From OAA President

Please Visit the OAA 2020 Presidential Vlogs!

June, 2020

Statement from the Ohio Academy of Audiology

Dear Fellow Audiologists:

There is no doubt that 2020 has turned out to be one of the most challenging years in recent history for a number of reasons.  But with challenges comes opportunity for true change.  The Code of Ethics we follow as Ohio audiologists demands we engage in the provision of hearing and balance healthcare without discrimination. As such, The Ohio Academy of Audiology Board of Directors denounces systematic racism and the violence incited in its name.  In multiple localities across Ohio, local and state representatives have come together to denounce violence and declare racism a public health crisis.  We, as healthcare providers, must play a role in the solution to this crisis, and we, as communication experts, can do just that with what we know best- LISTEN AND SPEAK.

Listen…

  • To your friends, family, colleagues, patients/clients of color speak their truth about how these acts have impacted them on a personal and professional level.
  • To stories written on hardships past and present.

  • To history and know that if we acknowledge it, we can play a part in not repeating it.

Speak…

  • Address the Inequities you witness or experience yourself...Do Not be a Bystander.
  • Be an Ally by Advocating for Change.  Advocacy occurs on local, state, and national levels- get involved to address inequities in Ohio with viable solutions.  Contact your national governing body of choice to get involved on the national level.

  • Vote.  Educate yourself on your representation and where they stand on these issues and issues that mean the most to you, both professionally and personally.  Then exercise your right to vote for those who speak your voice and how you want change to materialize.

We stand with our colleagues, friends, families, patients/clients, and communities when we state #RacismIsAPublicHealthCrisis.  We appreciate our members and their continued commitment to providing exceptional services to all patients/clients and their families equally during these tumultuous times. #hEARohio.

Best Regards,

The OAA Board of Directors

May, 2020

The Ohio academy of audiology celebrates better hearing and speech month! Check out our wonderful video on youtube featuring several members of your ohio academy of audiology board!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF_akKwgbQs

Stay safe and healthy everyone!

March, 2020

Ohio Academy of Audiology Response to COVID-19

Dear Fellow Ohio Audiologists,

It has certainly been an interesting time to be a healthcare provider, and as things continue to evolve we will all have to be creative and innovative with how we address the needs of our patients balanced with our own needs and that of our families.  As healthcare providers, we are essential to the fight against COVID-19 and we can contribute meaningfully by both providing essential needed patient care services and by exercising social/physical distancing for non-essential patient needs.  Several resources are available as guidance for clinical practice during this time, including Dr. Amy Acton’s recent Stay-at-Home order which defines healthcare providers as essential and able to perform needed services for patients.  Additionally, the American Academy of Audiology has provided COVID-19 Clinical Practice Recommendations and a recorded video address from current president, Dr. Catherine Palmer, to provide clarity during these uncertain times.

Taken together, the messages received suggest that essential patient care during these times can still occur, but with proper precautions and discretion.  If there are patient care needs that are essential (ie: facilitating communication for medical treatment and/or communicating needs in an emergency) providers can still engage in those services but should make every attempt to provide them within the context of social/physical distancing.  In accordance with our state’s emergency declarations, tele-health can and should be used whenever possible.  Telehealth resources are available through AAA, including Telehealth Resource Centers,  Telehealth Articles, and a Telehealth Tool-kit.   

For more information specific to Ohio, please visit the Ohio Department of Health dedicated COVID-19 website and specific resources available therein for healthcare providers.

Be well,

Ursula Findlen, OAA President

#hEARohio #audiology #coronavirus