Audiology

Hello, I am Doctor Atılım ATILGAN, from the Department of Audiology at Istanbul Medeniyet University, Faculty of Health Sciences. I am also the Department Chair. Audiology is a field that focuses on hearing and balance disorders. Audiologists are healthcare professionals who assess hearing and balance disorders, provide diagnostic tools, and offer hearing and balance rehabilitation. Our department started its education in the 2018-2019 academic year, and we had our first graduates in 2022. We have a dedicated hearing and balance laboratory in our department. Our faculty members consist of experts in the field. They are also involved in research and development activities. The courses offered in our department include introductory courses and core courses in the first year, with a focus on theoretical knowledge. From the second year onwards, we provide theoretical and practical education supported by laboratory applications. This continues in the third year as well. In the summer semester of the third year, we have a mandatory summer internship. In the fourth year, our students serve as interns in public hospitals as part of their vocational training course. We make more extensive use of practical opportunities in the fourth year. We have two laboratories: the hearing laboratory and the electro-physiology and balance laboratory. In our hearing laboratory, we conduct tests and evaluations using audiometry, have a soundproof booth, and use pure-tone audiometry devices. We also practice using objective tests such as acoustic immittance, otoacoustic emissions, and conduct applications such as real-ear measurement and test box measurements using hearing aids and analysis devices. In the balance laboratory and electro-physiology group, our students perform audiology-related tests such as videonystagmography (VNG), and bedside evaluations. In the fourth year, our students have internship opportunities and work on their graduation projects under the guidance of their advisors. They also apply for student projects provided by the university and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK), and we provide the necessary support in this regard. Our department also establishes agreements with universities within the framework of the ERASMUS project, allowing student exchange programs under ERASMUS.



Our department organizes Medeniyet University Audiology Days every two years. Additionally, we conduct practical workshops on hearing aid applications with our student colleagues each year. We also have various activities organized by our student community. When our students graduate from our department, they become audiologists. They work in both private sector and public institutions in the field of hearing and balance health. They work in places such as public hospitals, private hospitals, clinics, hearing aid sales and application centers, and special education centers. The specific courses that students find challenging may vary, but we strive to solve these issues through study groups focusing on specific topics, utilizing online resources. Our greatest advantage is that students can get in touch with their instructors at any time, and they can come to their instructors for consultation and one-on-one problem-solving in both practical and educational settings. Besides the general facilities provided by our university, I can confidently say that Istanbul is a hub for audiology. Many companies have their headquarters here in Istanbul. Therefore, being in Istanbul has significant advantages in terms of internships, education, and participation in meetings. For prospective students who will choose our department, I recommend considering their personalities first. Audiology is a field where healthcare and interpersonal communication play crucial roles. Therefore, I believe that individuals with good interpersonal skills, dynamism, and a willingness to continuously improve their skills are suitable for the audiology department. Additionally, when making their university preferences, I advise them to research the laboratory facilities, internship opportunities, and the presence of faculty members who have completed their doctorates in audiology or the number of faculty members in the department. Our university has no issues regarding internship and hospital facilities, as well as academic staff. I wish all students success in their exams. We are looking forward to welcoming you to Istanbul Medeniyet University Audiology Department.