Re-Imagining Audiology: Audiology 2050

Earlier this month, the Board of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), introduced Audiology 2050, an initiative and movement to modernize the profession of audiology and the care we provide and, finally, fulfill the goals and promise of the AuD degree. You will see the tenets of the initiative above, with the patient and the patient relationship being at the center of the movement. True success always lies in keeping that at the forefront. Learn More about Audiology 2050 here.

Accomplishing this mission will take a grassroots, "all hands on deck" effort from audiologists in every corner and facet of the profession. This is where audiology advocacy and activism comes in. Engagement and donations of time and treasure will be required to make this initiative a reality. I do not mean to fear monger but instead warn all of you of realities on the ground: The profession of audiology is under threat from every direction, including amongst ourselves and our multiple representative organizations. The necessary evolution of audiology will require, for once, true COMPROMISE and working TOGETHER for the profession and not ourselves and our individual organizations. We all have to, once and for all, put audiology first.

This is important because some of this, such as achieving LLP status and professional workforce issues and recognition, will require significant federal lobbying and engagement, as both may require an act of the US Congress. It will require speaking in ONE voice. Membership dues alone, to any national professional organization, cannot fund these necessary lobbying activities, especially if three separate organizations are doing to work. Realistically, we need every audiologist to donate, above their membership dues, annually to a national audiology association (hopefully one that is actually doing the work and can illustrate that) and state professional association (which is where a lion's share of this work will be done as you will see). Federal lobbyists cost approximately $200K and state lobbyists cost $30-50K per year. It takes volunteers and money to get things done.

Other aspects, such as professional socialization and standardized, evidence based clinical practice are the primary responsibility of academia and preceptors. We need to normalize evidence based care in every practice, especially in training clinics, and model the ethical, transparent, and appropriate use of the title of "doctor" and the rights and responsibilities that come with it. We need to walk the walk and talk the talk for the next generation of audiologists to take heed and notice.

Scope of practice modernization and professional workforce changes will require significant engagement at the state level, as scope of practice of every type and level of provider in the hearing healthcare space is determined, individually, by each state and territory. It is well past time to re-evaluate, reconsider, and re-imagine the education, roles, rights, and responsibilities of all stakeholders in the care delivery, from audiology assistants and technicians, to hearing aid dispensers, to audiologists, to physicians and other non-physician practitioners. There are too many people who need our services to continue with antiquated, impractical roles and scopes of practice. As I have said before and will say again, I care more about a profession's formal academic and clinical education and training and the ability to provide care based upon those skills and that education than I necessarily care about the title. If you have commensurate education and training, you should have access to a scope that recognizes that. We need to focus audiologic care delivery on the practice of audiology and vestibular and delegate and reassign responsibilities that do not require our level of education and expertise to other trained colleagues and providers. These changes can and do happen at the state level; this is why their support is invaluable in your day to day practice of your discipline.

Audiology 2050 can be accomplished. Its not a fools errand or impossible. Some of us, in some states, have already made significant inroads on this agenda. We though need more engagement across the country. We need less apathy and more action. Audiologists already made this initial investment in time and treasure to get where they are today. Don't you want to see it fulfill its true destiny?

There are compromises that can and should be made from all stakeholders in the hearing healthcare space that can positively affect everyone, especially our those we serve, and still make this initiative possible to achieve. There are more individuals who need evaluation and treatment than there are available providers. In order to meet the needs of today's consumer or patient, every entity needs to be willing and able to give something up in order to get something in return. We need to put history, ego, pride, and association aside for the good of the whole. We need to think differently and be honest, straightforward and evidence based in our mission. Every stakeholder, including our patients, can be a winner here! We just have to be open to being fair and transparent and work together to re-imagine the patient care journey and continuum.

To quote Sir Edmund Hillary, "It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves."?This is a call to action for each of you! Step up and step in! I have said it before and I will say it again, opportunities abound for audiology if we are willing to re-imagine what audiology is and can be. We are more than an audiogram and a hearing aid (both of which, by the way, we have NEVER truly owned). Let's advocate to become both an audiologist and a doctoring professional and fulfill our professional destinies.