a two-year entry level graduate program that integrates basic theoretical knowledge and its clinical applications in the prevention and management of hearing impairments. The program covers the areas of audiologic evaluation, audiologic habilitation, hearing conservation, and the development of audiology service delivery programs. It is jointly offered by the College of Medicine and the College of Allied Medical Professions, with particular involvement of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and the Department of Speech Pathology.
Objectives
At the end of the program, the graduate should demonstrate mastery of the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to:
- Competently evaluate hearing
- Effectively engage in the habilitation and rehabilitation of hearing
- Propagate audiology in the country as a service and as a profession
Rationale and Objectives
There is a lack of professional audiologists in the country. In the United States, the services of an average of 41 certified audiologists are available for every one million persons1; in the Philippines, there are only an estimated 1.07 audiologists per one million Filipinos2. It is important to satisfy the country's need for professionals proficient in the different diagnostic examinations for the evaluation, as well as processes involved in the rehabilitation of hearing impairments.
Hearing Impairment in the Philippines
A statistical approximation of 6.5 million Filipinos present with disabling hearing loss, based on the WHO 2020 prevalence rate of 6%3 (or 466,000,000/7,810,610,568 persons) worldwide. This number is expected to double over the next three decades.
Early Rehabilitation is the Key to Hearing Impaired Children
Early rehabilitation is essential for development of age-appropriate speech and language by school age. Research shows that children with hearing loss who get hearing screening, diagnosis, and intervention services can have much better vocabulary development4. Without appropriate intervention, even mild hearing loss in early childhood may have long-term consequences in terms of social, emotional and academic performance5.
Noise: A Serious Health Threat
In 1996, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared noise to be a serious health threat. Exposure to excessive noise is considered the major avoidable cause of permanent hearing impairment worldwide . The role of the audiologist includes recommending the necessary protective and rehabilitation appliances that may be best suited for persons exposed to noise, as well as providing input for the design and construction of buildings, environments and [industrial] processes for hearing conservation purposes
New Technologies and the Professional Audiologists
Technologies on the evaluation and rehabilitation of hearing, as well as computerized hearing and hearing aid analysis require professional audiologists. Audiologists play an important role in ensuring that the cochlear implantation technology now available in the Philippines is effective for their patients.
UP Manila: A Training Ground for Future Audiologists
The College of Medicine and the College of Allied Medical Professions in their inception of a Masters program in Clinical Audiology reflect the University's Mission and Goal: to constantly strive to become an outstanding and relevant institution of higher learning and to provide the highest quality of advanced instruction, professional training, basic and applied research and community service. The program aims to produce competent audiologists who will provide services and develop programs for the above stated needs.
A survey using questionnaire forms obtaining 100 respondents from the constituents of UP Manila revealed that 63% would be interested in applying for a program towards a Master of Clinical Audiology if offered.
Highlights
The program has 36 course units which includes audiological theory, more than 300 hours of practicum, extensive inter-professional interaction with otorhinolaryngology and speech pathology, and an independent study / special project. Full-time students usually complete the program in two years.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements of the NGOHS, applicants to the Master of Clinical Audiology program should have previously earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Health science graduates with background in anatomy, physiology and basic clinical skills will be given priority for the initial offering. Admissions interview by the program committee is required.