Public Awareness of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and Aim: There is a literature gap addressing the Saudi general public’s understanding of audiology and speech-language pathology (SLP). This study aimed to examine the public awareness of audiology and SLP professions in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study design consisted of two parts. The pre-test part aimed to provide content validation for the major questionnaire study. The full- scale study addressed the aim. An electronic questionnaire was prepared and distributed. The questionnaire contained three sections: demographics, experience with hearing and communication disorders, and audiology and SLP knowledge. Results: A total of 50 and 512 participants completed the questionnaires for both parts, respectively. Most of participants were Saudi citizens (98.8%), aged 18–30 years, and lived in Riyadh. The questions with the most correct response rates were mostly inductive (e.g., work- place), but some audiology and SLP services (e.g., diagnosis and management of tinnitus, vestibular and swallowing disorders) were not well-identified by the participants. Of the total, 78.7% and 87.5% of participants correctly identified that the work of audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) was not like the work of teachers of deaf and hard of hearing and special education teachers, respectively. Conclusions: A reasonable level of public awareness of audiology and SLP in Saudi Arabia was identified. Still, more public awareness campaigns and educational materials about audiology and SLP are needed. Stakeholders are advised to strengthen public awareness efforts at the national level.