Easterseals pediatric audiology program has a new expert!

Rachael Kennedy, AuD, CCC-A

My name is Rachael Kennedy, I am an audiologist, and I began working at Easterseals in December. As an audiologist, I diagnose and treat various degrees and types of hearing disorders. Audiologists also dispense hearing aids, assess vestibular (balance) function, and even screen newborn babies for hearing loss.

My favorite part of being a clinician is creating long lasting relationships with families and the people I serve.  I love learning new things and being able to take what I’ve learned from other professionals and incorporate it into my work. I’ve learned bits and pieces about other professions in school, but I think my greatest knowledge has come from hands on work and collaborating with other professionals in the same office.

I am impressed by my new Easterseals family of clinicians and family support staff.  I think having other professionals working side by side helps reinforce the importance of each profession to families. When families have access to a variety of clinicians under one roof, it shows that we are a nice well-oiled machine that works smoothly and always provides families with a “whole” child centered approach.

Although I haven’t been here very long, I see Easterseals as an opportunity to grow my clinical skills working with kids of all ages and exceptionalities. Regarding audiology (and hearing aids) in general, people often assume that hearing aids will restore their hearing to normal, which is not the case. Unfortunately, hearing aids do not give us 20/20 hearing.  However, hearing aids are one of the main options to help keep the brain and ears stimulated!
I like to help make people aware of the importance of audiology and hearing health. Whether it is explaining how the ear works, counseling about hearing protection, or recommending routine hearing testing, audiology is often an educational topic of conversation that I try to share with others.

I hope Easterseals is a place for families to feel safe and know that their children are in the best hands with the most caring team!  Fun fact: I have hearing loss in one ear and love to share my experiences with families! I want my families to feel comfortable knowing that they have an audiologist who understands the difficulties that come with hearing loss.

For more information about Pediatric Audiology services from Easterseals, please call 386-255-4568 ext 325.

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