The field of Audiology and Speech Therapy is considered one of the rare medical specialties at both regional and local levels. It focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing, speech, language, voice disorders, as well as swallowing disorders across all age groups. It also includes the prevention of these disorders.
Madinah is the fifth region in the Kingdom in terms of disability rates, including hearing impairments and difficulties related to concentration, attention, and memory (Disability Survey 2017). With the increasing demand for specialists in this field, the Bachelor's program in Audiology and Speech Therapy was established at Taibah University in Madinah in 2023, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to improve healthcare services and integrate individuals with disabilities into society.
The program includes two tracks: Hearing and Balance, and Speech and Swallowing, with 133 credit hours per track. Students receive practical training in specialized labs equipped with the latest technologies and medical devices to diagnose and treat hearing, speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders.