Korean Journal of Audiology (대한청각학회지)

The Korean Audiology Society (대한청각학회)
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A Review of Contemporary Teleaudiology: Literature Review, Technology, and Considerations for Practicing

  • Kim, Jinsook (Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University) ;
  • Jeon, Seungik (Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University) ;
  • Kim, Dokyun (Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University) ;
  • Shin, Yerim (Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University)
  • Received : 2020.09.15
  • Accepted : 2020.10.21
  • Published : 2021.01.20
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Abstract

The scope of teleaudiology has been noted with telehealth due to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) recently. As the notion has been around us for more than 20 years ever since 1999, it is necessary to perceive the knowledge accurately and prepare for the successful implementation of it. Therefore, the literature review including screening and diagnostic audiometry, cochlear implants and hearing aids, and aural rehabilitation, telecommunications technology regarding several fields of teleaudiology, and considerations for practicing were identified. Although overall internet-based audiological services showed benefits in terms of outcome and accessibility, uncertainties of cost-effectiveness, the optimal level of support, and a need for further studies of many aspects for teleaudiology has arisen. In the view of technology, the store-and-forward (asynchronous/hybrid) and a real-time (synchronous) methods were introduced with one applied and nine registered patents recorded from 2004 to 2020 for the invention of teleaudiology in the United States. Also, 10 checklists were suggested for planning teleaudiology practice from prior experience in hosting the teleaudiology program. Conclusively, it is hoped that this review sheds light on recognizing and improving the existing teleaudiology services and helps overcome the challenges faced in the era of pandemic and untact world to come.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by Hallym University Research Fund [HRF-2018O8-OO8] and the National Research Foundation of Korea grant funded from the Korea government Ministry of Science and ICT [2020R1F1A1069236].

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