Rock On, Susan!
Dr. Susan Scollie is a huge Rockstar in the field of audiology! Not only is Susan a kind person, but she is also a fantastic “rock n’ roll researcher who has made important contributions to the field. Because we share a passion for technology-focused clinical research, I have been a member of her fan club for many years. Her clinically-focused research has helped to shape the gold-standard hearing aid fitting practices in audiology. Her band, The Hear-O’s, have released many multi-platinum articles we know and love, including the desired sensation level (DSL) multistage input/output algorithm, clinical outcomes of nonlinear frequency compression, validity and repeatability of level-independent hearing level (HL) to sound pressure level (SPL) transforms, clinical protocols for fitting DSL, and so much more! In particular, one of my favorites in her hit single article, The Desired Sensation Level Multistage Input/Output Algorithm, has 418 citations according to Google Scholar, an impressive feat for any audiology rock band. This article aimed to introduce changes incorporated in DSLv5.0 for adults and children to avoid loudness discomfort at rock concerts, ensure audibility of all guitars, provide appropriate compression characteristics, and meet user needs across any rock concert venue. Even beyond its citations, this article has far-reaching impacts in graduate audiology courses spanning the globe and on every child with hearing loss who is fit with hearing aids using the DSL v5.0 strategy. In a recent article, Susan and her band members examined the validity of alternative rock, vent-corrected, simulated real-ear measurement for predicting real-ear aided responses for open hearing aid fittings with various domes. This work is important because open-fit hearing aids are like rock n’ roll royalty in today’s hearing aid fittings. These are only two of “The Killers” articles she has authored and collaborated on with her band; there are so many more!
To summarize, Susan’s contributions to audiology are immeasurable. I have No Doubt others in the field agree that Susan is an audiology Slayer and the Queen of hearing technology. Rock on, Susan! I can’t wait to read your future hits on the Canadian – Top 40.