About the BSA
The British Society of Audiology was founded in 1966 and is now by far the largest audiology society in Europe. Its main aim is to increase knowledge of hearing and balance and to enhance audiological practice by dissemination and education through its multi-disciplinary approach, with members from all areas of audiology.
The Society is a founder member of the Federation of Acoustical Societies of Europe (FASE) and provided the stimulus for the European Federation of Audiology Societies (EFAS).
The BSA has recently been incorporated as a company limited by guarantee. The Memorandum and Articles of Association are available for download HERE and the Regulations of the BSA are available HERE, as well as by contacting Companies House.
Aims of the Society
The Society, through its Memorandum and Articles of Association, has the following main aims :
(i) The furtherance of the science of Audiology, that is the study of hearing and balance, and the diagnosis, alleviation and prevention of hearing and balance impairment.
(ii) The advancement of education in Audiology.
(iii) The furtherance of research in Audiology and the publication of the results of such research.
Council
The governing body of the Society is the Council. The council consists of eight elected full members, plus four Trustees who are the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. The Council also comprises up to ten ex-officio members who represent the special interests and groups within the Society.
Committees
The Society has four main standing committees :
(i) Programmes Committee, which arranges the annual programme of scientific meetings, some of which are held jointly with other societies.
(ii) Professional Practice Committee, which fulfills the Society's role in establishing standards, qualifications and courses in Audiology.
(iii) Membership Committee, which considers applications for membership of the Society.
(iv) Awards Panel, which advises the Council on prospective recipients of the Society's prestigious awards.
The Council is also able to set up working groups to consider specific issues as they arise.
Functions of the Society
Scientific Meetings
Throughout the year the Society holds regular scientific, clinical and technical meetings with a wide range of invited and contributed papers. Local branches and groups of the Society can also arrange meetings of their choice. From time to time the Society organises joint meetings with other groups such as the British Tinnitus Association or Soundseekers.
In addition to main annual conference, the Society also holds major national or international meetings covering aspects of Audiology.
Advisory Role
The Society is able to call on the resources of its membership to provide advice on Audiological matters to Government and other organisations.
Educational Role
The Society organises and advises on training courses for many different aspects of Audiology. These include amongst others hearing aid dispensing, hearing screening and impression taking. The Society also produces a series of recommended procedures on Audiological techniques and is actively involved in the production of national and international standards.
Mailing
Every two months members receive a mailing containing advance notice of Society meetings, details of job opportunities within Audiology and general information about the Society's activities. Also included may be the meeting notices of other societies and product details from manufacturers, etc.
Newsletter
The BSA NEWS is sent to members with alternate mailings. The Newsletter provides an information service on Audiological matters as well as a useful forum for readers' letters. Abstracts of some papers presented at Society meetings are also published in the Newsletter.
Journal
The International Journal of Audiology is the official Journal of the Society and is published twelve times per year. This is sent free of charge to our members. It has an international reputation and is recognised as a valuable part of the world-wide academic library on Audiology. If you wish to find out more about the journal please click HERE
Groups and Branches
Current Groups of the Society are Balance Interest Group (BIG); Paediatric Audiology Interest Group (PAIG); Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). Groups can be set up to facilitate interests within Audiology.
Branches of the Society are active in the North of England, Scotland and in London, and others can be set up to represent geographical interests of the Society as required.
Hearing Aid Museum
The Society maintains a collection of hearing aids and other Audiological memorabilia. This collection can be seen at the Thackeray Museum in Leeds. For further information click HERE
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