New Jersey Academy of Audiology (NJAA)

Our Mission

The mission of the NJAA is to promote audiology as the primary profession in New Jersey for the delivery of hearing and balance care and to facilitate the ability of our members to identify, diagnose, treat, and prevent hearing and balance disorders through professional education, public awareness, and research initiatives.

President's Message

I am honored and excited to extend a heartfelt welcome to each of you as the newly appointed President of our esteemed New Jersey Academy of Audiology. It is with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility that I embark on this journey to serve you and advance the field of audiology in our state.

Our association has a rich history of fostering collaboration, promoting excellence, and advocating for the well-being of both our profession and the individuals we serve. I am committed to building upon these foundations and working tirelessly to ensure that our members continue to thrive in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, I am eager to engage with each of you, tapping into your expertise, experiences, and innovative ideas. Together, we will explore new frontiers, enhance professional development opportunities, and champion the highest standards of care for those with hearing and balance disorders.

I encourage you to actively participate in the various initiatives, events, and educational programs we will be organizing throughout the year. Your involvement is key to the success of our association, and your contributions will shape the future of audiology in our state.

In the spirit of unity and collaboration, I invite you to share your thoughts, suggestions, and aspirations for our association. Let us work together to create a vibrant community that not only supports the growth of our profession, but also advocates for the well-being of the individuals who depend on our expertise.

Thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of leading our state organization. I am confident that, through our collective efforts, we will achieve new heights and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

Here's to a productive and inspiring year ahead!

Warm regards,

Michelle Neidleman Kennedy

NJAA Events

No upcoming events

Once again NJSHA is partnering with NJAA to co-sponsor the Audiology Program at the NJSHA convention. We are excited about the new venue and expanded opportunities for in-person audiology continuing education. In addition to the exclusive audiology speakers highlighted below, there are "dual interest" sessions on topics including DEI, Supervision, Counseling, Auditory Processing Disorders and more. See the NJSHA website for more information and to register. https://www.njsha.org/

We hope to see you in Atlantic City in May!

FDA Ruling on OTC Hearing Aids

FDA FINALIZES REGULATIONS FOR Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids August 16, 2022

The FDA finalized its regulations for over-the-counter hearing devices. The regulatory body has altered output and length of canal insertion to be more protective of the users. It continues to emphasize that these devices are for adults only, with mild to moderate hearing loss.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has formulated an initial response to the FDA announcement. It is also providing an ongoing toolkit with talking points for audiologists to share with patients, physicians, pharmacists, and the public at large. ASHA will continue to add to the toolkit as more information becomes available. We recommend bookmarking the OTC toolkit and checking back for updates. If we familiarize ourselves with the issues involved, we help our patients make appropriately informed decisions.

What can we as audiologists do with this new information and new category of self-help devices? We are not being eliminated. We are just as necessary for advising and advocating for our patients. We cannot lose sight of the importance of an audiologic assessment and the consideration of medical issues that may need to be attended. We can charge for service visits to remove cerumen from the devices or provide verification of the device's effectiveness for patients. We will be there to provide appropriate recommendations for our patients when they are ready for prescription hearing aids. We can continue to be their audiologists.

We can also speak to our local referring physicians, local pharmacists, and local TV and radio stations. If we let them know what these devices are and are not, who they are appropriate for, and when it is necessary to refer for audiologic and medical evaluation, they become our allies.

Individuals should reach out to an audiologist for recommendations regarding if and what OTC hearing aids might be appropriate for them.

This does not eliminate audiologists or make them less important. We are more necessary than ever. Please click the link below for more information on the FDA’s News Release.

FDA Finalizes Historic Rule Enabling Access to Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids for Millions of Americans

Single License Update

Demystifying New Jersey’s newly established Single Licensure law:

 If you hold a current license to practice Audiology in the State of New Jersey and are in

good standing, you are automatically allowed to dispense hearing aids under that license

and do not need to retain a separate Hearing Aid Dispensing License.

 If you plan to supervise any non-audiologist for a Hearing Aid dispensing License you

must retain your Hearing Aid Dispensing License and abide by the regulations for

supervising.

 If you are a preceptor supervising students, they are functioning under your supervision

and subsequently your audiology license and therefore you are responsible for them in

their practice of hearing aids.

If you have specific questions please contact the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.

Audiology & SLP Advisory Committee

Hearing Aid Dispensers Examining Committee

News/Announcements

Vacant Position: Secretary

NJAA is looking for an audiologist to fulfill the role of secretary. The responsibilities of secretary are available upon request. Interested applicants should contact NJAA via email at: newjerseyaudiology@gmail.com

Who We Are

Founded in 1992, the NJAA has served as a resource for professional and consumers in New Jersey. As audiologists we are professionals who use all of the tools at our disposal to identify and treat hearing, balance, tinnitus and other auditory disorders in individuals across the lifespan.

Board of Directors

President - Michelle Neidleman Kennedy, AuD
Past-President - Donna Goione-Merchant, AuD
Vice President for Education - Dee Berry, AuD
Vice President for Professional Issues - Eric Bostwick, AuD
Vice President for Membership - Brittany Ziarko, AuD
Vice President for Communication - Ann Marie Olson, ScD
Secretary - Ann Marie Olson, ScD (temporary)
Treasurer - Lisa Bell, AuD

Why Become a Member

As a member of NJAA you will have access to:

Reduced registration fees at Continuing Education Events and the Annual NJAA Conference. The Conference is an exceptional continuing education opportunity that brings in outstanding and well-respected speakers and researchers in our field.
Professional leadership opportunities on NJAA committees.
Access to the Member’s Only Area of the NJAA Website
Access to the membership directory as well as networking opportunities with fellow audiologists throughout New Jersey.
Access to legislative updates for both state and national issues.
Access to the New Jersey Speech and Hearing Association Conference at member rates

Click Here for more member benefits

The New Jersey Academy of Audiology (NJAA) is dedicated to promoting the public good by fostering the growth, development, recognition, and status of the profession of Audiology and its members. NJAA is a 501c(6) professional, non-profit organization.