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.

NJAA Events

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AUDIOLOGY PROGRAM AT NJSHA

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

Message from the President

The Corona Virus has affected our lives and audiology practices. Below are reliable health resources pertaining to protective measures and updates. NJAA is here to support our members in this evolving landscape.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
NJ Department of Health & Human Services
COVID-19 Information by County

News/Announcements

Vacant Position: VP of Professional Issues

It is with a very heavy heart that NJAA announces an opening on our Board of Directors. Bob Woods, our VP of Professional Issues passed away in 2021. Bob was an advocate for NJ audiologists and an integral part of passing the single licensure law. His dedication to the field of audiology and NJAA is unmatched. NJAA is looking to fulfill his legacy with an audiologist who is passionate about professional issues that need to be address in NJ. 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 - Donna Goione-Merchant, AuD
Past-President - Janet Koehnke, PhD
Vice President for Education - Faith Mogila, ScD
Vice President for Professional Issues - vacant
Vice President for Membership - Alex Malyarovich, ScD
Vice President for Communication - Ann Marie Olson, ScD
Secretary - Michelle Niedleman-Kennedy, AuD
Treasurer - Joan Besing, PhD

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

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.