Introduction:
If you are an audiologist or are on your way to becoming an audiologist, the
American Academy of Audiology is your association.
Begun in 1988, the Academy's size is substantial, with over 10,000 audiologists as members. The main office is in Reston, Virginia, and a smaller office is on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The Academy's priorities consist of four basic pillars: advocacy, education, leadership, public awareness, and research.
Educational and Research Support:
The Academy strongly supports education and research through its foundation, the American Academy of Audiology Foundation. The foundation has a scholarship for graduate audiology students, the Roger Ruth Memorial Scholarship Fund. Further support is provided to audiology students through the Student Academy of Audiology. Professionals can earn continuing education units through online training provided by the Academy. Research is supported via Research Grants in Hearing and Balance, an annual series of grants for graduate student researchers and professional investigators.
Academy Support for Legislation:
The Academy is also a very strong advocate for audiology related legislation at both the federal and state level. For example, at the time About.com visited the site, the Academy was lobbying South Carolina to not remove a tax exemption for hearing aids. A Legislative Action Center uses CapWiz to encourage people to take action on various legislative issues such as the Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act.
In addition, the Academy has a Public Policy Resolution center that lists the Academy's policy statements. At the time About.com visited the site, the newest one was a Cochlear Implant Resolution.
Academy Conferences:
The Academy's main conference is AudiologyNow! and the Academy also holds smaller conferences such as an academy research conference, and a future leaders of audiology conference. In addition, the site also lists state audiology events and more national and international audiology events.
Employment Support:
Employment opportunities for audiology graduates and professionals are increased via the Academy's
jobs database,
HEARCareers. HEARCareers is free, but job seekers must create accounts to be able to access the job postings.
Academy Publications:
The Academy's publishes the
Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, available in electronic format for members only. Another publication is
Audiology Today, which is free online.
Audiology Today issue themes include topics such as Telehealth and Hearing Care.
The Academy has also published a few books, including "The BEST Guide to Marketing for Audiologists." Other Academy publications include brochures and multimedia resources.
Plus, a document library collects position statements, reports, and old articles in an organized topic index. A sample topic is Central Auditory Processing Disorder.
Academy Social Networking:
