November 2019 Advisors Corner

Whether we like it or not, Fall is in full swing. Temperatures are dropping, the leaves are changing (or they’re gone…), and the first semester of the year is well in progress. Fall also is home to one of the best reminders to advocate for our profession, National Audiology Awareness Month.

Throughout October, it was wonderful watching what current and future audiologists are planning to increase audiology awareness at both a local and national level. Among other things, the national Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) released a series of audiology-related memes on their Facebook page for members to share in order to help increase awareness. Additionally, they organized the fifth annual “Ask Me About Audiology” Campaign, and incentivized participation nationwide by offering Chapter Challenge points. If your chapter participated, email an update to Samantha Kesteloot, SAA Public Outreach Committee Chair, to be featured on social media. Finally, the SAA and the Student Academy of Doctors of Audiology (SADA) announced their partnership to create audiology-themed educational materials.

Just because October is over doesn’t mean we should stop acting as the voice of our profession. As the year goes on, try to brainstorm ways to incorporate education and advocacy into your everyday lives. Consider planning a recurring event with your local chapter (and nearby chapters, if possible), invite a speaker to a local SAA meeting, and be sure to share information with the general population. As an advocate of the profession, every month should be Audiology Awareness Month!

Ashley Hughes, AuD, Chair, SAA Advisory Committee