Committee Member Spotlight: Emily Camacho

Name: Emily J. Camacho
University: Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
Year in Program: Fourth Year
Committee: Students with Hearing Loss Task Force

Why did you decide to become an SAA committee volunteer?
During the first three years of graduate school, I had been involved with projects that support the d/Deaf and h/Hard-of-h/Hearing community in St. Louis. In addition, I collaborated with Dr. Amanda Ortmann in increasing accessibility and advocacy for audiology students with hearing loss. I wanted to continue this involvement, but within the SAA Students with Hearing Loss Task Force. Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiologists are a great asset to the field; with the right tools, adequate accommodations, and solid learning foundation, we are able to build a unique rapport with patients.

What are you most excited to contribute to your committee?
I am excited to continue working with fellow audiologists-in-training, who also happen to have hearing loss. The resources the Task Force has created for current and prospective audiology students are absolutely wonderful. There is information on how to perform modified listening checks on hearing devices, request accommodations in a variety of settings, and network with fellow audiologists/audiology students with hearing loss. My goal is to continue enhancing these resources and informing more students of this valuable information.

Within the field of audiology, what are your primary interests?
As a bilingual/bimodal communicator (spoken English and Spanish, and American Sign Language) and bilateral cochlear implant user, my primary interests in audiology include pediatric (re)habilitation, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and language acquisition.

Fun fact about yourself?
I have made it a goal of mine to attend as many concerts as I can before the artists eventually stop touring (and snag a band t-shirt in the process). I have seen Black Sabbath, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Red Hot Chili Peppers (4 times), No Doubt, Pink, Sublime, 311, Korn, Slipknot, Snoop Dogg, War, and the list goes on!