KUMC Student Academy of Audiology

WELCOME BACK!!

Join us NEXT Wednesday for our back to school Olympic themed event! Come find us in HEB G105 to meet all the other cohort members where we have lots of fun games, music, and prizes planned for you all! Let’s start the semester with some friendly competition🏅

May is better hearing month! This month is a great time to raise awareness and knowledge on the importance of hearing and ear health! 👂🏻🎧

Recently, our third year students showcased their Capstone Research Projects! We were thrilled to delve into their research findings and witness the culmination of their dedication and hard work. As they embark on their fourth year externships, we eagerly anticipate the exciting journeys that lie ahead for them!

LAST EVENT OF THE SEMESTER!!

Join us next week for a little study break from finals for a fun trivia and pizza night! Bring your thinking cap for trivia in fun, random facts relating to audiology and KU!

During the past week, several of our dedicated SAA members embarked on a transformative Therapy Abroad journey to San Pedro, Belize. They generously devoted their time to conducting screenings for the children of local schools and community members. This incredible opportunity not only left a lasting impact but also created countless cherished memories. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to for providing us with this unforgettable experience—a journey filled with memories that will resonate for a lifetime!

Today, on World Hearing Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible gift of sound. Our ability to hear connects us to the world in profound ways, enriching our experiences and shaping our interactions with others. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of hearing health.

Healthy hearing isn’t just about enjoying music or engaging in conversation—it’s about staying connected to the world around us, staying safe, and maintaining overall well-being. From the laughter of loved ones to the warning signals of approaching danger, our ears play a crucial role in our everyday lives.

However, hearing loss is a silent epidemic that affects millions worldwide, often going unnoticed until it significantly impacts quality of life. Whether caused by noise exposure, aging, or other factors, untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, cognitive decline, and decreased overall health.

That’s why, on this World Hearing Day, let’s make a commitment to prioritize our hearing health. Let’s start by being proactive—protecting our ears from loud noises, using hearing protection when necessary, and scheduling regular check-ups with an audiologist. Let’s also raise awareness about the importance of hearing health in our communities and advocate for accessible hearing care for all.

Together, let’s ensure that everyone can enjoy the symphony of life to its fullest. Let’s listen, learn, and take action for better hearing health today and every day. Because when we take care of our ears, we’re not just preserving our ability to hear—we’re nurturing our connection to the world and all the beauty it has to offer. 🦻🏻✨

On this International Cochlear Implant Day, let’s pause to celebrate the remarkable strides we’ve made in cochlear implant technology! Since the pioneering implantation in 1961, we’ve witnessed a remarkable evolution—from single-channel devices to multichannel systems. FDA regulations have also progressed, allowing candidacy as early as 9 months old.

Today, Single Sided Deafness stands at the forefront of our specialty’s discussions. As audiologists, we continue to advocate for lowering the age of candidacy as research continues to show the importance of early implantation.

The impact of cochlear implants on our profession and the lives of recipients is profound. Every day, we uncover new insights, and the ongoing evolution of these devices is both captivating and full of promise for our growing field of Audiology!

Meet the board Monday! Our last member of the exec board is our public relations chair, Maddie Kelly. Maddie is a 2nd year AuD student and she is excited to find/create more volunteer opportunities for our SAA members. She’s also looking forward to making lasting memories with everyone throughout our program!

Meet the board Monday! This week we are excited to announce our program director, Ghina Fares. Ghina is a second year AuD student and is excited to grow her knowledge and raise awareness in the field of audiology!

Meet the board Monday! This week we are excited to announce our secretary Betsy Sweiger! Betsy is a first year AuD student and she is excited to know more people in our program and learn more audiology specific topics during her second semester of her first year!

We had so much fun making Valentines Day cards for patients here at KUMC tonight!

It’s not too late to make one! If you’re going to be in or near the clinic all the supplies will be in the simlab until Friday at 4:30 if you want to make a couple!

Meet the board Monday! This week we are excited to announce our treasurer, Michelle Banks. Michelle is a second year AuD student and is excited to create new memories with her peers and continue to build upon her knowledge of audiology!

We are excited to announce our first event of the 2024 year! Join us next Wednesday in HEB 2213 for music, snacks, and making homemade Valentines Day cards for the patients here at KU Medical Center!

Let’s meet the board Monday! This week we are announcing our Vice President, Shelby Cooper. She is a second year AuD student and is excited to create opportunities for all students to explore everything audiology has to offer!

Let’s meet the board Monday! We are excited to start off by introducing the KU SAA 2024 President, Hannah Engelken! Hannah is a second year AuD student and is excited to create more philanthropic events for our SAA members this year. She is also excited to create more awareness of our field throughout the KC community!

Congratulations to the 3rd years who worked so hard applying, interviewing, and accepting their 4th year externships! We are so happy and proud of you all. Can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will do as audiologists! 🦻

This past weekend some of our members volunteered at the Special Olympics in Kansas! They provided hearing screenings for the Special Olympics athletes as a part of their Healthy Athletes program. Great job everyone!!

November 9th is Microtia and Atresia Awareness Day. Microtia is when the ear is not fully formed and means “little ear” in Latin. Atresia means an abnormal narrowing of the ear canal. Microtia and Atresia Awareness Day is to raise awareness and spread knowledge, with the hopes of people becoming kinder and more accepting. We can eliminate bullying by spreading awareness and providing resources, tools, and support. Hearing aids, implants, cosmetic procedures, and even 3D printing are a few technological advances that can help those with microtia/atresia. Learn more about microtia and atresia and show support for those with the condition!

https://earcommunity.org/national-microtia-awareness-day-is-november-9th-4/592979/

Join us for our November event next Monday the 13th on zoom at 6 pm! Our guest speaker, Terri Steinlage, will talk to us about Hear2help, their mission, and upcoming volunteer opportunities!

As you may already know, October is Audiology Awareness Month! This month is dedicated to spreading awareness about the services audiologists provide as well as why you should consider hearing protection or treatment. Audiologists spend 4 years of postgraduate school (8+ years of schooling total) to earn their Doctor of Audiology.

Happy spooky season👻 Our next event, “Ears and Fears,” will be Monday 10/23 at 6 pm in HEB G205

We’ll watch a Halloween movie, eat pizza and cookies & drink apple cider! Be sure to watch your emails for a poll to vote on which movie we’ll watch :)

This week is balance awareness week! Take a look at common causes of hearing loss and balance issues listed by AAA. It is important for all of us to go see a provider if we are experiencing balance or dizziness to evaluate the dysfunction. So many injuries and even death can be caused by falls, so it is imported to be proactive if ever experiencing any balance problems!

Join us on Monday to hear our guest speaker, Olivia Bellatin, CNIM talk about what it’s like to be an intraoperative neurmonitor! Be prepared to learn about ABRs and other modalities run during brain surgeries!

September 18th at 6:30 via zoom. Be sure to check your emails for the zoom link!