Currently viewing Vol. 6 • Issue 1 • 2019

Message from the President

By Dave Gordey, PhD

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The Canadian Academy of Audiology (CAA) is a very special and unique organization. It does a superb job of representing the interests of audiologists in Canada, and this is made possible because of the competence, dedication and creativity of its volunteers, committee members, board of directors, administrative staff and executive director. CAA thrives on professional diversity! The inclusion of board and committee members from private practice, hospitals, industry, universities, retail, and public health has meant that we consider multiple perspectives and touchpoints when seeking to support the profession of audiology.

When I consider my work with CAA for the past two years, it has been a fantastic experience! I would like to extend a very warm thank you to our past presidents Salima Jiwani and Marlene Bagatto, and our executive director Jean Holden, for their coaching and guidance as I moved closer to taking on the role of president. I am optimistic that my work experience in public health audiology, university and industry can be applied to areas identified as being of high importance to audiologists working in Canada. These include increasing public awareness of audiology, promoting understanding and benefits of good hearing health, attention to accessibility, and the continued development of partnerships with physicians and allied health care providers.

This issue of the Canadian Audiologist is focused on a very important topic: accessibility for those with hearing loss. By promoting and implementing activities that support accessibility, we remove barriers for individuals with hearing loss. One of the most exciting facilitators towards improved accessibility has been the innovations in technology. Today, communication technologies are powerful, they are portable, and they can connect us globally. These technological advancements have contributed to the lives of individuals with hearing loss. Better hearing device technology and the opportunity for wireless connectivity means that those living with hearing loss have more access to the sound experiences that those with typical hearing enjoy.

I hope everyone will find this issue informative, and the ideas and knowledge shared will inspire you in your work with patients with hearing loss.

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About the author

Dave Gordey, PhD, President of the Canadian Academy of Audiology

Dave Gordey has been a pediatric audiologist for twenty-four years. He previously worked in a pediatric clinical practice in Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia. Dave is currently the director of clinical research and professional relations for Oticon A/S. He is an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia where he teaches classroom amplification. Dave has a PhD from York University in Toronto and his interests include amplification, implantable devices, auditory processing disorders, counseling and the social and emotional development of children with hearing loss.