Recharge, Refocus, Rise: A Summer Guide for Audiology Students
By Hector Smith-Sanchez The heat of the summer brings the best time of the year, Better Hearing Month…
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Introducing the Academy`s July Volunteer Spotlight, Maggie Kettler, AuD!
"I volunteer with the Academy because I strongly believe in contributing to the advancement of the audiology profession. It provides a meaningful opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, exchange knowledge, and help shape best practices within our field. Volunteering also allows me to stay engaged with emerging trends and initiatives that directly impact patient care."
Newborn Hearing Screenings Made Easier: Why Did We Never Think of This?
In the United States, approximately 97 percent of babies born receive a newborn hearing screening (NBHS) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). There is no definitive data on which method of screening is used more, automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) or otoacoustic emissions (OAE); however, the United States heavily favors AABR (Interacoustics, 2021).
Babies need to be asleep or very still to complete an AABR. Putting cold gel on their heads to prep them for testing is a very effective way to wake them up!
Screeners at Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand have come up with an ingenious way to not put cold gel on their babies – by warming it up first. There is no portable, battery-powered, commercially available gel warmer for NBHS preparation. The solution was to have the Medical Physics and Bioengineering team create one. It took 2 years to make, but now the Cosyplate Gel Warmer® is used in their hospital consistently with great results. The device is now being used throughout their district, with interest from hospitals from all over the world.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, December). Annual summary data: Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program. Hearing Loss in Children.
Interacoustics. (2021, June 16). Newborn hearing screening: Which method is best? (2/5) [Video]. YouTube.
Dron, A. (2026). New invention sees newborn babies stay asleep during hearing checks. The Press.
The July/August digital issue of Audiology Today is now available! Check out our featured article, "Turning Off the Lights in Tinnitus Counseling," and a lot more in the issue. #AudiologyToday
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Undergraduate Programs
Thinking about pursuing an audiology program? Find undergraduate resources here to help make your journey easier.
Audiology Doctoral Students
About to choose between an AuD or PhD degree for your audiology program? Don’t walk this journey alone - find resources here that can help guide you.
Get Involved
Advocate on behalf of the profession, educate your peers, and participate in national campaigns to get the word out about hearing health.
Volunteer
The SAA has many volunteer opportunities from committee positions to a state ambassador program.
Advocate
Ensure your voice is heard and join your peers, and the Academy, on Capitol Hill.
Participate
Get involved in national campaigns to educate the public about hearing and balance care.
Become a Chapter
Instate a chapter at your university—become eligible for chapter funding opportunities.
Academy Enterprise
The Student Academy of Audiology works with the following groups who work to support the overall Academy in the areas of accreditation, philanthropy, voluntary certification, advocacy, and support and education of audiology students
