Audiology on the way into the next millennium

The article gives an overview of current developments in audiology. Present challenges and questions are discussed and possible solutions are suggested. The scope includes diagnostic and rehabilitative features of audiology and focuses on basic assessment of hearing functions, localization of the site of lesion, objective assessment of auditory functions, and hearing instruments, both traditional and implantable ones. Finally, new attempts at tinnitus treatment and possible approaches to the future prevention of hearing loss and protection of hearing by medication are briefly described. Due to the vast diversity of modern audiology only the major trends are covered. Thus this article does not claim to provide a complete survey of all that is going on in audiology today.