Happy Anniversary, ABA!

The board has been busy preparing for the fast-approaching AAA 2024+HearTECH Expo in Atlanta, and with it, the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the American Board of Audiology Certified (ABAC) credential. In 1999, the American Board of Audiology was established and the first “Board Certified in Audiology” credentials were granted. The American Academy of Audiology has existed for 35 years and is the world’s largest professional organization of, by and for audiologists. More than 25 years ago, a group of audiologists within the Academy had a vision to raise the bar for our profession and the American Board of Audiology was born. The goal was to develop a new entity within the Academy that would “create, administer, and promote rigorous credentialing programs that elevate the professional practice of audiology and advance patient care.”

Today, the ABA offers the ABAC credential (more than 3,550 have been earned), as well as pediatric audiology and cochlear implant specialty certifications, and certificate programs in tinnitus management (CH-TM) and audiology precepting (CH-AP). The ABA board is also hard at work, in collaboration with the Academy, to assure that state licensing boards recognize the ABAC as evidence of an audiologist having met the qualifications for state licensure. This helps streamline the licensing process for new professionals, or those who have moved to a new state. You will hear more about these developments from the ABA board soon! Now, more than ever, it is critical for audiologists to set the bar high and show their dedication to excellence in our field.

In honor of our 25th anniversary celebration, we invite you to join us for a piece of cake and other goodies at the ABA Meet and Greet during the AAA 2024+HearTECH Expo in Atlanta. On Thursday, April 18, come and find us from 1:00-2:00 pm in the expo hall, near the entrance to the posters. I would also like to remind you that the conference is the perfect time for you to engage with other professionals, learn about updates in the field, and earn your Tier 1 and Ethics CEU hours that are required for your ABA credential! You can easily access a list of them by clicking the link provided here. The board is looking forward to a productive year. Be sure to come by and say hello in Atlanta.

Kristin Samuelson, AuD
ABA Certified