ACOD directors Chedy Kalach and James Gibbins pushing into new areas

Already up and running in Australia with New Zealand next in line, the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD) is expanding into the hearing industry with a new educational division, the Australasian College of Audiometry (AuCA).

ACOD directors and senior trainers James Gibbins and Chedy Kalach said they are very excited about the new venture, providing students with customised, flexible and responsive training opportunities in audiometry.

Currently there is no New Zealand-based audiometry qualification available. The most common pathway into the profession is the TAFE New South Wales Diploma in Audiometry, an online-only course.

In Australia, AuCA has appointed Heather Joseph as its general manager. She will lead the courses, Certificate IV in Audiometry and Diploma of Audiometry, which both started late last year.

Audiometrists conduct hearing assessments to identify hearing impairment and can prescribe and dispense hearing aids and/or other listening devices to assist in hearing rehabilitation. Both audiometrists and audiologists diagnose and help manage hearing loss, but an audiologist has a wider scope of medical practice and can help with other-ear related issues.