Authors: Ümit Can Çetinkaya¹, Cennet Akyol¹
¹Istanbul Aydin University
Background: In the field of audiology, artificial intelligence promises innovative solutions that can offer an alternative to the inadequacies of existing service models. However, the effective adoption of these technologies is directly related to healthcare professionals’ attitudes, perceptions and individual levels of innovation towards artificial intelligence. In this direction, in our study, it was aimed to examine the individual innovation characteristics of audiology students and graduates and their attitudes and concerns towards artificial intelligence.
Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted with audiology graduates and undergraduate students living in Türkiye. The sample group of the study consists of 253 participants over the age of 18, who speak Turkish and receive audiology training. The data were collected by online survey method, and the Individual Innovativeness Scale, the General Attitude Scale Towards Artificial Intelligence and the Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale were used.
Results: It was observed that the innovativeness scores of the postgraduate participants were higher than the undergraduate students and graduates and their artificial intelligence concerns were lower (p<0.05). In addition, in the comparison between public and foundation universities, it was found that the type of university affected the attitudes towards artificial intelligence (p<0.05). In terms of work environments, it was determined that the innovativeness scores of the individuals working in the academic field were significantly higher than those working in private education and rehabilitation centers (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The attitudes of audiology students and graduates towards artificial intelligence were examined and important data were obtained on the potential use of artificial intelligence in the field of audiology. The findings show that audiology students and graduates exhibit a cautious but research-open attitude towards technological innovations, and that the increase in education level increases their tendency to innovate while reducing concerns about artificial intelligence.
Keywords: Audiologist, Artificial Intelligence, Individual Innovation, Attitude, Anxiety
