RESTON, VIRGINIA — The American Academy of Audiology has published updated Scope of Practice and Standards of Practice for Audiology on April 27, 2023, on its Practice Guidelines and Standards website. The documents aim to define the profession of audiology, outline the areas of audiologic practice, and delineate acceptable standards of practice for professional services consistent with the Academy’s Scope of Practice. These standards reflect the values, priorities, and current state of the audiology profession. The Scope of Practice is not an exhaustive list of activities in which audiologists engage but rather a broad statement of professional practice in audiology, serving as a reference for service delivery, legislation, consumer education, and interprofessional relations.
The areas of audiologic practice described in the Scope of Practice include screening and identification, assessment and diagnosis, treatment and management of auditory and vestibular loss, hearing conservation, neurophysiological monitoring, public health, and research and academic activities. The documents are intended for use by audiologists, allied health professionals, educators, consumers of audiologic services, employers, and the general public.
The updated Scope of Practice and Standards of Practice for Audiology were approved by the Board of Directors on April 18, 2023. The documents reflect the evolving clinical practice in audiology and are expected to inform matters of service delivery, third-party reimbursement, regulatory action, state and professional licensure, and interprofessional relations. The Academy encourages all audiologists and stakeholders to use the documents as a guide for providing high-quality and evidence-based audiological services to individuals with hearing and balance disorders.
The Academy acknowledged the contributions of its members, including:
- Ian Windmill, PhD
- Guangwei Zhou, ScD
- Henry Botzum, AuD
- Barry Freeman, PhD
- Deyanira Gonzalez, AuD
- Anna Jilla, AuD, PhD
- Kaitlyn Kennedy, AuD
- Angela Loavenbruck, EdD
- Vinaya Manchaiah, AuD, PhD
- Shelley Moats, AuD
- Melanie Shelburg, AuD
- Thomas Tedeschi, AuD
- Susan Von Dollen, AuD
- Liz White, AuD
- David A. Zapala, PhD
Access the updated Scope and Standards of Practice below:
Source: AAA
