Sarah Sydlowski, AuD, PhD, Board Certified in Audiology
Member-at-Large
Audiology Director, Hearing Implant Program, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
Education
BS: Psychology, University of Dayton, 2003
AuD: University of Louisville, 2007
PhD: Audiology, Gallaudet University, 2010
Position Statement
We have the opportunity to shape the future of a profession at a crossroads by focusing on the following priorities:
- Transparency, consensus, and member involvement. Competing perspectives regarding the most efficacious means to achieve professional recognition have rendered us ineffective advocates. Transparent communication must be a priority in order for members to willingly subscribe to the proposed strategy and become actively involved in advocacy efforts.
- Consumer awareness/education. Few consumers understand our professional specialty or issues impacting their access to hearing health care. Internet sales, non-audiology providers, and a generation of savvy “tech shoppers” challenge us to prove that managing hearing health requires specific expertise that only audiologists can provide.
- Proactive approach to changing health-care landscape. The current climate presents challenges, but opportunity exists if we can be adaptable and progressive in our approach. Leadership needs to be forward-thinking and willing to embrace new perspectives.
- Standardization of clinical-doctoral programs. A degree and title are insufficient for recognition as doctoral-level professionals. Rigorous preparation and high standards across all aspects of doctoral preparation is imperative.
The opportunity to be actively involved in advancing these initiatives would be an honor and a welcome challenge. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you and your interests.
Areas of Special Interest
- Implantable hearing devices
- Single-sided deafness
- Pathophysiology of the auditory system
Honors
Audiology Foundation of America Outstanding Third Year AuD Student, 2005.
Professional activities
Northeast Ohio Liaison, Ohio Academy of Audiology, 2014–Present; American Academy of Audiology Foundation, Educational Grants Review Committee Volunteer Reviewer, 2013; Cleveland Clinic, Distinguished Educator Level I, 2013; American Academy of Audiology, Fellow, 2007–Present, Taskforce: Recruitment and Retention of 0-5 Year Postgraduates, 2013, Taskforce: Evidence Based Best Practice Guideline for Adult Patients with Unilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss, 2012–Present, AudiologyNOW! 2012 Learning Module Subcommittee, 2011, AudiologyNOW! 2012 Poster Presentations Subcommittee, 2011; American Board of Audiology, Board Certified in Audiology, 2012–Present, Specialty Certification in Cochlear Implants, 2013–Present; Student Academy of Audiology, National Advisor, 2012–Present, Chair, Advisory Committee 2012–Present; Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Alumni Program, Board of Directors, 2008–2011; Certified member, American Speech Language Hearing Association, 2007–Present; University of Louisville NAFDA Chapter President, 2005, Public Relations Chair, 2004.