Hear, Hear! Celebrating a Milestone

Twenty-two students in the doctor of audiology program at LSU Health New Orleans School of Allied Health Professions reached a milestone in their education at the 7th Biennial White Coat Ceremony on March 9, 2018. The members of the classes of 2020 and 2021 were “coated” by Audiology faculty before an auditorium packed with their loved ones. As with other health disciplines, the white coat represents professionalism and entry into clinical practice for these soon to be practicing audiologists.

According to the American Academy of Audiology, “Audiologists are the primary health-care professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children.”

Their scope of practice has substantially expanded, and so have the educational requirements to become a licensed audiologist. A doctoral degree is now required. LSU Health New Orleans is home to the first approved AuD program in Louisiana. The four-year audiology doctorate program is part of the Department of Communication Disorders and includes an externship year.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, “Employment of audiologists is projected to grow 29 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Hearing loss increases as people age, so the aging population is likely to increase demand for audiologists. The early identification and diagnosis of hearing disorders in infants also may spur employment growth. Advances in hearing aid design, such as smaller size and the reduction of feedback, may make such devices more appealing as a means to minimize the effects of hearing loss. This may lead to more demand for audiologists.”

Dr. Jackie Clark, President-Elect of the American Academy of Audiology and Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas, gave the keynote address at the ceremony, sponsored by the Louisiana Academy of Audiology.

“We are so pleased to celebrate our students’ journey from academic learning to clinical patient care,” says Annette Hurley, PhD, CCC-A, LSU Health New Orleans Interim Head of Communication Disorders and Audiology Program Director, “and are proud to call them colleagues.”