Audiologische

Audiologische is an adjective used in Dutch and German to describe matters related to audiology, the branch of science and healthcare focused on hearing and balance. In English, the corresponding term is audiological. Audiology encompasses the assessment, diagnosis, and management of hearing loss and balance disorders, as well as the fitting and follow-up of hearing devices and other interventions.

Core activities include diagnostic testing such as pure-tone and speech audiometry to determine hearing thresholds, tympanometry to evaluate middle-ear function, and specialized tests such as otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem responses. Vestibular testing assesses balance function when relevant.

Clinical practice covers prevention, screening, rehabilitation, and patient counseling. Pediatric and adult populations are served, including newborn hearing screening programs intended to identify hearing impairment early. Interventions commonly provided by audiologists include hearing aids, cochlear implants, bone-conduction devices, and assistive listening devices, along with auditory rehabilitation, tinnitus management, and balance rehabilitation.

Audiologists typically hold university-level degrees and professional licenses or credentials, and work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, schools, or public health settings. They collaborate with otolaryngologists, speech-language pathologists, educators, and other health professionals as part of multidisciplinary teams.

Historically, audiology emerged as a distinct field in the 20th century, evolving from otology and the need for systematic hearing assessment. The term audiologische is used in several languages to describe related services and equipment, such as audiologische screening or audiologische habilitation.