Hearing is one of our most precious senses and audiologists are the experts in management of the auditory and balance disorders. Audiologists specialize in the study of normal and impaired hearing, prevention of hearing loss, identification and assessment of hearing and balance problems and rehabilitation of persons with hearing and balance disorders. They work with people that exhibit hearing, balance, and other ear-related problems. They examine individuals of all ages and perform need assessment of treatment of any symptoms of hearing loss and other auditory, balance, and related neural problems. Using audiometers, computers, and other testing devices, they measure the loudness at which a person begins to hear sounds, his/her ability to distinguish between sounds, and the impact of hearing loss or balance problems on an individual’s daily life. Audiologists interpret these results and may coordinate them with medical and psychological information to make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment.

In every 1000 live births in Pakistan, 3-5 infants suffer from a hearing deficiency and this rate is growing every year. Hearing is one of the five basic senses and problems in hearing can compromise significant segments of one’s life, such as family, work, safety and the overall standard of living. Recognizing the growing need for better and up to the mark audiological facilities in the country, Audiology Department for neonates was established to help improve the quality of life for those who are hard of hearing.

This department was established in the year 2017 and has been providing exemplary hearing screening care services and diagnostic services under the Flagship of Fatima Memorial System. The following tests are available at our department:

Audiological Evaluation for newborns and children:

• New born hearing screening (Otoacoustic emissions)
• Tympanometry
• Behavioural Hearing Tests 
• Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
• Play Audiometry
• Pre-School hearing screening service
• School hearing screening service

Audiological Evaluation for adults: 

• Tuning fork test 
• Tympanometry 
• Acoustic reflex 
• Pure tone audiometry 
• Speech audiometry  
• Pre-employment hearing screening
• Industrial hearing screening

Associated Department in Medical college/FMH: 

Clinical training of Audiology students is done at the ENT department at FMH, Hamza Foundation Academy for the Deaf and Audiology Center, Lahore. Students gain skills of hearing assessments using free field Audiometry, Pure Tone Audiometry, Tympanometry, Brain Stem Audiometry, Play Audiometry, Visually Reinforced Audiometry and Speech Audiometry. They also learn to give information about Cochlear implant functioning & hearing aids prescription as well as dispensing and fitting. 

Career Opportunities upon graduation:

Audiologists work in hospitals, outpatient clinics of physicians and audiologists, educational setups, research facilities, developmental services and health and personal care stores. Some may choose to be self-employed in their private clinics. They screen both adult and pediatric patients and make recommendations for healthy environments preventing ear-related injuries. They also conduct hearing protection programs in factories, schools and communities. Further studies opportunities include M.Sc., M. Phil, PhD and AUD programs available worldwide.