Professional associations
UK associations
Association of British Neurologists
The Association of British Neurologists was founded in 1932. The aim of the Association is to improve the health and well-being of people with neurological disorders by advancing the knowledge and practice of neurology in the British Isles. Link.
Association of Educational Psychologists
The Association of Educational Psychologists is the trade union and professional association for educational psychologists in the United Kingdom. Link.
Association of Otolaryngologists in Training (AOT)
The Association of Otolaryngologists in Training represents all ENT trainees in the UK, improves and promotes training standards in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery, and makes an ENT trainees’ community to help the dissemination of information on training issues, advertisements and relevant materials to our members. Link.
Brain and Spine Foundation
The Brain and Spine Foundation is committed to improving services across the whole spectrum of neurological conditions, as well as recognition and awareness of the impact of these conditions. Our main objectives are to:
- expand access to quality information and support for patients and carers;
- improve the skills of medical professionals and delivery of services to the public;
- raise the profile of neurological conditions and disabilities; and
- increase the level of research into neurological disorders.Link.
British Academic Conference in Otolaryngology (BACO)
See ENT UK.
British Academy of Audiology (BAA)
The British Academy of Audiology's mission is to: be the united body for the audiology profession in the UK; offer protection, encouragement, inspiration and guidance to its members and be the driving force in developing the profession; work to develop and promote excellence in services for our patients, and; raise the profile of audiology as an autonomous profession and be a united powerful voice. The BAA was formed from the merger of the British Association of Audiological Scientists (BAAS), the British Association of Audiologists (BAAT) and the British Society of Hearing Therapists (BSHT). Link.
British Association for Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology (BAPO)
BAPO has historically focused on an annual academic meeting. More recently, they have had provided advice to ENT UK, the main professional organisation for ENT surgeons in the UK. They are expanding their role in education by providing a website with key presentations, documents and links as well as discussion groups and an online journal. Meetings are open to all interested healthcare professionals. Link.
British Association of Audiological Physicians (BAAP)
Defunct. See the British Association of Audiovestibular Physicians (BAAP).
British Association of Audiovestibular Physicians (BAAP)
The British Association of Audiovestibular Physicians represents physicians in the UK that specialise in audiological medicine. Link.
British Association of Community Doctors in Audiology (BACDA)
Defunct. The British Association of Community Doctors in Audiology has become the British Association of Paediatricians in Audiology. See below. Link.
British Association of Educational Audiologists (BAEA)
The British Association of Educational Audiologists promote good practice in educational audiology for all deaf and hearing-impaired children throughout the United Kingdom. Link.
British Association of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (BAO-HNS)
See ENT UK.
British Association of Paediatricians in Audiology (BAPA)
The British Association of Paediatricians in Audiology (BAPA) is an association of paediatricians practising audio-vestibular medicine and the successor organisation to the British Association of Community Doctors in Audiology. Link.
British Association of Teachers of the Deaf (BATOD)
The professional organisation for teachers of the deaf in the UK. Link.
British Medical Association
The BMA is the doctors’ professional organisation established to look after the professional and personal needs of its members. Through research and publishing, the BMA "leads debate on key scientific and public health matters", and awards grants to encourage individual research in various fields of medicine. Link.
British Psychological Society
The British Psychological Society is the representative body for psychologists in the UK. It is not a trade union but a registered charity. The Society was formed in 1901 and has more than 45,000 members. Through its Royal Charter, the Society is charged with overseeing psychology and psychologists. It has responsibility for the development, promotion and application of pure and applied psychology for the public good. Link.
British Society for Clinical Neurophysiology
The Society was established to promote and assist the science and practice of electroencephalography (EEG), clinical neurophysiology and allied subjects. Clinical neurophysiology is a specialty closely allied to neurology. It is primarily an investigative discipline; using computer, electrical, magnetic and electronic means of recording the function of the brain, spinal cord, spinal roots, peripheral nerves and muscle to diagnose disorders of the function of the nervous system. Link.
British Society of Audiology (BSA)
The British Society of Audiology aims to increase knowledge of hearing and balance and to enhance audiological practice by dissemination and education. Link.
British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA)
BSHAA is the professional body which represents and promotes the interests of the private hearing aid profession in the UK. Link.
British Society of Neuro-Otology (BSNO)
The British Society of Neuro-Otology provides a forum for informal discussion and the opportunity to present research in neuro-otology, balance disorders and vestibular science. Link.
British Tinnitus Association (BTA)
The British Tinnitus Association provides information for tinnitus patients and finances research into the condition. Link.
Deafness Research UK (The Hearing Research Trust)
Deafness Research UK is the medical charity for deaf and hard of hearing people. It exists to secure radical improvements in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all forms of hearing impairment. Ultimately, their aim is to find cures for these distressing and neglected disabilities. Deafness Research UK aims to support high-quality medical and scientific research, which meet the needs of hearing-impaired people and the research community and educate people about medical issues relating to deafness and other hearing problems, offering information and advice based on the most up-to-date and reliable evidence.Deafness Research UK has awarded over £10 million in research grants. Since its Information & Advice Service was launched in 2003, it has helped almost one and a quarter million people. Link.
Defeating Deafness
See Deafness Research UK.
Disability Rights Commission (DRC)
See Equality and Human Rights Commission.
ENT UK (British Assocation of Otorhinolaryngologists, Head and Neck Surgeons)
ENT UK, trading as the British Academic Conference in Otolaryngology (BACO) and the British Association of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (BAO-HNS), is the amalgamation of the British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists – Head and Neck Surgeons and the British Academic Conference in Otolaryngology. Its objectives are the advancement for the public benefit of education, training and research in the fields of otorhinolaryngology – head and neck surgery, and the relief of patients suffering from diseases in the ear, nose and throat, and related, areas. ENT UK represents over 1,300 medical practitioners including surgeons, trainees and audiologists. The main activities of ENT UK are to improve the care available to patients suffering from conditions of the ear, nose, throat, head and neck; promote the understanding of the range of conditions treated by the specialty; provide information to the general public and media; encourage and support research; support and provide continuing education for specialists ncourage recruitment into the specialty; promote high standards in the training of specialists; represent the specialty at the Royal Colleges of Surgeons and to government bodies. Link.
Equality and Human Rights Commission
The Equality and Human Rights Commission was launched in October 2007, taking over the role and functions of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) and other organisations. It is a statutory body with responsibility to protect, enforce and promote equality across seven protected grounds, including disability. Link.
Faculty of Occupational Medicine
The Faculty of Occupational Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians develops and maintains high standards of training, competence and professional integrity in occupational medicine. Link.
Health and Safety Executive
The Health and Safety Executive is responsible for the encouragement, regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare, and research into occupational risks. Link.
Hearing and Balance UK (HAB UK)
Formerly the UK Federation of Professionals in Hearing and Balance. An independent committee representing the interests of the entire range of professional groups active in audiology. Each member organisation is represented by a single committee member. Link.
National Committee for Professionals in Audiology (NCPA)
Defunct. Superseded by the UK Federation of Professionals in Hearing and Balance, now known as Hearing and Balance UK.
National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS)
The National Deaf Children's Society is an organisation of parents, families and carers which exists to support parents in enabling their child to maximise their skills and abilities; and works to facilitate this process by every means possible. Its fundamental role is to advocate for parents and carers as and when appropriate, whilst at all times ensuring the child's welfare is paramount. Link.
Neurological Alliance
The vision of the Neurological Alliance is that every person diagnosed with a neurological condition will have access to high-quality, joined-up services and good information from their first symptoms, throughout their life. Their objectives are to drive forward implementation of the National Service Framework for Long Term Neurological Conditions across England, increase understanding of neurological conditions and the lives of people with those conditions, and speak for the neurological community with an authoritative voice. Link.
Otorhinolaryngological Research Society (ORS)
The Otorhinolaryngological Research Society was formed in 1979 to promote research in ENT. Its membership is open to doctors of all grades in otorhinolaryngology in the UK. Meetings, held twice a year, are open to those from overseas and in related disciplines. The ORS is a forum for the best in current research in otorhinolaryngology in the UK. Each paper presented at an ORS meeting is blindly peer-reviewed by a panel of ENT academics, and papers are given immediate feedback and critiquing from an audience with an extensive knowledge base in ENT, research and pure sciences. Very few arenas offer presenters the undivided attention of so many esteemed academics in the confinements of one room.
Royal College of General Practitioners
The Royal College of General Practitioners is the professional membership body for family doctors in the UK and abroad. They are committed to improving patient care, clinical standards and GP training. Link.
Royal College of Physicians
A professional body, representing over 20,000 physicians, that aims to improve the quality of patient care by continually raising medical standards. Link. Audiological medicine subpage: link.
Royal College of Psychiatrists
The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional and educational body for psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Link.
Royal College of Surgeons
The Royal College of Surgeons of England:
● supervises training of surgeons in approved posts
● provides educational and practical workshops for surgeons and other medical professionals at all stages of their careers
● examines trainees to ensure the highest professional standards
● promotes and supports surgical research in the UK
● supports audit and evaluation of clinical effectiveness
● provides support and advice for surgeons in all stages of their careers
● seeks to convey the importance of, and provide support for effective communication and interpersonal relationships between patients and surgeons. Link.
Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID)
RNID is the largest charity representing the nine million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK. The aims of the RNID are to achieve a radically better quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing people. Link.
Royal Society of Medicine
The Royal Society of Medicine was founded over 200 years ago. It is one of the largest providers of continuing medical education in the UK. It aims provide a broad range of educational activities and opportunities for doctors, dentists and allied healthcare professionals and to promote an exchange of information and ideas on the science, practice and organisation of medicine, both within the health professions and with responsible and informed public opinion. Link.
Society of Occupational Medicine
The Society of Occupational Medicine is a learned body for registered medical practitioners with an involvement, or interest, in the practice of occupational medicine. It was founded in 1935. Membership is is open to doctors working in occupational medicine within industry, academia or the armed services. The Society is concerned with the protection of the health of people at work. It seeks to prevent the occurrence of occupational disease and injury across the whole of industry. It also stimulates research and education in occupational medicine and maintains a close relationship with government departments and other agencies in the health and safety field. Link.
UK Federation of Professionals in Hearing and Balance
See Hearing and Balance UK.
European associations
Confederation of European Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery
Combines the forces of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) and the European Academy of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Link.
European Academy of Otology and Neuro-Otology (EAONO)
EAONO is a scientific society. It publishes a membership directory with each member’s contact information, field of speciality, institution of affiliation, etc. The Academy’s three priorities are to:
- expand its education programme, especially by formalising its links with the European Commission
- define its research strategy
- strengthen its use of internet for communication. Link.
European Academy of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (EAORL-HNS)
The Academy’s aims are to: bring together all of the European sub-speciality organisations in collaboration with the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) and the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS); provide the harmonisation and rationalisation of courses, congresses, instruction sessions and teaching programmes in Europe; and, to provide a framework for the instruction of trainee otorhinolaryngologists at affordable prices. Link.
European Federation of Audiology Societies (EFAS)
The European Federation of Audiology Societies aims to cooperate and collaborate to distil the best elements of the national systems, develop ethical and evidence-based approaches to the patient population and spearhead developments in the field of hearing and balance disorders across Europe. Link.
European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS)
EUFOS was founded in 1985 with the aim of strengthening the representation of European ORL in the world. One of the Executive Committee’s main interests has been the harmonisation of the training programs.
EUFOS’s objectives are to:
● promote, co-ordinate and unify the advancement of ORL in Europe
● encourage scientific research between otorhinolaryngologists and co-ordination between ORL bodies ● promote the European Congress of ORL every four years and assist the Organising Committee of each Congress
● represent ORL interests in other European organisations dedicated to prevention and control of diseases and disorders related to ORL and the training of otorhinolaryngologists. Link.
European Neurological Society (ENS)
The ENS was founded in 1986, modelled on the American Academy of Neurology, in which teaching courses at its annual meeting play a prominent role. The ENS represents an effort to break away from national representation to membership on an individual basis. This emphasis on individuality underlines the importance of expertise in the various fields of neurology, as well as the singular expression of enthusiasm for clinical and experimental neurology. Link.
European Society of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (ESPO)
ESPO aims to promote the quality of care of children with otorhinolaryngologic disorders within Europe. ESPO was founded in 1994 and succeeded the European Working Group in Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (EWGPO). ESPO is a non-profit organisation, exclusively involved in scientific, educational and charitable activities. Link.
European Union of Hearing Aid Acousticians (EUHA)
The union aims to bring together hearing aid acousticians, scientists and lay people with an interest in trade-specific issues who want to take part in specialised further education and vocational training. Link.
European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS)
Represents national associations of medical specialists in the European Union. Link.
European Working Group in Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (EWGPO)
See the European Society of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology (ESPO).
German Audiology Society (DGA)
Deutsche Gellschaft für Audiologie. Website in German. Link.
Irish Society of Audiology
This is the website for the Irish Society of Audiology. Link.
Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (ISHAA)
This is a professional society for audiologists in Ireland who are in private practice. The society was established to encourage and develop the science and practice of hearing aid audiology. Link.
Italian Society of Audiology (SIAF)
Società Italiana di Audiologia e Foniatria (SIAF). Link.
National Union of Audiologists, Belgium
Website available in French: Union Nationale des Audiciens (UNAS) and Dutch: Nationale Unie der Audiciens (NUAS). Link.
Nordic Audiological Society (NAS)
Nordisk Audiologisk Selskab incorporates 30 member organisations in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. NAS latterly published its own journal Scandinavian Audiology but this has now merged with others to form the International Journal of Audiology (IJA). Link.
Australian, New Zealand & Asian associations
Asia Pacific Society for the Study of Speech, Language and Hearing
This international society provides a forum for the exchange of research and clinical ideas relating to all aspects of normal and disordered speech, language, and hearing. Members come from a wide range of countries in the Asia Pacific Rim. Link.
Audiological Society of Australia (ASA)
Audiology Australia works to pursue and promote the knowledge and practice of audiology, promote ASA as the professional association for audiologists, further the advancement of the member's professional interests, and promote optimum hearing healthcare in the community through quality professional assessment, rehabilitation, education and research. Link.
Australian College of Audiology (ACAud)
The Australian College of Audiology aims to promote and develop the science and practice of hearing care through the education and support of its members. Link.
Hong Kong Society of Audiology
The Hong Kong Society of Audiology endeavours to:
● share among members the information and technology in Audiology and other related fields to update and promote the standard of audiological assessments and rehabilitation services in Hong Kong.
● promote research in the area of Audiology and related fields with reference to local needs for study, diagnosis, alleviation and prevention of hearing impairment.
● serve as a channel of communication among members and local and overseas professional bodies in matters related to audiology, education, hearing and speech sciences.
● serve as a consultative body for other professional organisations and community bodies on matters related to audiology education, hearing and speech sciences.
● serve as social group for members of the Society and to promote their welfare in works related to Audiology, education, hearing and speech sciences. Link.
Indian Speech and Hearing Association (ISHA)
The Indian Speech and Hearing Association is the professional and scientific association for more 1500 members who are speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in India and internationally. ISHA encourages scientific study of the processes involved in speech-language and hearing, promotes investigation of speech-language and hearing disorders, fosters improvement of therapeutic procedures for the disorders, stimulates exchange of information among those engaged and disseminates such information. It aims to promote and maintain high standards of practice, provide a code of ethics, provide continuing education for members and keep a register of suitably qualified personnel in India. Link.
Indo-International Society of Communication and Hearing Sciences (IISCHS)
The Indo-International Society of Communication and Hearing Sciences was founded in 2003 to bring together the collective interests of Indian audiologists & speech language pathologist professionals from around the world. (Headquarters in New Zealand). No website found.
Japan Audiological Society
This society was established in 1956 and they publish the scientific journal Audiology Japan. Link.
Malaysian Association of Speech Language and Hearing (MASH)
This is the professional body governing the speech language pathology and audiology profession in Malaysia. MASH's mission is to:
● act as a professional body governing the speech-language pathology and audiology profession in Malaysia.
● work towards the issue of a ‘certificate to practise’ as a legal requirement to practise in Malaysia.
● promote appropriate academic and clinical preparation of individuals entering the discipline of human communication and hearing science and disorders, and to promote the advancement in the knowledge and skills of those within the discipline.
● establish the law and practice relating to all matters connected with these professions and with the exercise of supervision over its members when engaged in professional duties as defined by the Code of Ethics.
● foster the development of clinical services and procedures for communication and hearing disorders.
uphold the rights and interest of the people with communication and hearing disorders
● promote the publication of information concerning speech, language and hearing to the public and relevant professionals.
● promote research into human communication and hearing. Link.
New Zealand Audiological Society (NZAS)
The New Zealand Audiological Society promotes excellence in hearing care, for all New Zealanders, by advancing the profession of audiology through leadership, advocacy and education. Link.
Speech Language Hearing Association of the Republic of China
Founded in 1986. Language: Mandarin Chinese. Link.
African & Middle Eastern associations
Saudi Speech Pathology & Audiology Association (SSPAA)
The Saudi Speech Pathology & Audiology Association is an organisation working to promote a better quality of communication for children and adults with communication disorders in Saudi Arabia. No website found.
South African Association of Audiologists (SAAA)
SAAA represents, and is supported by, South African audiologists in all working environments. SAAA focuses on the development and promotion of audiology as a profession, to achieve and maintain international audiology standards. They are committed to supporting the public, medical fraternity, medical aids, colleagues and related healthcare professions. Link.
South African Speech Language Hearing Association (SASLHA)
SASLHA aims to be the acknowledged voice of speech-language therapists and audiologists in South Africa. It promotes the professions to the public and the best interests of members in all spheres of professional activity; SASLHA provides opportunities to enhance professional competence through providing and/or co-ordinating learning activities for its members; SASLHA accesses knowledge and resources to share with its members; SASLHA lobbies for recognition of the professions by government, the private sector, and international bodies; SASLHA encourages members to aspire to the highest standards of ethical conduct. Link.
US and Canadian national associations
Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA)
The Academy of Doctors of Audiology is dedicated to the advancement of practitioner excellence, high ethical standards, professional autonomy and sound business practices in the provision of quality audiologic care. The ADA was founded in 1977 as the Academy of Dispensing Audiologists to foster the professional dispensing of hearing aids by qualified audiologists in rehabilitative practices. In 1988, the ADA developed the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree and provided much of the energy behind the transition of audiology to a doctoring healthcare profession. This goal has been largely met. The AuD is now the minimum degree for audiology practice offered by educational institutions in the US. The ADA changed its name to the Academy of Doctors of Audiology in 2006. The ADA offers support to audiologists in independent practice. It organises a Fall conference and smaller regional meetings, providing information and resources regarding all aspects of audiologic practice, with particular emphasis on the business of audiology. Publishes a quarterly magazine, Audiology Practices. Link.
American Academy of Audiology (AAA)
The American Academy of Audiology is the world's largest professional organization of, by, and for audiologists. The active membership of more than 10,000 is dedicated to providing quality hearing care services through professional development, education, research, and increased public awareness of hearing and balance disorders. The AAA promotes quality hearing and balance care by advancing the profession of audiology through leadership, advocacy, education, public awareness, and support of research. Link.
American Academy of Neurology (AAN)
The Neuro-otology Section furthers education and research in the pathophysiology and treatment of hearing disorders. It also works to advance knowledge of the normal function of the auditory system. Link.
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS)
The AmericanAcademy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) is the world's largest organisation representing specialists who treat the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy represents more than 12,000 otolaryngologist—head and neck surgeons who diagnose and treat disorders of those areas. The AAO-HNS Foundation works to advance the art, science, and ethical practice of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery through education, research, and lifelong learning. Link.
American Auditory Society (AAS)
The Society aims to increase knowledge and understanding of the ear, hearing and balance; disorders of the ear, hearing, and balance, and preventions of these disorders; and habilitation and rehabilitation of individuals with hearing and balance dysfunction. The Society coordinates and disseminates information, particularly through the holding of regular meetings, and publication of professional, scientific, educational, and informational media. Because of the multiple-disciplinary nature of the Society's membership, (audiology, otolaryngology, dispensing, engineering, psychoacoustics, etc.), the Society provides a formal platform for the interchange of information from allied professional fields. Formerly the American Audiology Society. Link.
American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto)
The mission of the American Board of Otolaryngology is to ensure that, at the time of certification and re-certification, diplomates certified by ABOto have met ABOto’s professional standards of training and knowledge in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery. While licensure by the individual states sets the minimum competency requirements to practice medicine, it is not specialty-specific. Board certification is a voluntary program in which specialists seek to improve their performance and demonstrate a commitment to their profession. Link.
American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO)
ASPO exists to foster excellence in the care of children with otorhinolaryngologic disorders through education and research, and thereby to enhance the distinction of paediatric otorhinolaryngology as a profession. ASPO facilitates the creation and dissemination of knowledge about the care of infants and children with ORL disorders, advocates for infants and children with ORL disorders, and promotes dedication to excellent and humane care for infants and children with ORL disorders. Link.
American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA)
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 135,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Audiologists specialise in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems including swallowing disorders. Link.
American Tinnitus Association (ATA)
The American Tinnitus Association exists to cure tinnitus through the development of resources that advance tinnitus research. Since 1980, ATA has awarded more than $5 million, providing researchers with seed money to launch their work. Some of these researchers have gone on to receive large grants from the US National Institutes of Health and, more recently, the US Department of Defense, based on their early, ATA-funded work. Link.
Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO)
The Association for Research in Otolaryngology is an international association of scientists and physicians dedicated to scientific exploration among all of the disciplines in the field of otolaryngology. Research efforts involve the ear, nose, head, neck and related functions including hearing, balance, speech, taste and smell among others. Link.
Association of Otolaryngology Administrators (AOA)
AOA aspires to be the association of the most visible, valued, and trusted otolaryngology practice management experts, fostering excellence in professional achievement, leadership in practice management, and information to enhance the quality of otolaryngology practice throughout America. Link.
Audiology Foundation of America (AFA)
The AFA is committed to transform audiology into a doctoral profession in the United States, with high quality education and training. Link.
Canadian Academy of Audiology (CAA)
The Canadian Academy of Audiology is a professional organisation dedicated to enhancing the profession of Audiology. Link.
Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA)
The Canadian national body for speech and language pathologists and audiologists supports the professional development and competency of its members. It also champions the needs for those with communication disorders. Link.
Canadian Hearing Society (CHS)
The Canadian Hearing Society provides services that enhance the independence of deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people, and that encourage prevention of hearing loss. Link.
National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA)
The NHCA are dedicated to the prevention of hearing loss. Their mission includes: to provide professional development, skills & education, to encourage research in noise and hearing conservation, to promote occupational hearing conservation programmes, and to participate in standards, regulatory & legislative activity. Link.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) is one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH is the Federal government's focal point for the support of biomedical research. NIH’s mission is to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone. Simply described, the goal of NIH research is to acquire new knowledge to help prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat disease and disability. NIH is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Established in 1988, NIDCD is mandated to conduct and support biomedical and behavioral research and research training in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language. The Institute also conducts and supports research and research training related to disease prevention and health promotion; addresses special biomedical and behavioral problems associated with people who have communication impairments or disorders; and supports efforts to create devices which substitute for lost and impaired sensory and communication function.
Around 46 million people in the US suffer some form of disordered communication. NIDCD has focused national attention on disorders of human communication and has contributed to advances in biomedical and behavioral research that will improve the lives of millions of individuals with communication disorders. NIDCD has made important contributions to the body of knowledge needed to help those who experience communication disorders and to advance research in all aspects of human communication.
NIDCD accomplishes its mandate through the Division of Intramural Research, which conducts research in laboratories at the NIH, and the Extramural Research Program, a program of research grants, career development awards, individual and institutional research training awards, centre grants, and contracts to public and private research institutions and organizations. As a whole, the Institute supports and conducts approximately 600 research projects. The Institute also conducts and supports research and research training in disease prevention and health promotion and the special biomedical and behavioral problems associated with people having communication impairments and disorders.
NIDCD's extramural grant portfolio demonstrates a balance of basic and clinical research. The intramural research program spans a variety of topics, including, but not limited to, the development of a vaccine against otitis media, the identification and characterisation of genes responsible for hereditary hearing impairment, genes associated with neoplasms affecting human communication, and treatment of voice disorders. Link.
The Society of Physician Assistants In Otorhinolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (SPAO-HNS)
SPAO-HNS is the official specialty organization for physician assistants in ENT and is recognised by the American Academy of Physician Assistants. The goal of SPAO-HNS is to promote the growth and development of physician assistants in ENT. This non-profit organisation was founded in 1991 and is operated exclusively for the educational and scientific benefit of its members. Link.
The Triological Society
The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, aka The Triological Society, was founded in 1895 in New York. In the more than 100 years since its founding, the Triological Society has attracted the best and brightest in academic and clinical otolaryngology. Membership in the Triological Society brings the distinction of being elected to the most prestigious society in otolaryngology. Active Fellowship is achieved by presenting a thesis in the field of otolaryngology considered acceptable to a panel of peers. For those entering the field of otolaryngology, the Society provides role models. For those who are committed to research and related scholarly activity, the Society offers fellowship with like-minded peers who share common values, interests, and concerns. The Society disseminates scientific information by presenting the latest basic science and clinical information at scientific meetings and through publication of its scientific journal, The Laryngoscope. The Society promotes research into the causes of and treatments for otolaryngic diseases by attracting promising physicians to scholarly otolaryngology research and supporting their development, providing financial support for the research efforts of young scientists, and promoting the highest standards in the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Link.
International associations
Educational Audiology Association (EAA)
The Educational Audiology Association is an international organisation of audiologists and related professionals who deliver a full spectrum of hearing services to all children, particularly those in educational settings. EAA's mission is to act as the primary resource and as an active advocate for its members through its publications and products, continuing educational activities, networking opportunities, and other professional endeavors. Link.
International Association of Physicians in Audiology (IAPA)
The International Association of Physicians in Audiology promotes and improves clinical, ethical and scientific standards in audiological medicine. They publish Audiological Medicine, which covers all topics from medical sciences to psychological, educational and social aspects of diagnosis and rehabilitation of people with hearing, balance and communication disorders. IAPA also promotes international symposia in audiological medicine and certifies national and international courses. Membership is open to medically-qualified professionals working in audiological medicine. Link.
International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group (IERASG)
The IERASG is a society organised for the express purpose of providing an open forum for the discussion of physiologic signals generated within the auditory system. Link.
International Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (IFOS)
The International Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies is a non-political organization representing over 50,000 otolaryngologists in about 120 member nations. IFOS deals globally with the problems of people with ORL disease by lobbying the World Health Organization. It is a leader in the global program for hearing loss prevention, publishes a newsletter and maintains an interactive website. It has a medical educational role and has developed model undergraduate curricula. It has initiated CME conferences between World Congresses and recently started the Worldwide Action Hearing for All. Link. It has an Ad-Hoc Committee on Otology and Neuro-Otology. Link.
International Society of Audiology (ISA)
The International Society of Audiology organises biannual congresses, workshops and seminars on audiology, publishes a newsletter and the scientific International Journal of Audiology, advances the interests of all those working in audiology or related fields, advances the interests of the hearing-impaired and deaf community and advances measures to prevent deafness and hearing impairment. Link.
Sources: www.aud.org.uk; Misophonia UK. Misophonia UK is not responsible for the content of external websites.
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