Abstract
This preliminary study benchmarks audiovestibular practices among audiologists in
Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries with established professional training programs, forming
the first phase of a broader initiative covering 17 nations. A structured questionnaire
was adapted and updated to include contemporary clinical domains such as vestibular
rehabilitation, cochlear implant services, and tele-audiology. The tool underwent
expert review and pilot testing, demonstrating strong psychometric properties (Cronbach's
α, α = 0.91; KMO = 0.743; Bartlett's p < 0.001). Responses were obtained from 40 audiologists across India, Malaysia, Singapore,
Nepal, and New Zealand. Most participants provided services across screening, diagnostic,
therapeutic, and rehabilitative domains. Core procedures such as immittance testing,
otoacoustic emissions, and auditory brainstem response were widely implemented, while
vestibular and rehabilitative services showed increasing integration. Respondents
represented diverse professional contexts, including universities, private hospitals,
and government healthcare systems. Notably, there was strong professional consensus
in support of regional standardization of guidelines, training, and governance mechanisms.
These findings validate the adapted tool, establish a foundational dataset, and highlight
readiness for regional collaboration. As the broader 17-country study advances, this
work provides a baseline for benchmarking, policy development, and capacity building
toward harmonized audiovestibular care across the APAC region.
Keywords
audiovestibular practices - Asia-Pacific region - audiologists - cross-sectional survey
- scope of practice
