Northwest Academy of Audiology News

NWAA Merger Press Release

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 04:47:29 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Academy of Audiology and Washington State Academy of Audiology Merge to Form the Northwest Academy of Audiology

New organization aims to better support audiologists across Oregon and Washington through enhanced education, advocacy, and networking.

Portland, OR – January 31, 2025 – In a bold step toward strengthening the audiology profession in the Pacific Northwest, the Oregon Academy of Audiology (OAA) and the Washington State Academy of Audiology (WSAA) have officially merged to form the Northwest Academy of Audiology (NWAA), effective January 2025. This new organization will serve audiologists across both states, focusing on the vital issues of continuing education, advocacy, and fostering networking opportunities within the profession.

As state-based organizations have faced increasing challenges in securing the necessary resources to meet the growing needs of audiologists, the merger of OAA and WSAA aims to provide greater collective strength. By joining forces, NWAA will maximize its impact and better address the professional needs of audiologists in both states.

“The merging of these two state organizations is a response to the ongoing difficulties that many state associations face in supporting their members,” said Dr. Katy Mawson, President of the Northwest Academy of Audiology. “Finding the time, talent, and treasure to sustain operations and provide meaningful benefits to our members has become more challenging. This merger allows us to create a unified and stronger voice for audiologists, ensuring we can continue to advance the profession, advocate for our members, and provide essential resources for our providers, patients, and partners.”

Key Areas of Focus for the Northwest Academy of Audiology:

Continuing Education: NWAA will offer a robust calendar of educational events and webinars, enabling audiologists to stay at the forefront of advancements in hearing science, technology, and best practices.
Advocacy: The organization will serve as a powerful advocate for the audiology profession, ensuring the voices of audiologists are heard in legislative and policy discussions, and working to protect and advance the field across the region.
Networking: By bringing together audiologists from various regions and specialties, NWAA will facilitate collaboration and thoughtful exchange, helping professionals build stronger connections that will enrich their practice and careers.

“We are excited about the future of the Northwest Academy of Audiology and the opportunities it will provide to the professionals we serve,” said Dr. Mawson. “Through this merger, we are setting the stage for a more robust and dynamic organization that will be better equipped to serve the evolving needs of audiologists in Oregon and Washington.”

The NWAA team is working to transition OAA’s current digital presence to reflect the merger. Over the coming months, OAA’s website, social media, and other accounts will be updated with new domains, information, and logos representing NWAA.

For more information on the Northwest Academy of Audiology, membership details, or upcoming events, please visit northwestaudiology.org.

Updates to DME Authorizations

Katy Mawson — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 23:55:13 GMT

Members,
It has come to our attention that CareOregon no longer requires prior authorization for the following codes:

V5014	Repair/Modification of Hearing Aids
V5020	Conformity evaluation - hearing, vision, speech
V5140	Binaural - Behind the Ear
V5160	Binaural - Dispensing Fee
V5261	Binaural hearing aid/BTE
V5264	Earmolds / inserts
V5266	Batteries	No PA required for OHP when quantity is 120/yr
V5274	Assistive Listening Device
V5275	Ear Impressions

Please follow this link to view the list. We have been advised to watch this webpage for continued updates as they add more codes to this list.

Misophonia Convention 2024

Katy Mawson — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 19:05:43 GMT

Join us for our annual convention in Atlanta, Georgia! While many details are still being finalized, take a look at this page for important details about when and where. For updates on the convention, join our mailing list at the bottom of our homepage.

We will be offering both an adult track and a teen track with concurrent sessions fit for all ages. Click Here to read about some of our featured speakers.

To attend the convention, please follow this link to register.

Apple Launches AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid

Katy Mawson — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:08:20 GMT

From AAA: On September 9, Apple announced that it is entering the over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids market. The company will soon offer an AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid. A new software upgrade to release later this fall will give users access to a hearing test, a hearing aid capability, and hearing protection through the use of AirPods Pro 2 and iPhone or iPad. The hearing aid feature will not change the look of the AirPods Pro 2, making it impossible to distinguish between a regular AirPods user and one with the hearing aid capability. This latest release marks the continued expansion of Apple’s health and wellness vision.

Learn More on the Apple Launch website

OAA May 2024 Insurance Policy Tracking Update

Katy Mawson — Thu, 02 May 2024 23:03:50 GMT

Oregon Academy of Audiology is tracking the billing and coding bulletins put out by the major insurers in Oregon. The aim of this project is to find and inform our members of policy changes that may affect audiology providers. This is a new endeavor by OAA, so please let us know how we can improve it. Let us know if we are missing any major payors in Oregon.

This bulletin is intended for general informational use only, and should not be relied on as an exhaustive analysis of any individual clinic or provider’s contract with their payors. Please monitor your clinic’s insurance contracts and consult your own counsel regarding specific questions about your contracts.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k5vD2eLWZvtbIsGgjnsbthbEmbtpTMj5Zngi38xvi7U/edit

Advocacy Update: OAA Opposes Adding SLPA to Licensing Board

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 16:48:27 GMT

OAA Advocacy Alert:

The OAA Legislation and Policy Committee is following Oregon SB 124, a bill which would add a SLPA member to the Oregon Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The board is currently comprised of two audiologists, two speech-language pathologists, two consumers, and one ENT.

Oregon Academy of Audiology opposes this bill as it is written. OAA, the primary organization representing audiologists in Oregon, was not involved in the process of drafting of this legislation. This limited audiology’s voice in the creation of legislation that directly affects audiologists’ licensing board.

Additionally, OAA is concerned that adding a SLPA board member will create an imbalance between audiology and SLP representation. OAA cannot offer support to a bill which would effectively reduce the weight of audiology’s voice in any policy making body.

Finally, while SLPAs are certified by the licensing board, they are not licensed providers. Their scopes of practice and day-to-day activities are largely dictated by their supervising SLPs. Practical, administrative, and ethical issues that may arise around SLPAs would predominantly need to be remedied at the level of the SLPs. Further, even without a board member SLPAs still retain the right to attend board meetings and access to the members and resources of the licensing board.

Unfortunately, SB 124 has already passed the Oregon Senate and has moved on to the House. It is currently in the House Committee on Healthcare, where it has a public hearing scheduled for Thursday, April 29^th. OAA encourages all its members to submit testimony – either written or oral – to share their views on this legislation. Below is information on the bill as well as on how to submit testimony.

Bill Information:

· SB 124 text: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/SB124/Introduced
· SB 124 legislation page: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Measures/Overview/SB124
· Public hearing information:
· https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Committees/HHC/2021-04-29-03-15/Agenda

Written Testimony:

· Electronically: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Testimony/HHC
· Mail: House Committee on Health Care
900 Court Street NE, Room 453

Salem, OR 97301

· Written testimony may be submitted up to 24 hours after the meeting start time.

Registration is required to testify by phone or video.
Register online: https://survey.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9GGcXHWVskYPXZI

You will see a confirmation screen and be sent an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Register by phone: 833-588-4500. You will be given a phone number to call into the meeting.
Registration closes at the time the meeting is scheduled to begin.

March 3 is World Hearing Day

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 02:42:27 GMT

March 3rd is World Hearing Day.

For 2021 - let's consider hearing across the world.

What does hearing mean to you?

What does hearing ability provide for you?

How do you feel when you can't hear clearly?

Audiologists are hearing healthcare providers there to help- from prevention of hearing loss, to identification of hearing status, to treatment of hearing disorders.

Find your Oregon Audiologist under the tab "find an Audiologist"

We are "hear" for you!

Memorial for Duane Anerson

Evonne Serpa — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 00:10:21 GMT

We lost a dear friend & colleague, and a pioneer in our field on September 23rd, 2016.

-There will be a memorial service for Duane Anderson on Saturday October 29th 2:00 PM at the Westminister Presbyterian Church. 1624 NE Hancock, Portland OR

Sad news about Senator Alan Bates

Evonne Serpa — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 23:48:29 GMT

The Oregon Academy of Audiology board and all of its members are saddened with the news of the passing of State Senator Alan Bates. He helped to pass the newborn hearing screening requirements and did was involved in the elimination of dual licensure for audiologists. He will be missed.

http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20160806/NEWS/160809723

Registration is now open for the 26th annual Mayo Clinic Audiology Teleconference!

Sat, 05 Dec 2015 17:32:41 GMT

Looking for affordable CEUs? The Mayo Clinic Teleconference is the one for you!

Please join us on February 6th, 2016 from 7:00 am to 1:30 pm! See the events section for more information.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Spring 2015 Audiology Conference

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 21:03:00 GMT

Go to the EVENTS page for more details!

OR, CLICK HERE for conference brochure and registration information.

We hope to see you there!

Mayo Clinic 25th Audiology Conference

Evonne Serpa — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 18:47:53 GMT

Thank you to all the audiologists who joined us today for the 25th Mayo Clinic Audiology Teleconference.

If you missed it and are interested in the presentations, they can be downloaded: Mayo Clinic Handouts

President's message

Sat, 31 Jan 2015 20:31:57 GMT

Dear OAA members:

On behalf of the Oregon Academy of Audiology board I want to welcome you to our new website and to OAA’s next 20 years. I am honored to serve as your President for 2015. As president I will continue to help make OAA a unified and vocal organization that represents the interests of all Audiologists in our state.

2014 brought a celebration of the academy’s 20 years serving in Oregon. In these years OAA has been influential in many legislative goals such as: single licensure for audiologists, universal newborn screening in Oregon, worker compensation reimbursement for audiological services, mandated pediatric coverage for hearing aids for Oregon insurance plans, cochlear implant coverage, and an amendment of HB 2101 to allow audiologists licensed in Oregon to supervise trainees.

As a member of OAA you will receive discounted rates to OAA sponsored conferences and events. We also have a new and improved web directory listing that will make it easy for member networking and for consumers to locate audiologists in their area. We will also keep you updated on our latest legislative efforts.

In 2015 OAA will continue to develop the website to make it more dynamic. We will work toward building membership, increasing the use of email blasts and newsletters to update members of professional opportunities and legislative issues, continue to develop the student committee to be a source of information and support for Oregon’s Audiology students (both undergraduate and graduate), and provide support and networking capabilities for recent graduates establishing themselves in the Oregon audiology community.

Remember, OAA is only as good as it’s membership. We want to understand your needs and concerns. We encourage you to share your stories and build a community. Our goal is to make OAA your “go to” place for your professional needs.

Best,

Evonne Serpa, Au.D.

Parent Education Night

Evonne Serpa — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 02:00:00 GMT

Tucker Maxon School would like to invite you to a free Parent Education Night on Thursday, January 22 at 6 PM (see attached). The school is located at 2860 SE Holgate Blvd, Portland, OR 97202

TUCKER-MAXON Parents share their stories. Please join us to learn about children with hearing loss in your child's classroom and the unique experiences of their journey.

Local Audiologist Running for 2015 AAA Member-at-Large Position

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 06:49:00 GMT

Angela Pond, Au.D., staff audiologist from the Portland VA, is running for Member-at-Large in the upcoming 2015 AAA Board of Directors election. The election runs from January 19 through February 17. Below are a few words from Angela and the link to her position statement in Audiology Today. Don't forget to vote!

I wanted to let you know that I'm running for one of three "Member at Large" seats for the AAA Board of Directors. More information is published in this month's edition of Audiology Today. This email is to ask for your support in the election. I'd also appreciate it if you would talk to your audiology friends and ask them to vote for me as well! And, if you are wondering who would make a great AAA President, Jackie Clark has been a tremendous asset to our profession during my term on the American Board of Audiology. I think she would make an effective AAA President.

http://online.qmags.com/AT0115/default.aspx?pg=77&mode=2#pg77&mode2?fs=2&pg=77&mode=2

OAA Board Call for Nominees

Sat, 22 Nov 2014 00:22:50 GMT

Hello Members,

Five positions on the OAA Board will be open in January 2015 and we are looking for OAA members who are interesting in filling these seats.

The open positions are:

President-Elect: This is a three-year commitment. The President-Elect serves one year in that position, then automatically assumes the position of President the second year, Past President the third year. Note: The President-Elect is not the conference planner. Conference planning is no longer an elected position; the Board appoints an Education Chair. Shelly Boelter is the current Education Chair.

Regional Representatives: Four new regional representatives will be elected, three for a three-year term and one for a two years (fills second At-Large position due to vacancy mid-term.)

The open positions are:

1. Mid-Valley: Rep from area of Mid-Willamette valley from Woodburn to Eugene, includes central and north Coast.

2. South/East: Southern and Eastern Oregon includes the south Coast.

3. At-Large: Rep from any region of Oregon

4. At-Large: (two year years, completes term of Jim Baer who is moving out of state): Rep from any region of Oregon

The Board meets at (minimum two times per year. Board members have the opportunity of attending meetings via an online chat (feature TBD) and meetings will be about 90 minutes. Board meetings for the upcoming year will focus on OAA business; conference planning, bylaw revisions, website development, student involvement, pediatric concerns and other state/national issues, etc.

The first Board meeting will be in January. date to be determined.

I encourage each of you to consider serving on the Board as President-Elect or as a Regional Representative. OAA depends on volunteers to make this organization the voice of the profession of audiology in Oregon.

Please reply to this email if you want to volunteer for President-Elect or one of the four open positions for Regional Representative. The names of all those interested will be put on the ballot for the election that will be held in December.

Thank you in advance,

Evonne Serpa Nancy Dunn

President Elect, OAA Chair, OAA Board Nomination Committee

enserpa@gmail.com ndunn@aol.com