Volunteer Spotlight: David Jedlicka, AuD

What is your background in audiology?

After completing my AuD in 2010 from the University of Pittsburgh, I was fortunate to be hired as a staff audiologist at the Pittsburgh VA, while also serving as a part-time instructor in the Pitt AuD program. I have a very diverse background in audiology, specializing in auditory processing disorders, vestibular evaluation, osseo-integrated amplification, tinnitus treatment, and I’ve been able to work on a few research projects as both a principal and co-investigator. While I do enjoy these specialty areas of audiology, my first love will always be amplification and assistive devices.

Why do you volunteer with the Academy?

Most of us will enter the field of audiology after investing eight years and hundreds of thousands of dollars into our education. I’ve always felt our investment into the profession of audiology should not stop after graduation. As my interests in audiology have evolved, I’ve found there was always a volunteering opportunity available for me which met my interests at the time. Volunteering is the best way to support the profession and along the way you’ll have the opportunity to make positive changes to our field as well as meet some of the most amazing audiologists. Beyond serving as a volunteer yourself, I strongly recommend that you introduce and encourage your colleagues, peers, and students to volunteer with the Academy as well.

Do you have any “spring cleaning” or decluttering techniques to share?

I try to keep it simple. When I’m doing my annual spring cleaning if I come across something that hasn’t been used in a year, I make sure to donate the item. I like to think my method is a modified version of Marie Kondo. Rather than looking for joy from an item, I make my “keep or donate” decisions based on need and purpose.

Is there a mentor or aspiring audiologist (student) that you have learned something valuable from? What was it?

Working with students is one of the best ways to remain enthusiastic about what we do as audiologists. I have the unique opportunity to work with students in the classroom and in the clinic. Every student I have ever worked with has shown me the value in remaining excited and passionate about what we do, even if it feels routine or mundane. One of the most inspirational things to see in our field is the excitement in a student when they learn a new skill or have the opportunity to help a patient for the first time. Seeing this on a daily basis is a great reminder that our ability to improve the lives of others, and their communication partners, should never be taken for granted.

If you could spend a month anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go and why?

I love traveling to new places, so any destination would suit me just fine, especially after a year of quarantining and remaining socially distanced.