Audism and Its Implications for Audiology

Abstract

Purpose Two healthcare providers with hearing loss, one neuropsychologist, and one audiologist, explore the concept of audism and its implications within the field of audiology. Method Literature review and frank contemplation. Results The present investigation found no peer-reviewed literature on the topic of audism within the audiology discipline. Awareness of audism and its manifestations have implications for helping audiologists and other hearing healthcare professionals to improve patient satisfaction and treatment compliance. Conclusions Audism is the notion that one is superior based on one's ability to hear or to behave in the manner of one who hears. Strong consideration should be given to including language and cultural studies of the Deaf community within audiology graduate training curriculums. Suggestions for overcoming audism—whether intentional or unintentional—are provided along with research recommendations.