Global Audiology/Americas/Argentina

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General Information

Argentina, officially the Argentina Republic, is located in southern South America. Argentina shares the Southern Cone with Chile to the west, and is bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the northeast, Uruguay and the South Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Drake Passage to the south. The de facto official language is Spanish, spoken by almost all Argentines, but there are several second languages in widespread use among the Argentine population, including English, Arabic, German, Guaraní, among others. The Argentine Sign Language is used in the country.

History of Audiology

Definition and professional framework

Audiology in Argentina is a specific area within speech-language pathology. Speech-language pathology is the university-level profession that encompasses prevention, diagnosis, and intervention related to voice, speech, language, swallowing, and hearing; audiology refers to the body of knowledge and practices within that profession focused on hearing (audiometric evaluation, electrophysiological testing, newborn hearing screening, hearing aid fitting, and auditory rehabilitation). This conceptual framework is adopted by professional associations and national standards.

Formative and pre-university stage (until 1948) Before formal institutionalization, during the first decades of the 20th century, there were experiences and practices of speech therapy and hearing care in clinical and educational settings; these practices constituted the technical foundation that later demanded institutional organization and more formal training. In local historiographical studies, this phase is called the "pre-university stage."

Constituent milestone: ASALFA (May 12, 1948) The founding of the Argentine Association of Speech Therapy, Phoniatrics, and Audiology (ASLAFA) —on May 12, 1948, is the foundational institutional milestone that marks the scientific and professional organization of the discipline in the country. ASALFA was established as the first entity to bring together research, dissemination, and professional representation of those working in voice, language, and hearing; its bylaws include guidelines pertaining to hearing care and the provision/selection of hearing aids among its objectives.

Early university courses and academic consolidation (late 1940s–1950s) Beginning in 1949, the first regular university courses in speech-language pathology were offered (attributed to an initiative by Dr. Juan Manuel Tato), with theoretical and practical content that included audiology (auditory anatomy and physiology, basic audiometry, and research techniques). This marked the formal beginning of the training of technicians and, later, graduates in the discipline at Argentine universities. In 1955, ASALFA promoted the creation of its scientific journal, the Revista Fonoaudiológica (Speech-Language Pathology Journal), which became a continuous vehicle for scientific production and dissemination in the field.

Professionalization, federations and regulation (1960s–2000s) During the second half of the 20th century, provincial associations, areas of specialization (electrophysiology, pediatric audiology, hearing aid fitting), and inter-institutional cooperation proliferated. ASALFA participated in the formation of federations and professional cooperation frameworks (for example, the Argentine Federation of Colleges and Associations of Speech-Language Pathology—FACAF), and the government began to incorporate regulations on the organization of speech-language pathology services in healthcare facilities. One regulatory example was Resolution 252 (Ministry of Health and Social Action), which approved standards for the organization and operation of speech-language pathology services in healthcare establishments.

Information About Audiology

The Argentine Association of Audiology] (ASARA) was established in 2002 and serves as the professional organization dedicated to audiology (technical updates, amplification protocols for children and adults, libraries, and continuing education). ASARA develops technical recommendations for the provision of audiological services (e.g., amplification guidelines, COVID protocols, and screening protocols), maintains a specialized professional directory, and participates in technical committees that aim to establish a national framework for specialization in audiology. Its existence has allowed for the focus on technical issues (quality of services, hearing aid fitting protocols, standardization of diagnostic procedures), complementing the broader institutional role of ASALFA.

The journal Revista Fonoaudiológica (ASALFA) and other university publications have documented the methodological evolution of audiology in Argentina: from pure-tone audiometry and tympanometry to otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem response (ABR/BAEP), non-implantable and implantable hearing aids, and rehabilitation. Recent studies analyze the journal's thematic trends, showing an expansion and diversification of audiological research in recent decades.

In 1999, the City of Buenos Aires established May 12th as Speech-Language Pathologist Day (Decree/administrative action that refers to the anniversary of ASALFA). More recently, the professional activity of speech-language pathology has been subject to national and provincial regulation (standards, resolutions, and bills that define responsibilities, organization of services, and training).

Incidence and Prevalence of Hearing Loss

Prevalence of hearing loss in the general population

Hearing loss accounts for approximately 18% of existing disabilities in Argentina. According to data from the 2010 Census and the registry of Unique Disability Certificates (CUD): Hearing impairment represents 9.3% of the population certified with some type of impairment in the CUD registry (data as of 2023).

Prevalence of age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)

As is the case globally, the prevalence of hearing loss increases significantly with age, from international estimates (applicable to Argentina due to demographic determinants): 15-25% people aged 65 to 75 have hearing loss greater than 30 dB HL. The rate for people over 75 years of age ranges between 27 to 44%. Other relevant scenarios include:

• Occupational hearing loss: Hearing loss is associated with workplace noise. Workers exposed to 85 dBA or more require annual screenings according to SRT Resolution 85/12.
• Preventable causes: It is estimated that 60% of cases of hearing loss in children are due to preventable causes.

Argentina has a solid legal framework for newborn hearing screening (Law 25.415), which would allow the early detection of incidence. Prevalence estimates in the general population and the impact of hearing loss as the leading cause of sensory disability (18% of disabilities) underscores the need to strengthen hearing health programs throughout the lifespan.

Education

Academic training is based on undergraduate degrees (bachelor's degree in speech therapy at national and private universities) and postgraduate courses.

The Bachelor's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology (average duration of 5 years) can be studied at several universities (see External links). Hospital-based speech therapy residencies, accredited by the Ministry of Health, constitute the main postgraduate training. They are designed to train speech therapists with clinical, community and interdisciplinary skills through rotations in different areas: audiology, language, swallowing, rehabilitation, cochlear implant teams, and are governed by official programs that define the graduate profile, rotation schedule and evaluation. They include:

• Specialization in Audiology, at the University of the Argentine Social Museum (UMSA)
• PhD in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at the University of the Argentine Social Museum (UMSA)]
• Graduate studies at the University of San Luis (UNSL)

Professional Practice

Activities towards the prevention of hearing loss and promotion of auditory health include:

• National campaigns for early detection of hearing loss and universal newborn screening programs, regulated by National Law 25.415.
• Preventitive actions for noise risk in work environments, following criteria of the Superintendency of Occupational Risks (SRT).
• Community activities for education and awareness regarding recreational noise, safe use of headphones, and healthy habits.
• Diagnostic confirmation in referrals from neonatal screening
• Audiological studies to confirm or rule out hearing loss in babies who did not pass their newborn screening.
• These evaluations are carried out in public and private management centers that have equipment for objective studies.

Professional and Regulatory Bodies

The Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud de la Nación) is responsible for professional registration of audiologists). It maintains the Federal Network of Health Professional Registries. The National Law 27,568 (2020) regulates the professional practice of audiology nationally. Audiology was officially recognized as a specialty of Speech pathology and Audiology by the Ministry of Health in 2023 National Deaf Children's Society, along with four other specialties. Speech therapy is regulated by National Law 27.568, which establishes professional practice and recognizes specialties such as Audiology. The National Registration is granted by the Ministry of Health.

In 2023, Law No. 27.568 was used to advance regulatory frameworks for professional practice at the national level. These developments confirm the legal and professional recognition of the discipline and, by extension, of audiological practice within it.

Scientific and Professional Organizations

• Associación Argentina de Logopedia, Foniatría y Audiología (ASALFA)
• Federación Argentina de Colegios y Asociaciones de Fonoaudiólogos (FACAF)
• National Deaf Children's Society - National federation that coordinates provincial professional colleges
• Provincial Regulatory Bodies (Colegios)
• INGEBI (Institute of Research in Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology) - CONICET (National Council for Scientific and Technical Research) ingebi-conicet.gov.ar
• ASARA – Argentine Association of Audiology Main entity dedicated exclusively to Audiology: training, congresses, guides, updates and research in hearing and implantology. asara.org.ar
• ASALFA – Argentine Association of Speech Therapy, Phoniatrics and Audiology. asalfa.org.ar
• AAOFP – Argentine Association of Pediatric Otolaryngology and Speech Therapy

aaofp.org.ar

• Provincial Colleges/Councils of Speech Therapists. Some function as legal bodies and also as training and representation institutions (such as the College of Speech Therapists of Buenos Aires).

Prevention of hearing loss and promotion of auditory health

• National campaigns for early detection of hearing loss and universal newborn screening programs, regulated by National Law 25.415.
• Preventitive actions for noise risk in work environments, following criteria of the Superintendency of Occupational Risks (SRT).
• Community activities for education and awareness regarding recreational noise, safe use of headphones, and healthy habits.

Diagnostic confirmation in referrals from neonatal screening

• Audiological studies to confirm or rule out hearing loss in babies who did not pass their newborn screening.
• These evaluations are carried out in public and private management centers that have equipment for objective studies (OAE/PEA).
• Comprehensive hearing diagnosis
• Threshold and suprathreshold pure-tone audiometry.
• Speech audiometry.
• Tympanometry and impedance measures
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE).
• Auditory evoked potential electrophysiological tests (ABR)
• Hearing treatment and rehabilitation
• Intervention in cases of conductive, sensorineural and mixed hearing loss from a non-medical clinical approach.
• Development of individualized auditory rehabilitation plans for children and adults.
• Auditory-verbal therapy, auditory training and support in cases of implantable technologies.

Tinnitus management and guidance

• Specific audiological evaluation.
• Guidance, habituation strategies and interdisciplinary therapeutic support.

Fitting of hearing aids and other hearing technologies

• Select, adapt and calibrate digital hearing aids and FM systems.
• Perform regular monitoring and adjustments.

Participation in cochlear implant programs

• Pre-surgical evaluations, selection of implantable devices in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team.
• Programming of implantable devices.
• Hearing rehabilitation.

Intraoperative monitoring in otologic surgeries

• Performed in institutions that carry out implantable device surgeries.
• The trained speech therapist assists in recording objective measurements during surgery.

Hearing services

• Public hospitals and health centers (first, second and third level).
• Otolaryngology or speech therapy services and private audiology centers.
• Disability care centers.
• Educational field (guidance teams, school integration, special schools).
• Public health programs.
• Research and university teaching.

Ongoing audiology research

Recent research on hearing care in Argentina addresses various aspects of hearing health, from prevention and early detection to the challenges faced by the deaf community. Efforts are also being made to develop intervention programs and improve diagnostic procedures. These initiatives are crucial for enhancing hearing health and care in Argentina. Here are some key areas of ongoing research:

• Hearing Loss Among Adolescents
• Audiometric and Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) testing of adolescents
• Hearing Impairment Detection and Management
• Challenges in Deaf Community

Challenges, Opportunities and Notes

Several key issues can be identified as challenges in delivering hearing care in Argentina as in other low and middle income countries including:

• Integration into primary care
• Expansion of telehealth and innovative approaches
• Communication barriers
• Lack of trained personnel
• Resource constraints
• Equipment, facilities and infrastructure
• Health literacy. awareness and Education

Audiology Charities

• Mutualidad Argentina de Hipoacúsicos (MAH)
• Fundación de Padres y Familiares de Personas Sordas para su Integración, FUNDASOR
• Confederación Argentina de Sordos (CAS)

References

External links

Professional associations

• Associación Argentina de Logopedia, Foniatría y Audiología (ASALFA)
• National Council for Scientific and Technical Research, INGEBI
• Argentine Association of Audiology (ASARA)
• Argentine Association of Speech Therapy, Phoniatrics and Audiology (ASALFA).
• Argentine Association of Pediatric Otolaryngology and Speech Therapy (AAOFP)

Charities

• Mutualidad Argentina de Hipoacúsicos (MAH)
• Fundación de Padres y Familiares de Personas Sordas para su Integración (FUNDASOR)
• Confederación Argentina de Sordos (CAS)

Education

• Catholic University of Argentina (UCA)
• Catholic University of Cuyo (UCCuyo)
• Catholic University of La Plata (UCALP)
• Catholic University of Santa Fe (UCSF)
• University of Buenos Aires (UBA)
• University of the River Plate Basin (UCP)
• University of Morón (UM)
• University of Aconcagua (UDA)
• University of the Argentine Social Museum (UMSA)
• University of El Salvador (USAL)
• FASTA University (FASTA)
• National University of Córdoba (UNC)
• National University of La Plata (UNLP)
• National University of Rosario (UNR)
• National University of San Antonio de Areco, Baradero Campus (UNSAdA)
• National University of San Luis (UNSL)
• 21st Century University
• Specialization in Audiology, University of the Argentine Social Museum (UMSA)
• Doctorate, University of the Argentine Social Museum (UMSA)
• Post-graduate studies, National University of San Luis (UNSL)

		Contributor to the original text
Gabriella Green