Speech Pathology and Audiology is about studying the treatment of communication disorders and hearing-related issues etc. These experts are known as Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) or Audiologists. They mainly focus on individuals who are suffering from speech, language, voice, and swallowing difficulties, along with hearing impairments as the main duties. In India, some reputable institutions offer courses at UG, PG, and Doctoral level programs to educate and train aspiring SLPs and Audiologists. SLPs and Audiologists are employed in such areas as hospitals, clinics, schools, and research institutions.
What is Speech Pathology & Audiology? Speech Pathology and Audiology is a specialized field that deals with the Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of communication disorders and hearing-related issues. It mainly focuses on evaluating and addressing speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. Graduates from these SPAL Courses can work as Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with individuals of all age groups, who experience difficulties in Articulation, Phonology, Stuttering, Voice quality, and Language comprehension and Expression. They probably develop personalized therapy plans to improve communication skills and help individuals overcome barriers to effective communication. Audiology is concerned with the study of hearing and balance disorders. Audiologists are professionals who assess hearing function and identify hearing impairments hearing loss etc. They conduct various tests to determine the type and degree of hearing loss and recommend appropriate interventions, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or auditory rehabilitation to improve hearing abilities and enhance an individual's auditory experiences. These fields are combined and play a vital role in the overall well-being of individuals, as communication is essential for personal, academic, and professional success.
Types of Courses: UG, PG and Ph.D level.
Courses availability:
✷ B.Sc. in Speech and Hearing
✷ B.Ed. (Special Education)
✷ Bachelor of Audiology & Speech- Language pathology (BASLP)
✷ UG Diploma in Hearing language and speech
✷ M.Sc. in Audiology
✷ M.Sc in Speech Language Pathology
✷ Master of Audiology & Speech- Language Pathology (MASLP)
✷ PG Diploma in Speech and Hearing
✷ Ph.D in Speech- Language Pathology
✷ Ph.D in Audiology and more.
Eligibility criteria:
UG: A candidate needs to pass 10+2 in Science, Physics, Chemistry and Biology as subjects with a minimum of 50% marks are secured from a recognized board/ university is required. This course duration is 3 years.
PG: A candidate should pass Undergraduate level degree programs in a relevant subject or BASLP is required from a recognized university with 55% marks required. This course duration is 2 years.
Ph.D.: He/ She wants to pursue Ph.D. courses in Audiology and speech, and needs to complete their postgraduate degree in MASLP or relevant subject is required with a minimum of 55% aggregation marks. This course duration is 3- 5 years.
Entrance Examination: AIIMS UG & PG, NEET UG and IPUCET etc.
Fee structure:
UG: Approx. INR. 30,000 to 1,20,000 per entire program,
PG: Approx. INR. 50,000 to 2.50 L per entire course.
How to get in that career? To become an SLP, you need to have completed 10+2 with science subjects (Physics/ Chemistry and Biology) or an equivalent qualification with a minimum percentage. For the postgraduate level, you must complete a relevant Bachelor's degree. Need to appear for entrance examinations, and attend interviews, take admission into such courses. It is essential to visit the official websites of the institutes you are interested in for the most accurate and up-to-date information on admissions. Additionally, ensure that the institute you have to choose is recognized by the relevant governing bodies to ensure the validity and quality of your education.
Skills Required:
✷ Excellent communication skills
✷ Strong Interpersonal skills
✷ Critical thinking skills
✷ Problem- solving skills
✷ Diagnosis skills
✷ Analytical skills
✷ Eye for detail oriented
✷ Patience and Willingness to help others
✷ Co-ordinate and Cooperate skills and more.
Top Institutions:
✷ All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) - Hyderabad
✷ Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) - Hyderabad
✷ All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) - New Delhi
✷ National Institute of Speech & Hearing (NISH) - Kerala
✷ Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped (AYJNIHH) - Mumbai
✷ Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) - Chandigarh and more.
Top Sectors/ Fields:
✷ Hospitals (Govt/ Private)
✷ Clinics
✷ Rehabilitation centres
✷ Government Agencies
✷ Hearing Aid Agencies
✷ Research centres
✷ NGO's
✷ Academics (Universities/ Colleges) and more.
Job roles/ Designations with their Salaries:
✷ SPLA gets salary of upto INR.7.5 lakh per annum
✷ Doctor of Audiology - Approx. INR. 6.9 Lakhs per year
✷ BASLP Professor - upto INR. 5 Lakhs per year
✷ Audiologist - upto INR. 4 Lakhs per annum
✷ Educational Audiologist - ranges from INR. 4 Lakhs per annum
✷ Hearing/ Audio Therapist - upto INR. 3.5 Lakhs per year
✷ Speech Therapist - ranges from INR. 3 Lakhs per annum
✷ Speech Pathology reader
✷ Auditory Verbal Therapist
✷ Audiometry Technician
✷ Audiology Director
✷ Clinical Supervisor
✷ Counsellor
✷ Rehabilitation Specialist
✷ Psychologist
✷ Researcher
✷ Clinical Audiologist and more.
How was career? SLPs and Audiologists in India have greater opportunities to work in various sectors: hospitals, clinics, Rehabilitation centers, rehabilitation, research institutions private practices, etc. They can specialize in areas like Pediatric Speech and Language disorders, Adult neurogenic communication disorders, Hearing loss management, etc.
Nowadays, awareness of these communication disorders and the importance of early intervention has been increasing in India. This will result in the seeking of more services from speech pathologists and audiologists. Some professionals pursue careers in Research and Academics, working in universities and research institutions to contribute to the advancement of the field. Overall, a career in Speech Pathology and Audiology in India can be fulfilling and impactful, helping individuals overcome their communication and hearing challenges, thereby improving their quality of life. This field is evolving and as awareness and demand continue to grow, it offers promising career opportunities for qualified professionals.
Top Hiring Companies:
✷ Tata Memorial Hospitals
✷ Apollo Hospitals
✷ E- Hear & Speech Rehab
✷ Travancore Medical College Hospitals and more.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Speech Pathology and Audiology in India are vital fields dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and supporting individuals with communication disorders and hearing impairments. Although the field faces certain challenges, the rewarding nature of the work, diverse career opportunities and the potential for making a positive impact on individuals' lives make Speech Pathology and Audiology a promising and fulfilling career choice in India.
