Let’s Create Audiology’s Future

Jason Leyendecker, Au.D.

The profession of audiology has evolved in the last several decades. Change is inevitable with advancements in technology, the needs of the consumer and the demands of the profession. Our organization is always evaluating these concerns and looking to be at the forefront of the change. As the organization that represents the autonomous audiologist, leadership also needs to be autonomous.

As a president starts their year in the hot seat it is always a goal to create positive change and leave their name on something special our profession can look back on saying “that was a good year, and they were a good president.” With one year as president, it is challenging to accomplish a major project that will leave that lasting effect on our profession. The reality is it is more likely to make a small change in the direction of a strategic plan set forth by previous boards. Following a strategic plan can give guidance while still being autonomous on how you achieve the goals of the plan.

For ADA to continue moving forward our board met in person and looked back on the history of audiology and the plans created as far back as the formation of the AuD. Our goal was to evaluate where the AuD is and what the vision of Dr. Goldstein and his colleagues had back when the vision was in its infancy. We took time walking through the history of what we have accomplished with the AuD, and it is clear we still have some work to do to fulfill their vision, but we are on the right path. We also looked at other professions that parallel with audiology and what they have accomplished and how they achieved their goals. We have identified that we parallel well with dentistry and optometry and even though we parallel well with these professions, they are what seems like light years ahead of where we want to be to fulfill the goals of our forefathers.

We have several action items that came from our meeting that we can continue to work on for years to come. Some of these action items will include the whole profession working together so we need to start with building stronger relationships with our colleagues at AAA and ASHA as well as our neighboring colleagues at IHS and AAO-HNS. The profession of audiology plays a pivotal role in hearing healthcare, and it needs to advance its priorities responsibly and effectively. This includes making change at the state level as well.

One giant step forward for our profession happened just this summer at the state level. We applaud our Maryland colleagues for pushing their scope of practice forward with HB 464/SB 795 allowing audiologists to order imaging and blood work to better serve our patients. This scope advancement can drive our education forward as to order these tests we will need to be prepared to interpret the results to the patient. We will need to work with our ENT colleagues to ensure the regulatory process of this bill requires audiologists be prepared to order without compromising care.

Every positive change for audiology will continue to create positive momentum. As more states push to expand our profession, more of our goals of the vision of the AuD will be fulfilled. The autonomous audiologist will continue to push the AuD forward and our patients will be better served. There is a quote by Abraham Lincoln that rings true when it comes to the future. “The best way to predict the future, is to create it.” I’m proud of the things audiologists are creating for the future. ■