Task Force members review the submissions for the Hearing and Balance Research Grant Program in early 2025, and also participate in planning and onsite facilitation of the research networking session at AAA 2025 in New Orleans this March. No prior grant review experience is required, although an understanding of grant proposals and clinical research is desired.

Submit inquiries or a letter of interest detailing relevant experience by December 1.

The post Volunteers Sought for Research Initiatives Task Force appeared first on American Academy of Audiology.

Joanne brings to the Academy over 25 years of public policy experience. She served six years as staff to two members of Congress, worked for the Obama administration to advance the Affordable Care Act, and worked for a variety of coalitions and associations to lobby for health care and education legislative priorities. She has extensive experience in strategy development and engaging members directly through national grasstops and grassroots campaigns.

In her most recent position, Joanne worked with the Career Education Colleges and Universities to promote and protect proprietary institutions of higher education. Previously, she worked with the National Environmental Health Association to launch its first legislative program, and to support the Environmental Health Workforce Act. She also lobbied to protect graduate medical education and children’s medical education funding. She held positions in the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services, first as the acting director of legislative affairs, and then in the Maternal Child Health Division, where she led 11 states to develop their Federal Home Visiting Program. She began her work on Capitol Hill in the House of Representatives, serving Representatives Rob Andrews (D-NJ) and Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY).

Aside from the impressive skills and experience she brings to the position, Joanne has a personal passion for helping audiologists. She has supported family members through their own hearing loss experiences and witnessed firsthand how much audiologists offer their patients. She is eager to be an advocate for audiologists.

The post Academy Welcomes New Vice President of Government Relations appeared first on American Academy of Audiology.

How to Update Your Profile

1. Log in to your member dashboard
2. Under My Account click Update My Profile
3. Update or verify:
   1. Name and email address
   2. Primary contact information
   3. Communication Preferences
4. Click “Update Profile” button at bottom of web page to save

If you need help updating your member profile, email us at membership@audiology.org or call 800-222-2336, option 3.

The post Update Your Member Profile appeared first on American Academy of Audiology.

We are very happy to report that all manuscripts accepted for publication in JAAA volume years 2023 and 2024 will be available online and in print issues by the end of December 2024 or sooner.

JAAA is now seeking manuscript submissions for the 2025 publication year. The new year marks the launch of a new publishing model that returns the Academy to the role of journal publisher.

Submissions for JAAA Volume 36.1 (January 2025) and beyond will be accepted via ScholarOne beginning September 15, 2024.

Starting with the 2025 volume year, all published manuscripts will include a statement of clinical relevance within each article abstract. In addition, the journal will offer four new article types: case studies with discussion questions, clinical review articles, brief reports, and articles on failed replications/null findings.

With the new publishing model, accepted articles will be copyedited and typeset before individual online publication, prior to compilation in an online issue. Beginning in 2025, JAAA issues (Volume 36.1 and beyond) will be published online only. The print edition of the journal will be discontinued in 2025.

The Academy will be hosting a new online portal for the journal on audiology.org via a link to Academy-members-only content. Institutions will have a direct link to journal content based on their internet protocol (IP) address.

In the coming months, the Academy will launch updated submission guidelines, announce a new Editorial Board and develop an Open Access publication option. The journal is focusing on improvement, enhanced efforts and the exciting opportunities ahead for journal authors, reviewers and readers.

We are very grateful to everyone sharing their talent and knowledge through the pages of the journal. We couldn’t make this journey without you and we understand how important the journal is to your professional work. Please keep in mind that we always welcome your feedback. 

Contact us at any time to share your thoughts.

The post JAAA Update: Call for 2025 Submissions appeared first on American Academy of Audiology.

After much consideration, the Academy Board voted to approve the proposed bylaws changes as presented to Academy membership; therefore, the Academy will no longer use the term “Fellow” as a membership category moving forward. This decision reflects standards set by other professional organizations and moves to improve clarity within the Academy and the profession. It also moves to support the majority of feedback received from Academy members who were in favor of the proposed bylaws changes.

While the “Fellow” designation will no longer be a membership category, the Academy will establish a Fellow Recognition Program to recognize noteworthy contributors. Such a program will allow Academy members to earn the distinction of Fellow based on their dedication and contributions within the organization and the profession.

A well-rounded task force of your audiology colleagues and peers will work with Academy staff and leadership to develop a recognition program including eligibility criteria and a timeline, and to identify and communicate with those members who may already potentially qualify for the program once it is established.

The phasing out of the term “Fellow” as a membership category is projected to be completed by the end of this year. Academy members will receive regular communications regarding the “Fellow Member” phase-out plan as well as updates on the Fellow Recognition Program as they become available.

The Academy Board believes that by developing a recognition opportunity of Academy service and exemplary professional experience, as well as demonstrated achievements in audiology, the Academy will continue to recognize and elevate the contributions of many audiologists in a more meaningful way.

Please reach out to membership@audiology.org with any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your commitment to and support of the profession.

Bopanna Ballachanda, PhD
President, American Academy of Audiology

The post “Fellow” as a Membership Category and Fellow Recognition Program appeared first on American Academy of Audiology.

The post ACAE Standards Open for Public Comment appeared first on American Academy of Audiology.

Available in sizes M and XL
Price: $12.50 with discount

Soft-sided, silver insulated mini cooler with zip top and handle. The cooler measures 10” x 5-1/4” x 6-1/2.”
Price: $6 with discount

Show your passion for Audiology and save on these select items during Better Hearing Month!

The post May Is Better Hearing Month <br> Online Store Discount appeared first on American Academy of Audiology.

Our volunteers are essential—they are key in supporting the Academy and helping to provide vital services to you, our members. We often refer to our volunteers as puzzle pieces, fitting together with all their specific knowledge, background, and expertise, to complete the picture of what the Academy is working to accomplish, not only for our members but for the profession of audiology. 

So, what does that whole picture look like, and how do our volunteers help us get there?

Putting the Pieces Together

The Academy volunteer program began in 2017 with about 300 initial volunteers and 20 committees. Over the last seven years, it has grown to a network of 430 professional and student volunteers on 35 committees, subcommittees, and task forces; under the direction of five councils and our Board of Directors.

Guidelines and Strategic Documents

In support of the Academy’s mission to promote quality hearing and balance care through education, research, and increased public awareness, the Guidelines and Strategic Documents Committee has been developing and publishing scientific and clinical documents that inform the field of audiology, state best practices, and establish credible, evidence-based recommendations that guide clinical decision-making and improve the quality of care. The committee updated and released the following documents last year:

• Scope of Practice – Updated April 2023
• Standards of Practice for Audiology – Updated April 2023
• Position Statement on Early Identification of Cytomegalovirus in Newborns – Released March 2023
• Assessment of Vestibular Function in the Pediatric Population – Coming this summer!

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee is responsible for ensuring continued progress toward the Academy’s vision of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The committee recommends priorities and initiatives, as well as designs and implements activities and resources as requested.

Since its formation in January 2022, the committee has assigned liaisons to each of the Academy’s councils, had representation in the annual Clinical Education Forum at AAA 2022+HearTECH Expo focused on microaggressions, and contributed demographic questions and feedback to the development of a practice analysis survey. Additionally, the chair of the DEIB Committee contributed to a diversity plan for the Academy Research Conference (ARC) research grant submission for 2023 and will serve as co-principal investigator, if funded.

From supporting a diverse workplace to aiding a diverse student population and patient base, the Academy has resources to help educate and implement.

Spotlight On…

It is hard to express our gratitude with just the words “thank you.” Even so, thank you to our devoted volunteers for making the Academy a priority in your life. Thank you for making your evenings available for meetings, and for fitting us into your incredibly busy schedules. Thank you for choosing us as your vehicle for progress, and thank you for making your voice a part of audiology’s voice.

Each month, we recognize one outstanding volunteer from one committee or subcommittee, and feature them with a volunteer spotlight. During volunteer appreciation week, we’d love to take this time to recognize them again for all their hard work; you can review many of the previous spotlights on our website, read their responses to the interview questions, and get to know more about them and why they volunteer.

Want to Get Involved?

Volunteer opportunities cover a broad array of specialties and areas of interest, from coding and reimbursement, to government relations, to guidelines and practice documents, to continuing education, and more.

You can even help plan AAA 2025+HearTECH Expo in New Orleans, Louisiana, by joining one of five AAA 2025 Program Subcommittees. If you’re just starting out as a volunteer and want a shorter-term opportunity to get your feet wet, the conference subcommittees require only a few weeks in the fall and would be a perfect introduction to the program.

Longer-term committee opportunities are more involved with three-year terms (unless otherwise specified) where you can really see the course of progress from inception to final project and beyond. We have several volunteers who have joined multiple different committees over the past few years to get a full scope of how the Academy is working to make audiological care a priority and top of mind for consumers, as well as making sure Academy members are practicing at the height of their field.

Review the Academy’s value proposition and strategic objectives, and click the buttons below to apply to volunteer!

Stay tuned for a main call for volunteer opportunities this summer!

The post Volunteer Appreciation Week appeared first on American Academy of Audiology.

The Academy represents audiologists in all specialties and practice settings and works toward elevating the profession and assisting you, Academy members, to provide optimal hearing and balance care. To accomplish this goal, the Academy advocates for the profession and offers education and tools for you to provide quality care and advance the profession. 

An example of advocacy is the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act. It is a federal bill that the Academy supports because it will elevate how Medicare categorizes audiologists and updates Medicare coverage policies affecting audiologists. This legislation is a key piece in the overall strategy to enhance the profession, but it is not the only way to advocate.

Other strategies include the Academy clearly articulating its policies in strategic documents and clinical guidelines for care delivery. These guidelines must be developed in accordance with best practices and be evidence-based and unambiguous. There are numerous volunteers working to update and create new strategic documents that provide clear guidance on how to provide optimal hearing and balance care. Guidelines that the Academy also can use as evidence to support advocacy initiatives.    

I could go on about how the Academy is working on your behalf, but I want to hear from you on how we are doing on the issues that you have said matter most. 

• Specifically, how is the Academy helping you in your career?
• How is the Academy helping you navigate complex practice management issues?
• How is the Academy helping you provide optimal patient care and practice to the top of your license?

Please take a few minutes and complete the member survey (the survey will be sent to you later today so look for it in your email inbox). With just a few questions and a few minutes from you, we want you to share your thoughts on your Academy membership.

I hope to see you at AAA 2024+HearTECH Expo, April 17-20, in Atlanta; this is our flagship event in terms of education and engagement. 

Come join your colleagues from all specialties and practice settings and not only learn from our presenters but learn and share your thoughts in our numerous small group discussion sessions and join in the fun at a variety of social events. 

Thank you for your membership and thanks for sharing your thoughts so we can continue to meet your needs. 

The post How Is the Academy Working for You? appeared first on American Academy of Audiology.

Every year, the Academy asks colleagues, friends, and mentees to look around their professional circles and identify members who are deserving of recognition for outstanding service to audiology and the hearing sciences. The American Academy of Audiology is pleased to recognize the following award recipients for 2024, please join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations.

Each award recipient was asked to answer the question “What achievement are you most proud of?”

Watch the video compilation above to hear all their answers. More information can be found in their bios, where you can learn more about their professional journey and watch their individual videos.

Visit this page to learn more about Academy Honors and Awards.

Honors of the Academy Award

Angela Shoup, AuD

Dr. Shoup is hailed for her humility, reliability, and dedication to audiology’s advancement. Her impactful career spans clinical care, teaching, research, and advocacy. She champions improved outcomes for those with hearing and balance challenges. Dr. Shoup’s extensive research covers newborn hearing screening, cytomegalovirus impact on hearing, implantable devices, and vestibular disorders. Inducted as a Distinguished Scholar and Fellow, she holds key roles in professional organizations. Read More.

Jerger Career Award for Research in Audiology

Devin McCaslin, PhD

Dr. McCaslin, is recognized for groundbreaking contributions to audiology, particularly the vestibular sciences. With a focus on assessments, electrophysiology, and AI applications, he has authored textbooks, over 100 publications, and led numerous research projects. As the Jerger Career Award for Research in Audiology recipient, Dr. McCaslin’s impactful research and leadership in audiology, healthcare economics, and technology showcase his dedication to advancing the field and improving patient care. Read More.

Marion Downs Pediatric Audiology Award

Patricia Roush, AuD

Renowned for her diverse roles, Dr. Roush excels in clinical care, research, and education. Her notable contributions include research on children with hearing loss, insights into auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD), and leadership in influential initiatives. Her unwavering commitment to pediatric audiology is evident in teaching, mentoring, and guiding professionals globally, elevating standards of care. The Academy recognizes her exceptional leadership, positively impacting children and healthcare professionals worldwide. Read More.

Clinical Excellence in Audiology Award

Amit Gosalia, AuD

Dr. Gosalia, embodies passion, patient care, and support for colleagues. Actively engaged in advocacy, awareness, and student precepting, he contributes to the Academy through volunteering, presentations, and published works. Dr. Gosalia educates the community through media, initiated the AudBoss Summit for business management, and participates in nonprofits. He receives the 2024 Clinical Excellence Award from the American Academy of Audiology for his exemplary patient care and contributions to the profession. Read More.

Early-Career Audiologist Award

Aaron Roman, AuD

Dr. Roman, earned his AuD, MA, and BA from the University of Pittsburgh. Currently an assistant professor at Salus University, he also works as a clinical audiologist at the Pennsylvania Ear Institute. Dr. Roman is dedicated to volunteerism in the audiology field, serving in various roles nationally. His passion extends to advancing the field, evident in his prolific research, presentations, and leadership roles. Recognized for his contributions, he received the 2024 Early-Career Audiologist Award from the Academy, reflecting his commitment to education, research, and patient care. Read More.

The post 2024 Academy Honors and Awards Recipients appeared first on American Academy of Audiology.