Abstract

Background: Global Audiology is developed as a way to improve communication between audiologists and those interested in hearing and hearing health world-wide.

The overall purpose of this presentation is:

• to describe the development of a website designed to provide an understanding of audiology practice in different regions
• to connect stakeholders in hearing healthcare around the world
• to facilitate the development of uniform audiological practice standards.

 Materials and Methods: Five Regional Resource editors will be appointed, each to represent one of five of the United Nations defined regions: America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania. Regional Resource Editors will be responsible for providing detailed information for each key area of his/her area on the website, as well as to identify Sub-regional Resource Editors who will populate the website with key information regarding his/her geographic region. All Global Audiology editors will be clearly listed and volunteer to provide resource information to those who are interested, facilitating the exchange of audiological information world-wide.

 Results: Global Audiology is now fully functional and information for several countries has been populated. Additional editors are being recruited.

 Conclusion: Our hope is that Global Audiology becomes a valuable resource for audiologists and other stakeholders around the world to share information and improve audiology services.