User:TMorata/Global Audiology

Global Audiology is a portal created by the Global Resource for Audiology Information Networking, a group of volunteer leaders in hearing research and hearing health services. It became an official partner of the International Society of Audiology in 2020 (see official launch webinar). Several needs motivated its development. They include: differences in audiology education and practice across countries, in particular as it pertains to the availability of hearing care services. According to the World Report on Hearing produced by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.5 billion people experience some decline in their hearing capacity during their life course, of whom at least 430 million will require hearing care. Moreover, it is suggested that over 80% of this population live in low and middle-income countries where there is very little access to any audiological services. Hence, there is much work to be done in audiology to bridge this inequality in education and access to services.

Mission, Process and Goal
The mission of Global Audiology is to provide readily available information focused on history, status, and current audiological practices world-wide to all stakeholders in hearing healthcare. The process used is through the dissemination of information with an easily accessible, user-friendly website that includes all aspects of audiological history, available services, education and training, and current research in each region of the world. Included, is the identification of regional and country editors who have volunteered to be resources for those wanting information for the geographic areas they represent. The goal is to facilitate promote the advancement and standardization of audiological practices, particularly in developing countries and to educate potential consumers of the availability of audiological care in their geographic region.

Method
Global Audiology will utilize two methods to accomplish its goal: (1) develop this present platform to provide up to date information about audiology across the globe; (2) recruit key individuals who will volunteer to serve as resource editors and key contact people for the country or region.