EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Starkey Laboratories has been responsible for many industry firsts, including a $50,000 matching donation fund to help establish the Doctor of Audiology program in 1994. As a leading manufacturer, Starkey supports the continued development of the AuD and believes the degree is essential to the future of audiology and hearing care throughout the United States. Once again, the Starkey Challenge Program will provide matching contributions to the Audiology Foundation of America (AFA) of up to $50,000.
Starkey has long understood that there is more to being a full service company than simply manufacturing hearing aids. Beyond the literature and specifications, audiologists look to manufacturers for innovative programs to make the industry more reputable, professional and knowledgeable. It's no secret the that AuD is here. Now that the program is a reality at more than 20 colleges across the United States, it's more important than ever to help keep the AFA's finances strong.
Working in conjunction with the AFA, Starkey encourages practitioners to enroll in distance AuD programs. Audiology is not yet considered to be a doctoring profession and without the support of the entire industry, it may never become one. A critical mass of AuD graduates is the necessary next step to convince state licensure boards to make the AuD the criteria for new licensure and to achieve point-of-entry status for reimbursement.
The AFA has a proven track record of achievement with the number of AuD graduates going from zero in 1989 to more than 850 in 2002. Let's not fail to fund the next step of the transition. For more information about donating to the further development AuD degree, please contact AFA by visiting their website at www.AuDFound.org or by calling (765) 743-6283.
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