Contemporary issues in audiology: a hearing scientist's perspective

Audiology has developed significantly over the last 30 years leading to better identification and assessment of hearing loss and better habilitation services for both children and adults with congenital or acquired deafness. Advancement in the profession and its services has been largely dependent on the technological development of key methodologies such as the auditory brainstem response and otoacoustic emissions. These methodologies have been used for the identification and assessment of the severity of hearing loss. As a result, these methodologies have underpinned the emergence of service development initiatives such as hearing screening and provision of hearing aids, particularly for newborn babies and young children. This review identifies, describes and evaluates the key methodologies and services involved and presents a hearing scientist's perspective on the developments to date. The aim is to provide state-of-the-art information to those working with children and adults with communication disorders, particularly speech and language therapists.