Connecting with Colleagues, Leading the Way
By Stacey Baldwin, AuD, and Dana Jacobson, AuD, Co-Presidents and Co-CEOs, Associated Audiologists
While patient care is always our audiologists’ favorite part of the job, there is something uniquely invigorating about gathering with our professional colleagues. That was certainly the case at the 2026 Kansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (KSHA) statewide conference, held October 1 and 2 at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel.
The conference theme was “Evidence, Equity and Excellence,” featuring presentations on a variety of topics related to hearing, speech, and balance.
Several members of our clinical team — including audiologists, hearing aid specialists, and externs (students in their final year of training for their Doctor of Audiology degree) — participated in the conference. Altogether, we had a contingent of 20 clinicians from the practice, and we were extremely proud to have such strong representation at the event.
Sarah Jo Mediavilla, AuD Receives Audiologist of the Year Award
One especially meaningful moment was cheering on Sarah Jo Mediavilla, AuD, who received the Audiologist of the Year award. Dr. Mediavilla retired from Associated Audiologists earlier this year. She dedicated her last 12 years of patient care to our practice, completing over 4 decades of service to audiology.
David Paul, AuD and Katie Rhoads, AuD at KSHA 2026 Conference
We also recognized three of our team members for investing their time and expertise in leadership roles with KSHA.
- David Paul, AuD, served on the board as treasurer and presented the proposed budget to the organization at the conference.
- Katie Rhoads, AuD, served as conference co-chair for audiology, helping to make the entire event come together in a meaningful way for attendees.
- Stacey Baldwin, AuD, continues to serve on the board as legislative liaison and a member of the Ethical Practices committee.
“Professional conferences are such a great opportunity to connect with colleagues outside of our clinic and share our knowledge and passion for what we do,” shared Dana Jacobson, AuD. “Seeing members of our team take on leadership roles is especially exciting. It was wonderful to see the ideas, energy, and experience they brought to the conversation and to be part of it.”
Professional development sessions for audiologists and SLPs
Danielle Dorner, AuD Presenting at KSHA 2026 Conference
Associated Audiologists was also well-represented in the professional development sessions, including a presentation on Vestibular Anatomy and Physiology from Danielle Dorner, AuD, Vestibular Audiologist. Her insights into the relationship between inner ear anatomy and balance-related conditions helped attendees refresh their knowledge of the vestibular system and how to apply the results of balance testing for their patients.
“It is always an honor and privilege to speak in front of my cohorts, especially on a topic near and dear to my heart,” said Dr. Dorner. “I hope everyone walked away feeling more confident in their knowledge regarding vestibular disturbances and encouraged by how our field addresses these prevalent issues.”
We were also glad to be able to sponsor four student researchers in audiology to attend and present their research findings at the conference. “These types of educational and networking opportunities are incredibly valuable for audiology students,” said Dr. Baldwin. “Investing in their learning is one way we can support future leaders in the field.”
Associated Audiologists Sponsored Students with Stacey Baldwin, AuD, and Dana Jacobson, AuD at KSHA 2026 Conference
Learn more about the student researchers’ projects:
Knowledge and Attitudes of Skydivers Towards Hearing Protection
Morgan Sutter – Wichita State University
Many public skydiving websites recommend wearing hearing protection or a helmet to prevent noise-induced hearing loss during the activity. Research has been done regarding the noise levels that skydivers experience and the audiological symptoms that they may endure during their adventures. However, minimal research has been done regarding the usage of hearing protection with skydivers. This presentation discusses responses to a survey that was distributed to skydivers. Responses to questions regarding hearing protection usage and interest in hearing protection following the survey are discussed, as well as their overall scores regarding their knowledge of hearing loss prevention.
The Look of Professionalism: Exploring Appearance and Apparel in Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists
Reshma Balmick – Wichita State University
The purpose of this research project was to explore how visible aspects of professional appearance (specifically attire, tattoos, and hair color) influences perceptions of professionalism in healthcare providers. Over 350 participants of all ages viewed AI-generated images of healthcare providers interacting with an adult or child patient and rated the provider’s professionalism based on first impressions. The goal was to better understand whether personal appearance influences a person’s impression about a healthcare provider’s professionalism, specifically in the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology. This study’s results can provide helpful information to clinics, university programs, and professional organizations as they develop dress codes and appearance guidelines to propel today’s practitioners into more diverse and inclusive workplace.
Feasibility of Portable EEG in Live Music Settings: A Pilot Exploration in Tinnitus
Sami Lashley – The University of Kansas
Music strongly engages the brain, making it a promising tool for tinnitus, a condition linked to distress and reduced quality of life. This project tested whether portable EEG, despite limited channels and real-world noise, can capture meaningful neural activity during live versus passive recorded musical events. Because tinnitus is associated with altered alpha band activity, this feasibility study explored whether portable EEG can detect condition-related differences in naturalistic auditory environments. Optical sensors may also contribute to objective physiological state analysis utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and photoplethysmography (PPG). In tinnitus, heightened arousal is linked to tinnitus perception and distress.
Is “On Time” Good Enough? Auditory-Motor Synchronization and the Role of Feedback in Concussion Recovery
Betsey Sweiger – The University of Kansas
Concussion, a form of mild-traumatic brain injury (mTBI), typically resolves in a few weeks in most cases. For roughly 20% of individuals however, persistent concussive symptoms (PCS) including tinnitus, vestibular dysfunction, and auditory processing deficits continue for months or even years after an injury. These specific symptoms in PCS are linked to disrupted neural timing and sensorimotor integration within the auditory vestibular and connected networks. Previous Interactive Metronome (IM) studies reveal persistent rhythmic timing deficits in post-concussive pediatric populations and improvement in blast symptoms with IM as an intervention, but this work has not been completed in adults non-blast PCS to date. This project sought to compare auditory timing variability in adults post-concussion.
About KSHA
The mission of KSHA is simple: “The Kansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (KSHA) empowers current and future professionals through innovative continuing education, advocacy, leadership, and networking to improve the lives of those with communication and related disorders.”
Their vision statement is that “through access to effective communication, every individual will be empowered to realize their full potential.” The organization has been working toward this vision for more than 60 years.
Members of KSHA include:
- Audiologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
- SLP Assistants and Paraprofessionals
- Students pursuing a degree in a related field
- Retired speech, language and hearing professionals
The organization serves as a hub for speech, language and hearing professionals across Kansas. They provide continuing education, networking events, advocacy and legislative updates, scholarships, and other resources to members to keep them up to date on the latest developments in the field.
All the audiologists at Associated Audiologists are members of KSHA.
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