Definiciones y práctica de la audiología en Míchigan

Explicación Simple

La audiología es el estudio y tratamiento de problemas de audición. Los audiólogos ayudan a las personas a cuidar su oído y a usar dispositivos como audífonos. No son médicos, así que no hacen tratamientos médicos.

Es como un entrenador de fútbol que te ayuda a mejorar tu técnica, pero no es un médico que te atiende si te lastimas. El audiólogo cuida tu oído, mientras que el médico trata enfermedades.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que Laura, una joven de 20 años, tiene dificultades para escuchar en su clase. Ella visita a un audiólogo, quien evalúa su audición y le ayuda a elegir un audífono adecuado. Si durante la revisión el audiólogo encuentra algún problema serio, como una herida, Laura será referida a un médico.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

MCL 333.16801 - Definitions; scope of practice; limitation Sec. 16801. (1) As used in this part: (a) “Audiologist” means an individual licensed under this article to engage in the practice of audiology. (b) “Practice of audiology” means the nonmedical and nonsurgical application of principles, methods, and procedures related to disorders of hearing, including all of the following: (i) Facilitating the conservation of auditory system function. (ii) Developing and implementing hearing conservation programs. (iii) Preventing, identifying, and assessing hearing disorders of the peripheral and central auditory system. (iv) Selecting, fitting, and dispensing of amplification systems, including hearing aids and related devices, and providing training for their use. (v) Providing auditory training, consulting, education, and speech reading to individuals with hearing disorders. (vi) Administering and interpreting tests of vestibular function and tinnitus in compliance with section 16809 and in adherence to the mandate of subsection (2). (vii) Routine cerumen removal from the cartilaginous portion of the external ear in otherwise healthy ears except that if the audiologist, while engaged in routine cerumen removal, discovers any trauma, including, but not limited to, continuous uncontrolled bleeding, lacerations, or other traumatic injuries, he or she shall, as soon as practically possible, refer the patient to a person licensed in the practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine and surgery. (viii) Speech and language screening limited to a pass-fail determination for the purpose of identification of individuals with disorders of communication. (2) Practice of audiology does not include the practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine and surgery or medical diagnosis o