The American Academy of Audiology is the world's largest professional organization of, by, and for audiologists. The active membership of more than 10,000 audiologists join together to provide the highest quality of hearing health care service to children and adults described by our national slogan "Caring for America's Hearing," coined in 1993.
Mission Statement
The American Academy of Audiology promotes quality hearing and balance care by advancing the profession of audiology through leadership, advocacy, education, public awareness, and support of research.
History
The American Academy of Audiology was founded in January of 1988 when a group of audiology leaders met at the invitation of Dr. James Jerger at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. The purpose of the study group was to establish an independent, freestanding national organization run by and for audiologists. The new organization would be uniquely sensitive to the professional issues and the professional concerns affecting all audiologists. A Charter Advisory Committee was formed to elect officers, adopt bylaws, establish membership requirements and set up a national office. Jerger was elected the first President. The Charter of Incorporation for the Academy was filed in Nashville, Tennessee in June 1988. The first national convention of the Academy was held in Kiawah Island, South Carolina in April 1989 with some 600 attendees. As an indication of the phenomenal growth of the Academy, the 13th Annual Convention was held in San Diego during April 2001 with more than 7,300 attendees.
Membership
Membership in the American Academy of Audiology requires specific credentials and a minimum of a master's degree in audiology from an accredited university. There are several categories of membership including Fellows, Affiliates, International Members, Candidates, Retired, Disabled, Life and Life Emeritus. Membership as a Fellow, Affiliate or International Member of the Academy requires strict compliance with the Academy's Code of Ethics, (which is similar in scope and purpose to ethical practice codes of other learned professions.) For an application for all categories of membership and their eligibility requirements, click here (PDF). Students who wish to apply for student membership, please use the student application (PDF). Life, Retired and Disabled memberships have special requirements; for more information, please contact the Director of Membership.
We produce a number of publications for our members including our research journal, the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology (published 10 times per year), our bimonthly membership magazine, Audiology Today, and AT Extra, a bimonthly e-newsletter.
More Information
For more information about audiologists, our profession and our national Academy, please feel free to browse through the many informative pages of our Web site. Additional information may be obtained by contacting our national office by telephone at 800-AAA-2336, by fax at 703-790-8631, (or by e-mail to our Communications Department.)