Welcome to the
New Hampshire Academy of Audiology

Mission Statement

The mission of the New Hampshire Academy of Audiology is to serve the professional needs of audiologists by advancing the autonomous profession of audiology through leadership, advocating for members, and those they serve, providing quality continuing education (CEU) opportunities, and increasing public awareness of hearing and vestibular disorders and their treatment.

About Us

The New Hampshire Academy of Audiology was established in 1994 by audiologists from around the state as a nonprofit organization to address professional issues and standards of hearing healthcare. We practice in a variety of settings including private offices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, research facilities, universities, and in association with doctors who specialize in the medical treatment of ears. Our members are located in communities across the state.

Our first effort in 1994 was to promote legislation to license audiologists in our state. That was accomplished in 1996. The New Hampshire board of hearing care providers was convened in 1997 to write the rules of operation for this oversight board. These rules were accepted by the Legislature in 1998. Since that time, all audiologists who practice in New Hampshire are required to be licensed.

In 1996 the academy turned its attention to promoting continuing education and began to host a full day seminar each fall. In 2000 we joined efforts with the Maine Academy of Audiology. The annual seminar has been co-hosted by both academies through 2017. Since then, we have continued sponsoring continuing education conferences on a biennial basis.

Members of our academy continue to support the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening effort in the state. Additionally, efforts to improve access to quality follow-up care for the infant and pediatric population identified with hearing loss are ongoing.

President's Letter

Greetings to everyone and Happy New Year.

Beginning in 2021, changes in our profession are taking place in New Hampshire. Our members have begun a dedicated effort to strengthen the Academy and represent ourselves and our profession with a larger, more visible presence.

In 2022, we were able to amend the wording in the new law which merged the Boards of Speech-Language Pathology and Hearing Care Providers into one Board. This amendment assures that audiologists have a seat on the board, as well as Speech-Language Pathologists and a Hearing aid Dealer.

In 2023, we reviewed and worked with our Board member as rules and procedures were changed and updated. We supported and testified for passage of the bill to license music therapists in the state, as they are allies in providing beneficial services to individuals with hearing loss. Our full day conference was a success with well informed speakers on the subjects of Over-The-Counter hearing aids and the value of music in helping clients with developing cognitive declines, including methods for being able to identify changes that are due to hearing loss or not. We also had a planning meeting to identify our strengths, challenges, opportunities, resources, technology and potential disruptors to help guide our efforts as we move forward.

2024 brought more changes. We reviewed and substantially updated, amended and revised a large portion of the Academy's By-Laws to bring them into the 21st century, current status and comply with new regulations in the state. These were approved by the members during the September meeting in Concord. We were also instrumental in supporting and shepherding the bill to create a newborn screening protocol for congenital CMV and continue to monitor this as the rules are written and then implemented this year.

In 2025, our work continues as we monitor and provide testimony to Legislative Committees considering Bills that have a impact on our profession. Current efforts include monitoring the Commission of Telehealth services and rule making, the on-going reorganization and responsibilities of the Office of Professional Licensing and Certification, and funding public education, especially for students with special needs. We are again sponsoring a full day, in person conference as many audiologists enjoy the pleasure of meeting and networking with colleagues and vendors while learning about newer advances and technology. This year's fall conference is currently in the planning stages. Stay tuned as we will be posting updates as they become available.

As President, it is my role to represent all of you in my interactions with others to ensure that we are promoting ethical and best practices, professional development and utilizing newer technologies appropriately for the citizens of this great state.

New Hampshire has many smart, talented and dedicated audiologists. Participation by our members is vital; we need to hear from YOU! We have worked to keep our membership cost low and invite you to join in our efforts. If you aren't currently a member of the Academy, please consider joining us. State level Professional Associations are key to moving the profession forward. The more members we have enables us to have a stronger voice for our future. If you're already a member, please consider lending a hand or a few minutes here and there to share your thoughts and ideas.

Carolyn Drury, MS, Retired
President