Happy Better Hearing Month! The American Academy of Audiology recognizes May as Better Hearing Month. On the Academy’s website, you will find a host of resources about advocating for audiology and spreading awareness about the impacts of hearing loss during the month of May. Additionally, over the years students have written about the role audiology students can play in promoting Better Hearing Month. In an effort to get students thinking about the importance of Better Hearing Month, Madeleine Campbell, 2023-2024 National SAA Programs Committee Co-Chair, wrote about the impact students can make “beyond the audiogram”. If you are interested in learning about ways your local SAA chapter can get involved, check out this blog post from 2019 that is still as relevant now as it was then.
On a personal note, one of the accomplishments I am most proud of during my time with national SAA occurred in 2023 while I was serving as the national SAA Texas State Ambassador. In the spring of 2023, I submitted a proclamation to the city of Dallas in recognition of May as Better Speech and Hearing Month. I received the signed proclamation shortly before May of 2023. My school was so excited about the proclamation that they had it framed! Whether it is on the local or national level, it is always a wonderful feeling to gain recognition for the impact audiologists have on patients’ lives. I encourage other students to submit a proclamation in the city they reside to highlight audiology this month.
In addition to Better Hearing Month, May also marks the end of the spring semester for many students. Congratulations to all the students graduating this year and best of luck to all the students who are beginning their externship or are approaching the start of the summer semester!
Lindee Alvarez
2024-2025 National SAA President
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