Phoniatrics

The Phoniatrics (Greek: " vocal healing ") is a medical discipline that diagnostically, therapeutically and scientifically deals with disorders of voice, speech, language and swallowing is. It was founded in Berlin in 1905 by Hermann specialist Gutzmann sen. ( 1865-1922 ).

The Phoniatrics, together with the Pedaudiology the medical specialty which is based on the pathophysiology of communication and is responsible for diseases and disorders of language, voice, swallowing, and hearing disorders for childhood. The subject is based on the anatomical and physiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic principles in various fields, including the ENT ( Otorhinolaryngology ), has close relations with other medical specialties, such as neurology, psychiatry, pediatrics, geriatrics, dentistry, oral maxillo- facial surgery, rehabilitation medicine and non- medical fields, for example, hearing aid, special education, psychology and acoustics.

History

1905, the year of the Habilitation of Hermann Gutzmann sen. on the subject of the speech disorders as an object of clinical teaching, is considered the founding year of the field. Especially Gutzmann sen. and his Viennese student Emil Froschels have given considerable impetus to the establishment of the field in medicine. Pupils of the two were soon working across Europe. The interdisciplinary nature of the two Phoniater also resulted in the establishment of associated subjects such as speech therapy and speech therapy education. Some of the students who had emigrated in times of National Socialism in the United States and put there their clinical and teaching activities continued, where the subject was not like in Europe established. The academic training of the dominant in the U.S., " Speech and Language Pathologists " is not a medical, but is housed at the philosophical faculties. Meanwhile Phoniater worldwide, works with the focus on Europe.

The specialist for speech, voice, and childhood hearing impairment ( Germany )

To qualify as a specialist in speech, voice, and childhood hearing impairment to become active after finishing his medical studies in Germany (before 2004 " Specialist of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology " ), it requires a five-year training period, which is divided into two sections:

• 2 years basic training in the common area of ​​the ear, nose and throat medicine.
• 3 years specific specialist training speech, voice and filial hearing impairment

Currently, the EU harmonization of medical training is also designed a pan-European harmonization of training in skilled Phoniatrics - Pedaudiology within the professional associations in the frame.

Treatment guidelines

Under the auspices of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany ( AWMF ) the medical fields by setting up guidelines the recommendations of the Advisory Council for the Concerted Action in Health Care ( Special Report 1995) have taken into account. Guidelines are instructions to the acting doctor carefully. Take an intermediate position between the non-binding " recommendation " and the obligatory "Directive". A guideline should therefore always be followed, however, a deviation from this is possible if the non-compliance can be justified. Guidelines absolve the doctor from his responsibility for the individual case of illness.

The guidelines provide valid at the time of its publication state of medical knowledge again. They require a continuous adaptation to the development of medical progress.

The guidelines are based on a clinical picture and provide guidance for diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

S1 guidelines are developed by a group of experts from the medical and scientific society ( here: German Society of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology ( DGPP ) ) has been consented. S2 - guidelines from a consensus with the involvement of various medical and non-medical professional societies and lay bodies.

• S2k - guideline developmental language disorders in children of DGPP. In: AWMF online (as of 16.12.2011 )
• S1 guideline voice disorders of DGPP. In: AWMF online ( 01.01.2011 )
• S1 guideline rumble of DGPP. In: AWMF online (as of 01/03/2005 ( in revision) )
• S1 guideline stuttering of DGPP. In: AWMF online (as of 01/03/2005 ( in revision) )

In the field of aphasia, dysarthrophonia, dysphagia and nasal twang done extensive revisions; the previous versions have been made ​​as long as inactive.

Professional organizations

In the German Society of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology is at about the merger mainly scientifically active Specialists in Pediatric Audiology Phoniatrics - including many professors at German universities. Member may at any doctor for Pediatric Audiology Phoniatrics - be, the Guarantor may designate from among the members. For doctors in training, there is the junior membership, which can be converted at the request into a full membership after passing the board examination. As the predominant object of the company maintaining a high scientific standards of the specialty must be considered.

The board also includes a member of the German Professional Association of Specialists in Pediatric Audiology and Phoniatrics eV. It is formed by the merger mainly practically based physicians. Membership is open to any qualified physician. Task of the professional association, among others representing the interests of the profession, and the presentation of multiple government agencies, medical and other organizations, in particular the medical associations and physicians' associations.

At European level, there is the Union of European Phoniatrics ( UEP ) internationally the Intl. Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics ( IALP ).

Statistics

The doctors statistics of the German Medical Association on 31 December 2011 lists a total of 307 specialists, 84 of which were as " without medical activity " registered. In September 2012 283 members were counted in the DGPP.