Forty Years of Audiology in Israel.

Abstract

A broad spectrum of audiology programs and services has been developed in Israel over the past 40 years. Tel Aviv University awards bachelor's and graduate degrees in audiology and speech-language pathology. There is a national licensing program for audiologists and speech-language pathologists who have earned at least a baccalaureate degree and have completed one year of service under the supervision of a senior professional. Wellequipped medical center clinics in the major geographic areas are easily accessible from all parts of the country. Privately operated audiology clinics and offices are run by licensed audiologists, and hearing aid dispensing establishments are staffed mostly by licensed audiologists. An organized national hearing screening program begins with infants and young children in well-baby clinics. Special education programs emphasize integration of children with severe and profound hearing loss in regular classrooms, and volunteer service centers provide supplementary habilitation and social and cultural experiences for such children. Hearing conservation programs for the retired population are carried on in community health maintenance centers for the older adult. Industrial and military hearing conservation programs have been established. Israeli scientists and clinicians engage in both basic and clinical research, and Israel's professional organizations organize periodic local, national, and international meetings, facilitating significant interaction and collaboration with colleagues and organizations abroad.