Specialization in the field of speech and hearing: Is it required in India?

Introduction: With the growth in the field of speech and hearing globally, the requirements in training programs have seen a transition in India. One of the changes is an increase in the number of institutions worldwide offering specialization in either audiology or speech-language pathology (SLP) at the master's level, instead of a dual program. However, in the year 2017, out of 19 speech and hearing institutes offering master's degrees in the field of speech and hearing, only two provided specialization (as per the website of the Rehabilitation Council of India, 2017). Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the requirement for specialization in the field of speech and hearing. Methods: Using a twenty-item checklist, an e-survey was conducted to obtain the views of the Indian Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ISHA) life members regarding specialization at the master's level. Results: The majority of the participants indicated that specialization at the master's level is more beneficial than having a dual degree in speech and hearing. Furthermore, Pearson's Chi-square test indicated a significant association between their views on specialization and their educational qualification as well as their specific work area. Conclusion: The results indicated that ISHA life members were of the view that specialization in audiology and in SLP should be conducted in India at the master's level. This requirement was felt irrespective of whether they had a specialized or a dual degree as well as irrespective of their area of work.