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M-SC-AUDIOLOGY in General at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is General at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research Chennai?
This M.Sc. Audiology program at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing hearing and balance disorders. The curriculum is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled audiologists in India, emphasizing clinical competencies and research. It prepares professionals to address auditory challenges across all age groups, contributing significantly to public health.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) graduates, or those with a background in life sciences, physical sciences, or engineering, seeking to specialize in audiology. It is also suitable for professionals looking to enhance their diagnostic and rehabilitative skills in a rapidly evolving healthcare sector in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation centers, and academic institutions across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 to 6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals. The program aligns with professional body guidelines, ensuring clinical readiness and enhancing employability in the Indian healthcare landscape.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Audiology Diagnostics- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding the principles and practical application of basic audiological tests like Pure Tone Audiometry and Immittance Audiometry. Utilize lab sessions to gain hands-on proficiency and seek additional practice in the institute''''s clinics. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex cases and concepts.
Tools & Resources
Institute''''s Audiology Lab, Textbooks on Diagnostic Audiology, Online tutorials on audiology procedures
Career Connection
Strong foundational diagnostic skills are paramount for any audiology role, enabling accurate identification of hearing loss which is crucial for effective patient management and early career success.
Build a Strong Research Aptitude- (Semester 1-2)
Engage with faculty on ongoing research projects, even in a supporting role, to develop a scientific mindset early on. Focus on understanding research methodologies and statistical concepts from the Basic and Advanced Statistics course. This will prepare you for your dissertation and future evidence-based practice.
Tools & Resources
SRIHER Library (access to research journals), Statistical software like SPSS or R (basic familiarity), Mentorship from faculty researchers
Career Connection
Developing research skills early enhances critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and opens doors to academic and research-oriented roles, differentiating you in the competitive Indian job market.
Active Participation in Clinical Observation- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond scheduled practicals, actively seek opportunities for clinical observation within the institute''''s hospital or associated clinics. Observe senior audiologists, understand patient interaction, and familiarize yourself with the clinical environment. Document your observations and discuss them with your supervisors.
Tools & Resources
SRIHER Hospital Audiology Department, Clinical observation logbook, Supervisor feedback sessions
Career Connection
Early clinical exposure builds confidence, contextualizes theoretical knowledge, and provides a realistic understanding of professional responsibilities, which is highly valued by employers in India.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize in Advanced Electrophysiology- (Semester 2-3)
Deep dive into advanced electrophysiological tests like ABR, ASSR, and ECochG. Seek opportunities for hands-on experience with equipment and interpretation of waveforms. Attend workshops or webinars focused on these techniques to stay updated with industry best practices.
Tools & Resources
SRIHER Electrophysiology Lab, Specialized textbooks and journals, Online courses/webinars from professional bodies like ISHA
Career Connection
Proficiency in advanced objective testing is a high-demand skill in modern audiology, particularly in pediatric and neuro-audiology settings, leading to specialized and higher-paying roles in India''''s leading healthcare facilities.
Engage with Community Audiology Initiatives- (Semester 2-3)
Participate actively in the community audiology and public health outreach programs organized by the department. This provides exposure to rural and underserved populations, understanding the challenges and implementing preventive strategies tailored to the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Department''''s outreach camps, NGO collaborations, Government health policies on hearing care
Career Connection
Experience in community health enhances your profile for public sector jobs, NGOs, and demonstrates a commitment to inclusive healthcare, a significant aspect of India''''s healthcare landscape.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 3)
Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops conducted by professional bodies like the Indian Speech and Hearing Association (ISHA). Connect with practicing audiologists, manufacturers of hearing aids and cochlear implants, and researchers. Leverage LinkedIn for professional networking.
Tools & Resources
ISHA conferences (e.g., ISHACON), LinkedIn Professional Network, Guest lectures and industry visits organized by the institute
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, mentorship, and direct placement opportunities. Building a professional circle is crucial for career progression and staying informed about industry trends in India.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a High-Impact Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Choose a dissertation topic that addresses a current clinical challenge or an emerging area in audiology relevant to the Indian population. Work closely with your mentor to ensure rigorous methodology, timely execution, and a strong research output. Aim for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Tools & Resources
Research labs and equipment, Statistical software, Academic writing support from faculty
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation, especially one leading to publication, significantly boosts your academic and professional credibility, making you a strong candidate for research roles, advanced studies, or clinical leadership positions.
Master Vestibular Assessment and Rehabilitation- (Semester 4)
Focus on gaining in-depth practical expertise in vestibular assessment techniques like VNG and caloric testing, and critically, in designing and implementing Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT). Clinical rotations in otoneurology departments will be invaluable.
Tools & Resources
Vestibular Assessment Lab, Clinical rotation in ENT/Neurology departments, Specialized VRT protocols
Career Connection
Expertise in vestibular audiology is a niche and highly valued skill, leading to specialized clinical roles in hospitals and private practices that cater to a growing segment of patients with balance disorders in India.
Prepare for Professional Certification and Placements- (Semester 4)
Actively prepare for the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) registration process, which is mandatory for practicing audiology in India. Simultaneously, participate in campus placement drives, mock interviews, and resume building workshops. Tailor your application to specific roles in Indian hospitals and clinics.
Tools & Resources
RCI guidelines and application portal, Career Services Department, Placement cell workshops, Interview preparation guides
Career Connection
RCI registration is non-negotiable for practicing audiology professionally in India. Comprehensive placement preparation ensures you secure desirable positions in leading healthcare institutions immediately after graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed BASLP / B.Sc. (Sp. & Hg.) / B.Sc. in any discipline of life sciences or physical sciences, B.E. / B.Tech. in Electronics / Biomedical Engineering / Computer Science / IT / B.Pharm / MBBS / BDS / M.Sc. with any of the above subjects. The candidate should have studied Physics as one of the subjects at higher secondary or Degree level.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 74 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (for theory and practical subjects), External: 60% (for theory and practical subjects)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.SCA-CR-101 | Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing | Core Theory | 4 | Anatomy and Physiology of Auditory System, Anatomy and Physiology of Vestibular System, Physiology of Hearing, Speech Production Mechanism, Central Auditory Nervous System |
| M.SCA-CR-102 | Basic Acoustics and Psychoacoustics | Core Theory | 4 | Nature and Properties of Sound, Measurement of Sound, Complex Sounds and Filters, Reverberation and Room Acoustics, Psychoacoustic Phenomena (Loudness, Pitch, Masking) |
| M.SCA-CR-103 | Basic and Advanced Statistics | Core Theory | 4 | Descriptive Statistics, Inferential Statistics, Probability and Distributions, Hypothesis Testing, Parametric and Non-Parametric Tests |
| M.SCA-CR-104 | Diagnostic Audiology | Core Theory | 4 | Case History and Otoscopy, Pure Tone Audiometry, Speech Audiometry, Immittance Audiometry (Tympanometry, Reflexes), Objective Tests (OAE, ABR basics) |
| M.SCA-CR-105 | Diagnostic Audiology Practical I | Core Practical | 2 | Pure Tone Audiometry Procedures, Speech Audiometry Procedures, Immittance Audiometry Procedures, Audiogram Interpretation, Otoscopic Examination |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.SCA-CR-201 | Clinical Electrophysiology | Core Theory | 4 | Auditory Evoked Potentials (AEPs) principles, Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR), Electrocochleography (ECochG), Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs) |
| M.SCA-CR-202 | Medical Audiology & Otoneurology | Core Theory | 4 | Etiology of Hearing Loss, Genetic and Syndromic Hearing Loss, Ototoxicity and Noise Induced Hearing Loss, Vestibular Disorders, Tinnitus and Hyperacusis |
| M.SCA-CR-203 | Community Audiology & Public Health | Core Theory | 4 | Epidemiology of Hearing Loss, Newborn Hearing Screening Programs, Public Health Policies in Hearing Care, Prevention of Hearing Loss, Role of Audiologists in Community Settings |
| M.SCA-CR-204 | Amplification Devices I | Core Theory | 4 | Hearing Aid Components and Types, Electroacoustic Characteristics, Hearing Aid Selection and Fitting, Verification and Validation Procedures, Digital Signal Processing in Hearing Aids |
| M.SCA-CR-205 | Clinical Electrophysiology Practical II | Core Practical | 2 | Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Recording, Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR) Recording, Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) Testing, Electrocochleography (ECochG) Procedures, Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs) Recording |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.SCA-CR-301 | Advanced Diagnostic Audiology | Core Theory | 4 | Behavioral Observation Audiometry (BOA), Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA), Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA), Frequency Specific ABR and ASSR, Speech in Noise Testing |
| M.SCA-CR-302 | Amplification Devices II | Core Theory | 4 | Advanced Hearing Aid Technologies, Binaural Hearing Aid Fittings, Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs), Cochlear Implants (Candidacy, Mapping, Outcomes), Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA) and Middle Ear Implants |
| M.SCA-CR-303 | Pediatric Audiology | Core Theory | 4 | Newborn Hearing Screening Protocols, High-Risk Register for Hearing Loss, Behavioral and Objective Audiometry in Children, Differential Diagnosis of Pediatric Hearing Loss, Early Intervention and Management Strategies |
| M.SCA-CR-304 | Auditory Rehabilitation | Core Theory | 4 | Principles of Auditory Rehabilitation, Auditory Training Techniques, Speech Reading and Communication Strategies, Counseling for Individuals with Hearing Loss, Educational Audiology and Family Support |
| M.SCA-CR-305 | Amplification Devices Practical III | Core Practical | 2 | Advanced Hearing Aid Fitting and Programming, Verification of Hearing Aid Performance, Cochlear Implant Basic Programming and Troubleshooting, Assessment of ALDs, Patient Counseling for Amplification Devices |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.SCA-CR-401 | Research Methods & Dissertation | Core Theory & Project | 10 | Research Design and Methodology, Literature Review and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection and Statistical Analysis, Research Ethics, Dissertation Writing and Presentation |
| M.SCA-CR-402 | Industrial and Occupational Audiology | Core Theory | 4 | Noise Measurement and Control, Hearing Conservation Programs, Occupational Hearing Loss Assessment, Legal and Regulatory Aspects in India, Personal Hearing Protection Devices |
| M.SCA-CR-403 | Vestibular Assessment & Management | Core Theory | 4 | Anatomy and Physiology of Vestibular System, Vestibular Disorders and Pathologies, Electronystagmography (ENG) and Videonystagmography (VNG), Caloric Testing and Posturography, Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) |
| M.SCA-CR-405 | Industrial and Vestibular Audiology Practical IV | Core Practical | 2 | Noise Survey and Dosimetry, Hearing Conservation Program Implementation, Videonystagmography (VNG) Procedures, Caloric Test Interpretation, Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises |
