In Memoriam: Jack Katz, PhD

With deep respect and admiration, we remember Jack Katz, PhD, as a towering figure in the field of audiology whose influence has left an indelible mark on generations of clinicians, educators, and researchers. Dr. Katz’s passing is a profound loss to the profession, but his legacy endures in the foundational knowledge, diagnostic tools, and commitment to excellence that define audiology today.

Dr. Katz was best known for his development of the Buffalo Model for central auditory processing assessment, and the pioneering Staggered Spondaic Word (SSW) tests. His work brought clarity and clinical direction to the complex world of auditory processing disorders, forever changing the way we understand and treat auditory dysfunction. These tools have been used around the globe to improve the lives of patients and to guide the clinical reasoning of thousands of audiologists.

A gifted educator and generous mentor, Dr. Katz was known for his boundless curiosity, engaging teaching style, and insistence on both scientific rigor and clinical compassion. His textbooks, lectures, and research helped shape audiology as an evidence-based profession rooted in service to others.

In 1999, the American Academy of Audiology honored Dr. Katz with the Professional Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field. Even in recent years, his voice remained active and vital—his final article was published in Audiology Today just months before his passing, a testament to his enduring commitment to education, innovation, and the future of the profession.

Dr. Katz was a long-standing and deeply engaged member of the Academy, where he championed research, clinical excellence, and advocacy for individuals with auditory disorders. His contributions helped lay the foundation for many of the Academy’s current initiatives in auditory processing and professional development.

As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life devoted to advancing the science and art of audiology. Dr. Jack Katz leaves behind a legacy of innovation, humanity, and a profound dedication to helping others hear and understand the world around them.

He will be deeply missed, but his work and spirit will continue to inspire us for generations to come.