When audiologist, EmilyAnn Duffley, meets with parents to discuss and advise them on their children’s recently-diagnosed hearing loss, she understands they are processing more than a new medical diagnosis. “When a child is diagnosed with hearing loss, it can be overwhelming for parents. Lots of times, they’re emotional. They can’t focus on what’s being discussed in the appointment.”
Understanding families often had trouble recalling the information she shared with them in their audiology appointment, EmilyAnn was motivated to create a resource parents could come back to when they were ready to think about how to manage hearing loss. She developed a video series to guide children and parents through the new reality they faced. “Hearing loss ranges in severity, and there are different coping strategies and devices that can help deal with the loss of function. Families tailor how they live, so they can help their kids.”
The videos cover various topics, including, ‘What is an Audiogram?’ (https://youtu.be/nJXUAFEja4Q)
and ‘Hearing aids Versus Cochlear Implants’ (https://youtu.be/ZYNZ7eE4TgA).” They make the important details of living with hearing loss “easier for families to digest.” EmilyAnn is thankful for the partnership received from everyone around her. “It’s been a team effort! I was really empowered by my leaders to pursue this project. Erin Cox, in Marketing, and videographer, Christopher Nocera, helped capture the content and bring the scripts to life. Families are participating in filming, and doctors are sharing YouTube links with patients. It has been such a fun, creative outlet!”
The professionally trained vocalist who initially thought she might become an engineer is over the moon about being an audiologist at Texas Children’s. “It’s such a rewarding career, and I feel so lucky to be here.”
We feel just as lucky to have EmilyAnn!