The Breadth of Audiology

Hello! We have all had a few weeks to settle back into our respective work settings following the recent AAA 2024+HearTECH Expo in Atlanta, and I hope you feel as energized and excited about our profession as I find myself! I always return from the conference feeling refreshed and renewed, having learned so many new things that make me a better professional. At each conference, I enjoy the Grand Rounds presentations, Learning Modules, Industry Updates, and so much more, when it comes to learning and earning CEUs. But, also, when I reflect on my experience, I realize that valuable time at the AAA conference is time spent with colleagues…catching up with old friends and classmates, but also meeting new audiologists from different generations, geographical areas, and fields of expertise.

Each year at the AAA conference, I am reminded of what a diverse group we are as audiologists, and how many different hats we wear. At the Student Academy of Audiology Conference on Wednesday, Carrie Meyer and I had the pleasure of speaking about ABA certificates and certifications. We had the opportunity to meet students from all over the country, who are accomplished and enthusiastic about their new profession. On Friday morning, I facilitated a “coffee talk” roundtable discussion on educational audiology. There were also 19 other tables in the room, each led by an audiologist with a different expertise such as billing, student supervision, vestibular audiology, research, practice management, tinnitus, and more. 

Audiologists come from all walks of life, and from all corners of the globe, but what I appreciate so much about the American Academy of Audiology is that we are one unifying organization, “of, by, and for audiologists.” Whether you are in academia, research, clinical audiology, pediatrics, geriatrics, vestibular audiology, hearing aids, industry, etc., the Academy is your professional home. The ABA, as an entity of the Academy, proudly offers the certificates and certifications that allow you to distinguish yourself as an audiologist who sets the bar higher.

Thank you for remaining committed to the highest level of care in audiology. Together we are better, as we strive daily to improve the quality of life for the patients we serve.

Best regards,
Kristin Samuelson, AuD, ABAC
Chair, American Board of Audiology