Vietnam, officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a Southeast Asian nation renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and rapid economic growth. With a population exceeding 97 million, the demand for comprehensive audiology services is substantial.

Vietnam has experienced significant economic growth and development over the past few decades, transitioning from one of the world's poorest countries to a middle-income nation. The economic reforms starting from 1986 have played a crucial role in this transformation, leading to a substantial increase in GDP per capita, which rose from under $600 in 1986 to nearly $3,700 in 2015 (PPP). In recent years, Vietnam's economy has shown resilience despite various global challenges. In 2023, the GDP growth is expected to moderate to 6.3%, down from 8% in the previous year, influenced by slower growth in services and the impact of higher prices and interest rates. Moving forward, the economy is forecasted to recover gradually, with growth projected to reach 5.5% in 2024 and stabilize around 6.0% by 2025.

Vietnam's development has not been without its challenges, particularly in addressing climate change impacts. The World Bank's Country Climate and Development Report suggests that Vietnam needs to adopt a dual pathway strategy of resilience and decarbonization to balance economic growth with increasing climate risks

The country has also made significant progress in healthcare and education, which are pivotal to its socio-economic development. Infant mortality rates have decreased notably, and efforts to address social issues such as gender-based violence and HIV prevention among youth have seen community-led initiatives supported by international organizations like the UN.

Information About Audiology

History

Audiology in Vietnam is a relatively new and evolving field. Key initiatives, such as the Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss (GFCHL), have played a crucial role in advancing the country’s audiological services. Since its launch in 2010, the GFCHL program has trained numerous professionals, including teachers, therapists, audiology technicians, and medical staff (Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss, 2023). Early efforts were primarily centered on pediatric audiology, auditory-verbal practices, and early intervention, particularly in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City (Madell, 2020).

The development of audiology in Vietnam is closely linked to the broader evolution of healthcare in the country. While traditional medicine was the cornerstone of healthcare for centuries, modern audiology began to emerge in the 20th century, particularly after the Vietnam War. The establishment of specialized hospitals and medical universities played a significant role in the growth of audiology as a distinct field.

Compared to more developed countries, audiology in Vietnam is still relatively new. The profession began gaining recognition in recent decades, thanks to the efforts of international organizations and collaborations with Vietnamese medical institutions. Global foundations, like the GFCHL and the LI Au.D Consortium, have been instrumental in raising awareness, providing equipment, and offering training programs, thus laying the groundwork for audiology services in the country.

As a formal discipline, audiology in Vietnam is still emerging. Historically, hearing healthcare was handled by otolaryngologists, with specialized audiology education and services gradually being developed. Early intervention programs for hearing impairments, particularly for children, were heavily influenced by international audiology care models. Since the 1980s, there has been increased attention to hearing healthcare needs in Vietnam, especially through initiatives to establish deaf education and rehabilitative services for children with hearing loss. The audiology field in Vietnam has been growing since the 1980s, in parallel with healthcare services and early hearing loss detection within the community. On April 8, 2022, the Vietnam Audiology Association (VAA) was founded, swiftly launching various initiatives to support people with hearing impairments. The VAA has also organized international conferences to enhance awareness and foster the development of audiology in Vietnam.

Although the VAA is relatively young, it has made notable strides in advancing audiological practices across the country. A range of training programs, both long-term and short-term, have been created to train audiologists nationwide. While Vietnam has made progress in addressing hearing impairments, there remains a gap in accessibility to advanced audiological technology for the broader population.

Despite its relatively short history, audiology in Vietnam has seen remarkable progress in recent years. The emergence of modern audiology centers, the growing number of well-trained audiologists, and increased public awareness of hearing health have all contributed to this development.

The roots of audiology in Vietnam trace back to the early 20th century, with the establishment of centers dedicated to educating and caring for children with hearing impairments. This early focus on deaf education laid the groundwork for the future development of audiology in the country.

Education

Educational opportunities for audiologists in Vietnam remain limited, with much of the expertise still being cultivated through collaborations with international organizations. The Ministry of Education has incorporated aspects of audiology and early intervention into its special education curriculum, expanding opportunities for local training for Vietnamese professionals (Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss, 2023).

University Programs

Several universities in Vietnam now offer short course in audiology, including:

Hanoi Medical University: Provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs in audiology.
University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City: Offers comprehensive audiology training.
Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy: Incorporates audiology courses within its broader medical and healthcare programs.

Current Training Landscape

Opportunities for formal audiology education in Vietnam are still developing. Most audiology professionals receive their training through short courses, workshops, or via collaborations with international organizations. ENT physicians and audiology technicians are often trained in specialized procedures, such as Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing and behavioral assessments, usually through initiatives led by international groups. However, there are still no dedicated degree programs solely focused on audiology, and much of the practical, hands-on training is acquired through on-the-job experiences or short-term missions by foreign experts.

Reforms in Audiology Education

Significant educational reforms have taken place in Vietnam, particularly following the implementation of Resolution 29, which emphasizes modernizing education to align with economic growth and societal needs. Audiology education has been integrated into medical and rehabilitation programs, though dedicated audiology degrees remain scarce. Many programs are embedded within broader speech and hearing disciplines, with Vietnamese professionals often seeking advanced training abroad in countries with more established audiology education systems. International partnerships have played a crucial role in shaping audiology curricula, and some universities are now offering specialized courses in the field.

Recent Developments in Audiology Education

Audiology education in Vietnam has seen considerable investment in recent years. Specialized centers and audiology training programs have been established at several healthcare institutions. However, the number of highly trained audiology professionals is still insufficient to meet the country’s growing needs. Current training efforts focus largely on supporting teaching for children with hearing impairments and promoting inclusive education.

Ongoing Evolution of Audiology Training

The education system for audiology in Vietnam is still evolving. Hanoi Medical University and other institutions offer training in related fields, such as Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), while specialized audiology training is gradually being integrated into the broader healthcare education system. Regular workshops and training programs are held to keep practitioners' skills up to date. Although several universities and colleges in Vietnam now offer audiology-related programs, the number of formally trained audiologists remains limited relative to the country’s demand. Therefore, expanding training opportunities and improving the quality of audiology education are critical priorities for the future.

Audiology Practice: Public and Private History

In Vietnam, audiology services are provided by both the public and private healthcare sectors. Public hospitals, particularly in urban areas, offer diagnostic and rehabilitative services through audiology departments, often integrated into ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) departments. However, access to these services is limited in rural regions due to a shortage of trained professionals and necessary equipment. While public healthcare institutions provide basic hearing tests, advanced services such as cochlear implants and behavioral hearing tests are less common and often inaccessible.

Some leading private audiology clinics offer a broader range of services, including hearing aid fittings, cochlear implants, and auditory-verbal therapy. These clinics frequently collaborate with international manufacturers to provide state-of-the-art hearing technology. However, the high costs of these services, especially hearing aids and cochlear implants, make them unaffordable for many families, as they are not covered by government health insurance (Madell, 2020).

While private clinics offer more comprehensive and advanced services, access to these facilities is more limited in rural areas, where public healthcare centers remain the primary source of care. Private clinics tend to cater to a growing segment of the population in urban areas, where demand for specialized care is higher.

Hospitals such as University Medical Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Hue Central Hospital, the National ENT Hospital in Hanoi, provide a wide range of audiology services, including hearing assessments and treatments for ear-related conditions.

The Vietnam Audiology Association plays a crucial role in organizing professional training courses and providing modern equipment to enhance the skills of audiology practitioners in both public and private sectors. This association supports the continuous development of audiology services, ensuring that high-quality care is available across the country, despite financial and geographical barriers.

Services Offered by Otolaryngologists, Otologists & Otoneurologists

Otolaryngologists often take on roles traditionally performed by audiologists, such as conducting diagnostic tests like ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response). However, there remains a gap in the availability of other audiological services. Surgical procedures, including cochlear implants, are offered in a few specialized centers, but these are rare and financially burdensome for most families.

Audiological Services

Services provided by audiologists include:

Hearing evaluations: Comprehensive assessments to diagnose hearing loss and related conditions.
Hearing aid fitting and dispensing: Selection, fitting, and adjustment of hearing aids.
Cochlear implant services: Evaluation, implantation, and rehabilitation for severe to profound hearing loss.
Tinnitus management: Diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Balance assessments and rehabilitation: Diagnosis and treatment of balance disorders.

Despite growth in the field, audiology services vary significantly across regions. Pediatric audiology, while developing, remains underutilized, with a reliance on ABR testing even in cases where behavioral testing might be more appropriate. This is due to limited training and confidence among local audiologists and ENT doctors.

Audiological services are available at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics, covering everything from hearing evaluations to hearing aid fittings.

A growing focus on early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs, particularly for newborns, aims to expand universal newborn hearing screening programs. However, access to audiological services remains limited in rural areas, where audiological care is often unavailable.

Research in Audiology

Audiology research in Vietnam is still in its early stages, with a primary focus on pediatric hearing loss and early intervention. International organizations have played a crucial role in advancing research and introducing new practices, such as the integration of auditory-verbal therapy into local healthcare systems (Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss, 2023).

The field is gaining momentum, with several institutions studying the prevalence of hearing loss, the effectiveness of interventions, and the application of innovative technologies. Much of this research is conducted in collaboration with international partners, concentrating on improving diagnostic techniques and the use of hearing aids and cochlear implants, particularly for children. However, limited trained professionals and resources continue to hinder more widespread research efforts.

While research remains minimal, growing interest in the field is evident, particularly in areas such as hearing aid usage, cochlear implant outcomes, and the challenges of providing care in rural regions. Collaborative efforts have also shed light on the effectiveness of interventions and helped address gaps in audiological care.

The Vietnam Audiology Association (VAA) has been instrumental in organizing workshops and research projects aimed at improving service quality, particularly in treating and supporting individuals with hearing impairments. Local research is also expanding, focusing on hearing loss prevention, especially noise-induced hearing loss—a common issue in industrial areas—and congenital hearing loss, with some studies exploring genetic causes.

Although still in its infancy, several noteworthy studies have been conducted to better understand the hearing health of the Vietnamese population and the risk factors contributing to hearing loss. More investment is needed to support local research initiatives and enhance the country’s understanding of hearing loss across different demographics.

Audiology Charities

Several charities are actively working to improve audiological care in Vietnam. Organizations like the Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss provide training for local professionals and donate hearing aids to children from low-income families. These programs not only offer immediate assistance but also aim to build sustainable local capacity (Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss, 2023; Flow-Med, 2022).

While specific information on audiology charities in Vietnam is limited, numerous international organizations and NGOs support hearing healthcare initiatives in the country. Their efforts focus on providing hearing aids, conducting hearing screenings, and raising awareness about hearing loss prevention.

International charities have made significant contributions to audiology services in Vietnam by training professionals, donating equipment, and helping to establish sustainable care models. Their work has been crucial in increasing access to hearing care, especially in rural areas where services are often lacking.

Both international and local charities strive to enhance access to audiological services. They provide hearing aids, fund cochlear implants, and support educational programs for children with hearing loss, particularly for underserved populations, including rural communities and ethnic minorities. Initiatives like the "Sound Donation—Expanding Futures" program have enabled thousands of hearing-impaired individuals to access modern hearing devices through funding from international organizations.

Various charitable organizations operate in Vietnam to assist those facing hearing difficulties. These groups offer free or low-cost audiological services and educational programs aimed at raising community awareness.

Local organizations, such as the Vietnam Hearing Foundation, play a vital role by providing audiological care to underserved communities, offering free hearing aids, and running awareness campaigns on hearing health.

Challenges and Opportunities

Vietnam’s audiology sector faces several challenges, particularly the shortage of trained professionals, especially in rural areas. The high cost of hearing aids and cochlear implants also makes these devices inaccessible to many. Additionally, there is limited awareness about hearing loss and the importance of early intervention. However, opportunities for growth exist through continued international collaboration, increased education programs, and government support. Initiatives like those by the Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss (GFCHL) have fostered professional networks, enabling collaboration across medical and educational sectors to improve care for children with hearing loss (Madell, 2020; Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss, 2023).

Key Challenges

Limited awareness: A lack of understanding about hearing loss and the importance of early intervention persists.
Accessibility: Rural areas face geographical and financial barriers, limiting access to audiology services.
Workforce shortage: The number of qualified audiologists is insufficient to meet the growing needs of the population.
High costs: Hearing aids and cochlear implants remain financially out of reach for many people.

Key Opportunities

Technological advancements: The rise of advanced hearing technologies and tele-audiology offers opportunities to improve access and care.
Public health initiatives: Greater focus on hearing health in public health programs can promote early detection and prevention of hearing loss.
Professional development: Ongoing education and training for audiologists can improve standards of care and advance research.
International collaboration: Partnerships with international organizations can help develop local expertise and expand access to affordable hearing technology.

Despite the existing challenges, Vietnam's audiology sector holds significant potential for growth. Expanding audiology education, increasing public awareness, and developing cost-effective solutions for hearing rehabilitation are crucial for the future. International collaborations, the growth of healthcare infrastructure, and government support will play key roles in shaping the future of hearing health in Vietnam.

References

World Bank. (2023). Vietnam's economy forecast to grow by 6.3% in 2023, World Bank report says. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org
United Nations in Viet Nam. (2023). Community-led initiative to prevent HIV and gender-based violence among youth. Retrieved from https://vietnam.un.org
Flow-Med. (2022). An Khang Audiology: Our new partner in Vietnam. Flow-Med. https://www.flow-med.com/en/news/an-khang-audiology-our-new-partner-in-vietnam
Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss. (2023). Vietnam Program. Global Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss. https://childrenwithhearingloss.org/our-programs/vietnam
Madell, J. (2020). Audiology in Vietnam. Hearing Health Matters. https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearingandchildren
Vietnam Ministry of Health. (2023). Healthcare Statistics. https://www.moh.gov.vn/
Hanoi Medical University. (2023). Faculty of Audiology. https://hmu.edu.vn/
University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (2023). Centre for health professionals training. https://chpthcm.ump.edu.vn/ky-thuat-thinh-hoc-co-ban-khoa-08-905019280.html
Hear the World Foundation. (2023). Projects in Vietnam. https://www.hear-the-world.com/
LI Au.D Consortium. (n.d.). Global Audiology Initiative in Vietnam. Adelphi University. Retrieved from https://www.adelphi.edu
Hội Thính học Việt Nam. (2023). Hội Thính học Việt Nam - Viet Nam Audiology Association. Retrieved from hoithinhhocvietnam.vn
Vietnam Hoi Nhap. (2023). Vì con người, cho con người. Retrieved from vietnamhoinhap.vn
Tap Chi Lao Dong Xa Hoi. (2023). Phát triển giáo dục hòa nhập cho trẻ em khuyết tật: Thực trạng và thách thức. Retrieved from tapchilaodongxahoi.vn

		Contributor to the original text
Lê Minh Châu