MARCH 3, 2021 – Introduced by Representatives Tom Rice (R-SC) and Matt Cartwright (D-PA), with more than 20 bipartisan original co-sponsors, the Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act (MAASA) of 2021 will enhance the Medicare benefit by providing critical direct access to both diagnostic and therapeutic services provided by audiologists. The American Academy of Audiology (AAA), the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) endorse this legislation as a top priority to ensure expedient and optimal hearing and balance health care for the older adult population in the United States.

Scientists, engineers, and clinicians the world over credit Dr. James E. (Jim) West with changing the world of sound quality and connectivity. He, along with Dr. Gerhard Sessler, co-invented the foil electret microphone in 1962, while working at Bell Labs. Those of us who use hearing aids and cell phones benefit from his invention every single day. ADA would like to take an opportunity to recognize Dr. West and his important role as innovator as we celebrate Black History Month.

The right side is red, the left side is blue: To the audiology profession we are faithful and true.

ADA is devoted to evidence-based practices in the delivery of audiology services and passionate about helping audiologists succeed! Our love for autonomous practice is unrivaled, as is our commitment to advocate for patient access to audiologists, and the advancement of audiology as a clinical doctoring profession.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) this week for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. This round of the PPP authorizes up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

The Academy of Doctors of Audiology invites audiologists and other professionals to submit instructional seminar proposals for AuDacity 2021, which will be held October 25-27, 2021 at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel in Portland, Oregon.