The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on audiology students in Turkey: E-learning, knowledge of teleaudiology, psychological and social status and personal development

Abstract

The aim of the study is to examine the different effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Audiology students in Turkey in terms of e-learning, tele-Audiology education, psychological-social situations and personal development. The study was carried out using an online survey created on Google Forms. The survey included 4 demographic questions, and 29 questions about the effects of COVID-19 on Audiology students. Study sample: A total of 518 undergraduate and graduate Audiology students participated in the study. The majority of the participants indicated that the pandemic had a negative effect on the practical knowledge and professional competence acquired through the online education system implemented due to the restrictions. A great majority of the participants indicated that their theoretical and practical knowledge about teleaudiology was "too insufficient". During this period, the level of anxiety in students and damage to their social relationships were obtained as "too much". In addition, a negative effect was observed in the personal development of the students. The study concluded that strategies and approaches should be developed for the current pandemic period and similar situations that may occur in the future.