Lieutenant Colonel Lynn W. Henselman, Ph.D.
AS WE CELEBRATE the 30th year of the Military Audiology Association (MAA), it is irrefutable that our organization has matured into a vital player in shaping the profession of audiology. The strong convictions, expertise, and dedication of our membership over these 30 years has made this possible. As I reflect on the accomplishments of MAA over the past 6 months, it is clear to me that the organization continues to serve appropriately our profession and the Department of Defense. In the spirit of excellence 1998 began with the annual Military Audiology Short Course (MASC), held from 22-26 February 1998 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My hat goes off to all the individuals who made this course possible. Again, military audiology produced another outstanding educational experience. I especially would like to thank Captain Tressie Waldo, USAF, for taking on the mammoth job of spearheading the coordination of the workshop.
This year’s MASC highlights included concurrent workshops on the latest version of the EAR3-A system, cerumen management, deep insertion ear impressions, and review of case studies. In addition, speakers from audiology and a variety of related professions shared presentations on noise control, hearing protection devices, epidemiological issues, hearing conservation topics, diagnostic procedures, amplification, and management of audiology and hearing conservation programs. The course received high marks from attendees and was a worthwhile experience for professional growth.
While attending the 1998 MASC, we took time to enjoy the company of our colleagues at our annual MAA Banquet. During this festive evening, we celebrated the 30-year anniversary of MAA. Where has the time gone?! Dr. Karl Hattler, a former Army audiologist (and a founder of MAA) now in private practice in Albuquerque, joined us as our keynote speaker. We also recognized the multitude of fine retiring and separating audiologists and bid them farewell as they confront new adventures.
One of the highlights of the banquet was our opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of three MAA members. It was a delight to award Major Al Gass, USA, the Elizabeth Guild Award for Hearing Conservation and Major Ann M. Prohaska, USAF, the Founders’ Award. Additionally, it is a rare occasion that the MAA awards Fellow status to a MAA member for their lifelong contributions to our profession. This year’s deserving recipient was Ms. Charlene Scherr, Coordinator for Aural Rehabilitation, Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The MAA membership also gave a heartfelt thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Jim Beauchamp, USA. Jim has been the backbone of MAA for ten years in the position of Executive Secretary to MAA. Undoubtedly, much of what MAA is today is a result of Jim’s many talents and self-sacrifice.
I am pleased to report a very exciting development for military audiology. As most of you know, military audiologists have been involved in the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) initiative for the past few years. The MAA membership has had a longstanding commitment to this effort, which we reaffirmed at our business meeting in February. Dr. Brian Walden (Executive Secretary), USA; Colonel Richard Dennis, USA; Commander Kathy Hartman, USN; Lieutenant Colonel John Allen, USAF, are three of our military audiologists who served on the Joint Services/Department of Veterans Affairs Au.D. Steering Committee with Dr. Lucille Beck, Veterans Affairs. The Steering Committee developed the framework for a distance learning Au.D. program, designed to benefit the federally employed audiologist. They spent long and sometimes frustrating hours securing funds and support from DoD, as well as from private contributors. The Steering Committee realized the fruits of their labors with the April announcement that the Steering Committee selected Central Michigan University and Vanderbilt University to receive a $250,000 award. With these funds, the universities will jointly develop and provide a distance learning Au.D. program. Priority will be given for audiologists that are federally employed at a reasonable cost. Again, military audiology is leading the way!
To promote the value of hearing health care, MAA continues to support the Audiology Awareness Campaign (AAC). We recently made a $1480.00 contribution to AAC, consisting of MAA funds and donations from individual members. Lieutenant Colonel Nancy Vause, USA, remains in her role as the AAC Secretary/Treasurer. As always, she is tackling the campaign with vigor. Over the past year, the AAC made great strides in fundraising to support the various components of the campaign. A recent tangible development is the AAC homepage. Check it out! With the expansion of the AAC’s efforts, MAA formed an AAC Committee spearheaded by Lieutenant Colonel Vause. The committee will assist with the many projects the AAC has planned. Anyone interested in volunteering his or her expertise, please contact Lieutenant Colonel Vause.
My praise and appreciation goes to Captain Rob Pluta, USAF, who is developing the MAA homepage. Rob’s expertise is a real asset to our organization and he is yet another example of the talent within MAA. Soon, we will have the ability to share information on the internet.
In our efforts to promote hearing conservation with young people, our contingent of military audiologists in San Antonio are currently making plans for Operation Be Aware of Noise Generation (BANG) program in the San Antonio area for Spring 1999. The program will target 5th grade students in the community. Not to be outdone, the Washington, DC military audiologists are considering organizing an Operation BANG program in 1999 in their area.
During the MAA business meeting on 25 February, the MAA membership requested that the MAA Executive Board question the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) for positions about their support regarding issues that face our profession. On 9 March, I sent letters to AAA for Dr. Robert G. Glaser and Dr. Cheryl Deconde Johnson, who at the time were candidates for president of AAA. In these letters, I requested they clarify their positions on a variety of areas of interest to MAA. The AAA membership subsequently selected Dr. Glaser for president. To date, I have not received a response from anyone at AAA.
I would like to make a special request to the membership regarding the Research Award that the MAA membership established last year. MAA presents this award to an individual for outstanding contributions to the body of research in audiology, hearing science, or hearing conservation. Last year the MAA board did not receive even one nomination for this award, despite the abundance of talented researchers in military audiology. I ask that everyone make the effort to consider the labors of our colleagues when we issue the call for nominations in the upcoming months. They deserve our recognition! Although it is months away, preparations are already underway for the 1999 MASC. Mr. John Page, USN, coordinator for the meeting, has informed me that the MASC will be held at the Fort Magruder Inn, Williamsburg, VA during 9-12 March 1999. The meeting is in conjunction with the Navy Environmental Health Conference, whose opening session is scheduled for Monday, 8 March 1999. Mark you calendars now and start thinking about those presentations!
I look forward to the second half of my tenure as president of MAA as we continue to work together on the variety of MAA initiatives. I thank all of you for your constant dedication and support to the organization. I hope to see all of you in Williamsburg.