International Journal of Speech and Audiology
2025, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A
Workforce demographics and practice patterns of audiologists and speech-language pathologists in India: A preliminary survey
Author(s): Nihal Muneer and Srushti Shabnam
Abstract: Purpose: Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (ASLPs) are healthcare professionals who play crucial roles in addressing communication and hearing disorders. While the demand for these services is growing in India, the professional landscape remains complex and dynamic. This study aimed to examine the current state of the ASLP profession in India and explore the challenges and opportunities faced by practitioners. Method: A structured online survey was administered using Google Forms to collect data from practicing ASLPs with at least one year of experience. The survey encompassed demographics, work environment, workload, case management, and patient counseling practices. Results: The findings revealed a significant sex disparity, with females constituting 80.9% of the participants. Clinics (40.24%) emerged as the preferred workplace, followed by hospitals (30.24%). A strong urban bias was evident, with 68.8% of the respondents practicing in urban areas. Workload patterns indicated that Monday was the busiest day (55.6%), often exceeding seven working hours. A significant finding was the high prevalence of vocal strain, with 41.1% experiencing moderate vocal effort and 29.8% reporting severe vocal strain on their busiest day. The daily caseload analysis indicated that most ASLPs managed a moderate number of assessments (63.1% handled 1-3 cases) and therapy sessions (33.1% handled 4-7 cases). Notably, 95.7% of participants reported engaging in patient counseling, often dedicating 30 minutes per session. Conclusion: To address the identified sex disparities and geographical concentration of ASLPs, targeted strategies are needed to improve equity and accessibility. Furthermore, optimizing workload management and promoting vocal hygiene practices is crucial for enhancing job satisfaction, mitigating vocal strain risks, and optimizing patient care quality. Future research should explore the factors influencing job satisfaction and retention, the impact of teletherapy and emerging technologies on service delivery models, and the effectiveness of interventions for specific populations.
DOI: 10.22271/27103846.2025.v6.i2a.79
Pages: 07-12 | Views: 338 | Downloads: 141
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How to cite this article:
Nihal Muneer and Srushti Shabnam. Workforce demographics and practice patterns of audiologists and speech-language pathologists in India: A preliminary survey. International Journal of Speech and Audiology. 2025; 6(2): 07-12. DOI: 10.22271/27103846.2025.v6.i2a.79
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