How Busy Pediatric Audiologists Can Stay on the Forefront of Research and Best Practices

For pediatric audiologists, it's simply not an option to fall behind on the latest research, best practices, and evidence-based protocols. A busy practice can’t stand in the way of improving outcomes for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, yet many pediatric audiologists don’t have the time to dive into the peer-reviewed journals or travel to in-person conferences. 

Hearing First is removing the barriers to accessing practical protocols and research-based information that can be applied to pediatric audiology practice. In 2024, Hearing First will provide a year’s worth of cutting-edge, evidence-based learning experiences focused on pediatric audiology and relevant topics pertaining to the comprehensive scope of practice, led by experts in each topic area.

The courses Hearing First offers focused on pediatric audiology will equip pediatric audiologists with evidence-based clinical knowledge necessary to provide best-practice pediatric hearing healthcare, helping professionals stay on the forefront of innovation and future-proof their practice. Courses are designed to meet an intermediate to advanced learning level and provide takeaways that will elevate the standards of care. 

Expert-Led Learning  

Courses are led by world-renowned pediatric hearing healthcare experts who will provide cutting-edge information pertaining to the comprehensive scope of practice of a pediatric audiologist. Topics range from genetics and embryological development to family-centered care and social-emotional aspects of hearing loss.

At the completion of each course, learners should be equipped with state-of-the-art knowledge that facilitates the provision of gold standard pediatric audiology services necessary for children with hearing loss to achieve optimal LSL outcomes.

Collaboration and understanding between pediatric audiologists, LSL interventionists, and other professionals is vital to successful outcomes. All Hearing First courses include a focus on a multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing the importance of collaborative care. 

Audiologists Jace Wolfe, Ph.D., CCC-A, and Andrea Dunn, Au.D, Ph.D., joined Teresa Caraway, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, and Tamara Elder, M.S. CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, to develop the Hearing First learning catalog. 

Jace Wolfe, Ph.D., CCC-A

Andrea Dunn, Au.D, Ph.D.

Teresa Caraway, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT

Tamara Elder, M.S. CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT

2024 Pediatric Audiology Courses 

The courses Hearing First offers focused on pediatric audiology will equip learners with the evidence-based clinical knowledge necessary to provide best-practice pediatric hearing healthcare. 

Fundamentals of Genetics and Hearing Loss 

 A two-part, 8-week-long genetics course kicks off the new pediatric audiology learning in the new year. This intermediate-level course offers comprehensive coverage of genetics and hearing loss. Part one focuses on the fundamentals of genetics and part two looks at the connection between genetics and auditory function in children. This course will be led by two subject matter experts, Dr. Hela Azaiez and Dr. Kevin Booth, of the University of Iowa’s ORL and Molecular Genetics Laboratory.

Following the genetics course, the Hearing First 2024 Learning Experiences will cover a variety of pediatric audiology topics such as audiology and autism, imaging of the auditory system, addressing self-esteem, peer pressure, and bullying associated with childhood hearing loss, and more.

More Pediatric Audiology Courses

For professionals interested in earning CEUs, Hearing First is an approved Continuing Education credit provider for American Academy of Audiology (AAA), Alexander Graham Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language (AG Bell), and the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Courses are offered at no cost to the learner.

The full 2024 course catalog opens for registration in December 2023. Learn more here.