Global Audiology/Asia/South Korea

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Brief Country Information

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country located in Northeast Asia and occupies the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. South Korea borders North Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), with the Yellow Sea to the west and the East Sea to the east. Korean is the official language of South Korea and has a standard dialect known as the Seoul dialect, and four additional dialects (Chungcheong, Gangwon, Gyeongsang, and Jeolla) and one other language (Jeju) in use around the country.

History of Audiology in South Korea

South Korean audiology emerged as a profession during the 1990s, driven by growing awareness of hearing loss and the need for specialized care. Dr. Junghak Lee, after returning from audiology training in the United States, recognized that Korea lacked formal infrastructure for hearing healthcare. This led him to establish the first comprehensive audiology clinic at Hallym University in the 1990s, with support from Dr. Ducksun Yoon. The clinic began providing systematic hearing testing and rehabilitation services that had previously been scattered and unorganized across the country. A pivotal moment in establishing audiology as a distinct profession came in 1996 when Dr. Junghak Lee proposed and created Korea's first formal audiology academic program. Working alongside Dr. Jinsook Kim, another foundational figure in the field, Lee determined that audiological functions such as hearing testing, hearing aid fitting, and rehabilitation should be performed by professionally trained specialists rather than medical technicians. The initial challenge centered on developing a curriculum that combined clinical skills with scientific knowledge. The first audiologists in South Korea were graduates who undertook comprehensive training in hearing science, speech therapy, and auditory neuroscience.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the number of practicing audiologists grew steadily, driven primarily by university program expansion and the creation of positions in hospital settings. The Korean Audiological Society (KAS), which had been founded earlier in 1966, became increasingly active during this period. KAS organized regular professional gatherings and educational workshops that brought audiologists together to share knowledge and establish professional standards. These networking efforts strengthened the profession considerably, and in 1997, KAS launched the Journal of Audiology & Otology (JAO), providing a dedicated publication outlet for Korean audiological research..The majority of audiologists practicing before 2000 came from diverse backgrounds including speech pathology, rehabilitation, and medical technology.

Significant developments after 2000 transformed the profession considerably. The establishment of multiple audiology departments at universities across Korea marked a crucial step toward professional standardization. Audiology courses were incorporated into speech-language pathology and rehabilitation programs at several institutions. The Korean government granted official recognition to audiology as a distinct profession through the National Health Insurance System (NHIS), which began subsidizing hearing aids in 1997. This government support lent credibility and structure to the field. Employment opportunities expanded significantly, particularly in hospitals, universities, and private clinics. The government's decision in 2015 to increase hearing aid subsidies to approximately $1,000 created a surge in demand for audiological services, pushing more people to seek professional hearing care. Audiological research flourished, with notable emphasis on hearing aids, cochlear implants, and pediatric hearing, though research extended into many other areas as well. The scope of audiological services broadened considerably during this period, with standardized testing protocols developed for speech audiometry and newborn hearing screenings.

The profession established regular national conferences and specialized scientific meetings through KAS. National health surveys (KNHANES) began including hearing tests in 2008, enabling large-scale research on hearing loss trends across the population. Publications by Korean audiologists in both national and international venues increased substantially, and interactions with international colleagues intensified through conferences, collaborative research projects, and academic exchanges. By 2022, Korea had approximately 475 trained audiologists working across hospitals, universities, and private clinics, though the field continues working toward better integration into national health policy frameworks..

Audiology Practice and Healthcare System

Audiology in the Republic of Korea is a well-established, multidisciplinary field that has undergone remarkable growth over the past several decades. Historically rooted in otolaryngology, the discipline has evolved to include dedicated audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and hearing aid specialists working collaboratively to deliver comprehensive hearing healthcare. Clinical services are widely available in university hospitals, private clinics, and specialized hearing centers, offering advanced diagnostic evaluations such as pure-tone and speech audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem responses, and vestibular testing. Rehabilitation services include state-of-the-art hearing aid fitting and verification, cochlear implant programming, auditory training, and patient counseling, reflecting Korea’s strong commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care.

A key strength of audiology in Korea lies in its robust public health strategy, particularly the national universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) program. Launched in 2007 and expanded with insurance coverage in 2018, the program follows international best-practice timelines, aiming for screening by one month, diagnosis by three months, and intervention by six months (“1-3-6” model). This initiative has dramatically improved early detection rates and facilitated timely interventions, including amplification and cochlear implantation, thereby enhancing language and cognitive outcomes for children with hearing loss. Korea’s policy framework also provides government subsidies for hearing aids for older adults and insurance support for cochlear implants, underlining a strong commitment to equitable hearing healthcare across the lifespan.

Korea is recognized for its advanced adoption of hearing technology, including high penetration of modern hearing aids, cochlear implants, and smartphone-based fitting applications. The country’s hearing aid industry is highly developed, with active collaborations between academia and industry driving innovation in digital signal processing, AI-based speech enhancement, and tele-audiology solutions. Cochlear implantation rates are among the highest in Asia, supported by national registries and outcome studies that inform clinical best practices.

Audiological Societies and Medical Advancements in Korea

Professional societies play a central role in advancing audiology in Korea.

The Korean Audiological Society (KAS), founded in 1966, is the oldest and most prominent academic organization dedicated to the advancement of audiology and otology in Korea. With over half a century of history, KAS has played a central role in shaping the country’s hearing healthcare landscape through research promotion, clinical training, and public health advocacy. The society fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among otolaryngologists, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, neuroscientists, and engineers, strengthening the integration of clinical expertise and scientific research.

A cornerstone of KAS’s contribution to the field is its publication of the Journal of Audiology & Otology (JAO). Established in 1997, JAO is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal committed to disseminating high-quality research on hearing, balance, auditory neuroscience, and clinical practice. Indexed in PubMed, Scopus, ESCI, and Web of Science, JAO maintains an impact factor of approximately 1.4 (2024–2025) and serves as a respected platform for both Korean and international scholars. In addition to its journal, KAS develops and publishes practical clinical manuals in Korean—covering pure-tone and speech audiometry, ABR, OAE, and speech perception testing—to support standardized, evidence-based practice across diverse clinical settings.

KAS is also renowned for organizing annual scientific conferences and workshops, promoting continuing professional education and knowledge exchange. Through its commitment to research, education, and advocacy, the Korean Audiological Society remains a leading force in advancing hearing health in Korea and contributing to global audiology.

The Korean Academy of Audiology (KAA) is a national professional society devoted to advancing the science and clinical practice of audiology and hearing rehabilitation in Korea. Founded in 1998 as a non-profit organization, KAA serves as an academic and professional hub for audiologists, hearing aid specialists, speech-language pathologists, educators, and researchers committed to improving hearing health across the lifespan. Its mission emphasizes fostering research in auditory science, training highly qualified professionals, promoting evidence-based clinical practice, and strengthening Korea’s capacity for hearing healthcare delivery.

KAA manages and publishes the Audiology & Speech Research (ASR) journal, a peer-reviewed, quarterly publication that serves as a vital academic platform for Korean and international researchers. Formerly known simply as Audiology, ASR publishes original research articles, clinical reports, and reviews spanning audiology, hearing aid technology, cochlear implantation, speech-language pathology, and rehabilitation science. The journal is indexed in Korea Citation Index (KCI) and Scopus, reflecting its recognized role in the region’s academic ecosystem.

Beyond publishing, KAA organizes annual conferences, symposia, and workshops that focus on clinical training, technological advances, and case-based learning. These events offer hands-on education in hearing aid fitting and verification, cochlear implant mapping, auditory training, and tele-audiology, supporting the professional development of Korea’s audiology workforce. By fostering collaboration across academia, clinics, and industry, the Korean Academy of Audiology continues to enhance the quality of hearing healthcare services in Korea and contribute to the broader field of audiology.

Finally, Korea’s global engagement in audiology is highlighted by its active participation in international conferences and research collaborations. In 2026, Seoul will host the 37th World Congress of Audiology (WCA 2026) under the auspices of the International Society of Audiology. This event will showcase Korea’s achievements in hearing research, public health policy, clinical innovation, and patient care, fostering greater international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the global audiology community.

Incidence and Prevalence of Hearing Loss

Epidemiological studies highlight that hearing loss affects a substantial portion of the Korean population, with prevalence increasing markedly with age. According to population data, overall hearing impairment affects approximately 22–23% of adults aged 12 and above, combining both unilateral (9.31% ) and bilateral loss (13.42%) in speech frequencies

A 2025 study by the Korean Journal of Medical Science observed that the prevalence of any hearing loss in middle-aged and older adults was around 19.45%, with severity subdivided into mild (13.95%), moderate (4.39%), moderately severe (0.96%), and severe-to-profound (0.16%). Hearing impairment increases sharply with advancing age: individuals in their 40s showed a prevalence of 1.8%, increasing to 7.5% in their 50s, 25.3% in their 60s, and 63.9% in their 70s. Gender differences are also notable: males consistently exhibit higher rates of hearing loss across all age groups, including mild (15.7% vs. 12.6%), moderate (5.2% vs. 3.8%), and more severe categories . In addition, rural residents experience a higher incidence of severe-to-profound hearing loss compared to their urban counterparts by approximately 40% . While severe-to-profound hearing loss (≥60 dB HL) is rarer, affecting approximately 0.46% of the national population (237,000 individuals in 2015), this condition remains most prevalent among older age groups.

In children, universal newborn hearing screening has significantly improved early detection. Between 2014 and 2018, about 17.6% of 1.96 million live births were screened, leading to interventions such as middle-ear surgery (11,624 cases) and cochlear implantation (397 cases) during infancy. Furthermore, selective data suggest that congenital sensorineural hearing loss occurs in approximately 1–3 per 1,000 births, consistent with global estimates

Even among adolescents, hearing loss is present, with approximately 8.56% experiencing unilateral loss and 1.03% experiencing bilateral loss, typically mild in nature. The incidence of new hearing loss cases has been steadily increasing, rising from about 1,111 per 100,000 people in 2010 to 1,570 per 100,000 in 2020. Particularly concerning is that the highest annual growth rate for new cases appeared in people in their 20s, indicating that hearing loss is becoming an increasingly urgent issue for younger populations, with high-frequency hearing loss emerging as a major area of concern across all age groups .

Scope of practice and professional bodies

In South Korea, audiology education follows a structured pathway beginning with a 4-year undergraduate program in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at institutions such as Hallym University, Kyung Hee University, or Catholic University. These bachelor's degree programs provide foundational knowledge in hearing rehabilitation theory and clinical practice. Upon graduation, students must pass a national certification examination to obtain their audiologist license, which authorizes them to practice in various settings including university hospitals, medical device companies, private clinics, and disability welfare centers .

The certification enables audiologists to perform essential clinical tests such as audiometry, tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions (OAE), auditory brainstem response (ABR), and acoustic stapedial reflex (ASR) testing, along with hearing aid fitting, earmold preparation, and patient counseling. Their therapeutic expertise includes audio-verbal therapy, speech therapy, family counseling, and recommending environmental hearing assistance devices. Currently, over 90 percent of Hallym University's undergraduate audiology graduates secure employment as audiologists in metropolitan areas throughout South Korea. Eight universities nationwide now offer audiology programs at undergraduate or graduate levels. For those seeking advanced expertise, master's and doctoral programs provide specialization opportunities in fields including hearing aid and cochlear implant technology, pediatric and geriatric audiology, psychoacoustics, clinical practice, audiological rehabilitation, industrial audiology, and educational audiology. Doctoral graduates from these programs often gets faculty positions at universities across the country .

The comprehensive graduate education emphasizes both research capabilities and practical skills necessary for monitoring, preventing, evaluating, and rehabilitating hearing loss and balance disorders. In September 2014, following thorough consultations, Hallym University's faculty approved development of a clinical Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program modeled after American training standards, though many Korean institutions continue following the traditional medical model. This English-language program aims to serve Korean students and international learners from across Asia, establishing Hallym University as a regional center for audiology education.

Professional development and practice standards are supported by key organizations including the Korean Academy of Audiology (KAA), which promotes excellence, establishes ethical guidelines, and provides continuing education for professionals working in hearing, balance, and speech. Additionally, the Korean Academy of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (KASA) serves as an affiliate member of the Asia Pacific Society of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (APSSLH), connecting Korean professionals to the broader regional community. The scope of practice mirrors international standards and includes aural rehabilitation, pediatric and educational audiology services, and hearing preservation efforts, with opportunities for advanced specialization in fields such as pediatric audiology, geriatric audiology, industrial audiology, educational audiology, psychoacoustics, and research. The KAA serves as the primary professional organization promoting excellence, establishing ethical standards, and providing continuing education to ensure audiologists maintain current competencies throughout their careers .

Research in Audiology

Research in audiology in the Republic of Korea represents a dynamic, interdisciplinary field that integrates clinical science, neuroscience, engineering, rehabilitation, and public health. The country has seen substantial growth in both the volume and sophistication of audiological research over the past two decades, reflecting advances in healthcare policy, technology, and academic infrastructure.

Korean audiology research encompasses a wide range of topics, from basic studies of auditory physiology and psychoacoustics to applied clinical investigations and technology development. Universities and medical centers across Korea maintain active research programs in auditory neuroscience, including cortical and brainstem electrophysiology, speech perception in noise, central auditory processing disorders, and aging-related hearing loss. These efforts are complemented by behavioral research on speech discrimination and working memory in older adults with hearing impairment, as well as studies examining the cognitive consequences of untreated hearing loss.

A strong tradition of clinical research underpins Korea’s advances in diagnostic and rehabilitative audiology. Investigators routinely conduct large-scale epidemiological studies to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for hearing loss across the lifespan. Recent national surveys have clarified the age- and sex-specific burden of hearing impairment, highlighting disparities between urban and rural regions and guiding policy on screening and intervention. Korea's universal newborn hearing screening program, launched in 2007 and fully covered by national health insurance since 2018, has itself become a subject of population-based research, demonstrating significant gains in early detection rates and informing best-practice models for early intervention.

Technological innovation is also a major focus. Korean research institutions and industry partners collaborate on the development of advanced hearing aids, cochlear implant systems, and assistive listening technologies. Topics of particular interest include digital signal processing, AI-driven noise reduction and speech enhancement, smartphone-based remote fitting systems, and tele-audiology delivery models. Pilot studies and clinical trials continue to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of these technologies in diverse patient populations.

Audiology Charities

The Korea Association of the Deaf (KAD) and regional branches advocate for the rights and welfare of deaf and hard‑of‑hearing individuals. They manage vocational training, sign language interpretation services, legal support, and also organize donation campaigns for hearing devices.

The Snail of Love is a prominent South Korean non-profit organization dedicated to supporting people with hearing loss through hearing-aid donations, cochlear implant sponsorship, and hearing rehabilitation programs. Established in 2007, the organization’s mission is to help individuals with hearing impairment—particularly children and low-income families—regain the ability to communicate and fully participate in society.

Challenges, Opportunities and Notes

Challenges

• Rapid Aging Population and Rising Demand
• Limited Support for Hearing Devices
• Insufficient Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Prevention

Opportunities

• Expansion of Tele-Audiology and Digital Health
• Strong Audiological Manufacturing Sector
• Growing Interdisciplinary Research
• Increased Awareness of Youth Hearing Protection

Notes

• Academic Infrastructure
• Policy Momentum
• Cultural Shift

References

		Contributors to the original text
Junhui Jeong	Sajana Aryal