This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FSU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.<\/p>\n
As we look back on how far women have come in our society during Women\u2019s History Month<\/a>, it\u2019s important to remember that it isn\u2019t just about what\u2019s already happened, but also about the history currently being made.<\/p>\n The history of women in audiology isn\u2019t extensive, with the first female audiologist<\/a> receiving her degree only 75 years ago. Despite this, 86% of audiologists are women<\/a>, and at FSU, our department is part of that 86%.<\/p>\n The Audiology Department<\/a> is small here on campus and is run by Dr. Selena Snowden, along with Drs. Catherine Johnson and Chelsea Alexander. They provide a variety of services<\/a>, including comprehensive hearing evaluations, hearing aid services, cochlear implantation, hearing rehabilitation, and more.<\/p>\n The student body is just as small, with the 2026 graduating classes of Spring and Fall combined totaling only 12 women, despite the size of the overall Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) cohorts. With such a small department and field, it\u2019s easily overlooked, but Snowden and the students here are working hard to make sure they\u2019re recognized. I spoke with Snowden about what audiology means to her and how she\u2019s working towards bigger things here for the University.<\/p>\n \u201cMy journey with audiology began in high school, when I became fascinated by how the auditory system shapes a person\u2019s ability to communicate and connect with others. Even though I didn\u2019t know anyone personally with hearing loss, I was deeply moved by how hearing challenges can isolate people from the things and individuals they love.\u201d<\/p>\n After finding out that she was passionate about helping those with hearing challenges, she soon discovered her career path at FSU. \u201cAt the same time, I developed an interest in American Sign Language and was inspired by how it bridges communication and creates inclusion. Those same motivations led me to pursue audiology as my profession and in my work at FSU, where I\u2019ve continued to approach each patient as a unique individual rather than a diagnosis,\u201d Snowden explains.<\/p>\n In her work, Snowden practices a holistic approach when trying to understand her patients. \u201cI strive to treat the whole person, understanding that hearing and communication are deeply personal and that there\u2019s never a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the auditory system,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n Snowden, along with Johnson and Alexander, treats all types of individuals across the lifespan, with different disorders, specialized needs, and those who also need speech rehabilitation services<\/a>, which are also offered by the L.L. Schendel Speech and Hearing Clinic<\/a>.<\/p>\n Currently, there are only 80 schools<\/a> in the country that offer a Doctorate of Audiology (AuD). Snowden and FSU are looking at expanding that number with a possible program here in Tallahassee. She\u2019s looking to create an accelerated program, which allows students to get their degree in three years instead of the traditional four.<\/p>\n However, creating such a program comes with its challenges, and it\u2019s possible that this program may not come to FSU for years to come.<\/p>\n \u201cBeing at the forefront of FSU\u2019s pioneering audiology program feels like being a part of the creation of history. Even if our Doctor of Audiology program doesn\u2019t come to fruition, it\u2019s both humbling and exhilarating to mentor our talented undergraduates here in Tallahassee as we work together to shape a legacy of excellence in this vital field,\u201d says Snowden.<\/p>\n Snowden and her team have already created so much history and have had so many achievements here at FSU. She\u2019s helped create and preserve opportunities for students and life-changing aid for individuals in need. According to her, this is what you should know about the Audiology Department here on campus.<\/p>\n \u201cWe desire the FSU community to know that our team drives innovative patient care at the L.L. Schendel Speech and Hearing Clinic. With recent endowments like the Bob & Gail Knight Distinguished Professorship fueling program growth, FSU Audiology is a hub for holistic, community-focused expertise that elevates FSU\u2019s role in addressing vital hearing health needs in Tallahassee,\u201d Snowden says.<\/p>\n In terms of opportunities on campus to get involved with the audiology field, Snowden encourages students to either take coursework in the field or participate in fieldwork with professionals.<\/p>\n She explains, \u201cUndergraduates can get involved with audiology in several meaningful ways. Students can take coursework in Communication Science and Disorders to build a strong foundation for audiology, seek clinical opportunities with audiologists at the FSU Speech and Hearing Clinic, and participate in the Student Academy of Audiology chapter at FSU.\u201d<\/p>\n Outside of FSU, there are also other ways to make an impact. \u201cStudents also have the opportunity to assist with faculty research and volunteer at outreach events, such as Special Olympics Healthy Hearing screenings or the annual Help Guatemala Hear service trip. These unique volunteer opportunities make a profound difference in the lives of those they serve,\u201d she emphasizes.<\/p>\n Snowden believes that the Audiology Department is supportive and possesses the resources for students to thrive. She states, \u201cBy delivering hands-on care and education, FSU students gain invaluable clinical experience, enhance their cultural competency, and deepen their understanding of global health challenges. Overall, the FSU Audiology Department embodies FSU\u2019s commitment to service, global engagement, and the advancement of hearing healthcare.\u201d<\/p>\n The Audiology Department is a representation of hard work, determination, and service to the community. The hearing and vestibular systems are crucial to everyday life, and damage or abnormalities in these systems can cause lifelong complications.<\/p>\n If it interests you, I suggest you look into the auditory system<\/a> and its role in the body, and even consider the CSD program<\/a> here at FSU if you think audiology may be a field you would enjoy.<\/p>\n Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to follow us on Instagram<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, and Pinterest<\/a>!<\/p>\n \t