Michael Mallahan, AuD, ABA Certified

Michael Mallahan, AuD, ABA Certified, is this year’s recipient of the 2023 Humanitarian Award.

Dr. Mallahan learned early in life to be of service to others through his parents’ example. Every Friday dinner was a mission meal. The family only ate white rice, and the savings were donated to the missions. From that early foundation he learned to serve those in need around the corner and around the world.

In 1998, he was part of a team that started a newborn hearing screening program in Snohomish County, Washington. He helped secure a federal grant to provide training and equipment for that program, which has assured its growth and continuation. He has been a strong advocate for the EHDI (Early Hearing Detection and Intervention) in Washington state.  

Dr. Mallahan is now in is his 20th year of service to children in Guatemala helping to provide access to the ear and hearing care they need. More than 5,000 children have received hearing aids in addition to ear, nose and throat surgeries.  Mike has traveled to Guatemala with colleagues and students to educate and train local volunteers to take over caring for the children fit with hearing aids. These Guatemalans are now able to identify, fit, and provide follow up care to children with hearing loss throughout the country. In coordination with the only Guatemalan audiologist, newborn hearing screening has been expanding over the last five years due to generous Rotary International global grants.

He continues to be involved locally, assisting with St. Vincent de Paul, leading Irish Soccer Club, refereeing games in the community, and as a Rotarian with the Mill Creek Rotary Club.

Dr. Mallahan has been in both formal and informal leadership positions within the American Academy of Audiology as well as the Washington State Academy. He has mentored many audiologists during his career, focusing on teaching the importance of providing support to those needing audiology services regardless of their circumstances.

Overall, Dr. Mallahan is being recognized with the Humanitarian Award for the notable example he sets for the profession in raising the standard for hearing care in his community and globally, reminding us of the importance of giving back.