Why did you choose AuD over SLP?

[xoxoaimee]

Hi guys! I’m assuming a majority of you got a CSD major and had the option to try to apply to SLP programs. I applied to both and am wondering what drew you to audiology over speech pathology. It would really help me with my decision! 

[stayhappy123]

Did you shadow SLPs and AuDs before applying? For me, shadowing helped me decide that I wanted to go for AuD.

[snoves]

My friend who chose to go for her AuD over SLP did an internship abroad and realized she wasn't a huge fan of speech therapy. She just didn't like the whole process of lesson planning, doing therapy, etc.

I am currently pursuing SLP and I LOVE doing therapy and the direct human contact lol.

[FutureAuD8]

Shadowing was a big deciding factor for myself along with the analytical aspects that audiology contains. All of my classmates are future SLPs, within my coursework it has further reaffirmed that audiology is the correct path for me. Once I shadowed and really fell in love with audiology, I just knew and the decision fell into place. 

[KGross12]

I chose AuD over SLP because I have personal experience being hearing impaired as a child and seeing an audiologist!!

[AB121212]

I prefer a medicine/technology-based setting over a therapy setting. I do not like the idea of seeing the same patients every single week/creating lesson plans. I know audiologists can provide counseling and aural rehab but it is not nearly on the same scale as an SLP for whom it is basically their whole job. I like having a device I can tune and adjust, instead of just the time and work therapy requires to create a change. I just don't think my personality and work style fit an SLP's role.

My research interests for when I go back to earn a PhD are also in the field of hearing science. I love the technology of HAs, CIs, and ALDs in particular, as well as receptive language ability and the impact HL has on it.

I also just straight up enjoyed my audiology classes and shadowing more. SLP classes and shadowing could not hold my interest and were a chore to get through at times. Perhaps it was because I already knew they weren't as relevant to my future career.

Finally, I am not going to lie; I also want the respect/prestige that having an AuD instead of MA/MS will bring. I don't think SLPs get enough respect from either other health professionals or the general public, perhaps partially because they don't have a "Dr." in front of their name/the extra year+ of education. Maybe that will change if the SLPD becomes more common/the entry-level degree. (To be clear, I absolutely respect SLPs and how hard they work/how much knowledge they have! I just don't think other people unfamiliar with the field do.)

Honest answer, not just what I wrote in my SOP, haha.

 

[csd123]

Thank you all for your answers! I guess I'm just stressed with job flexibility/ salary for audiologists. I think I like audiology more than SLP, but the fact that hearing aids and what not are not covered by health insurance is stressing me out.  I guess I'm afraid people will continue to get hearing aids from Costco, and audiology may not be as viable as it was 20 years ago. I'm just torn because I know audiology is a better fit but I'm a worrywart.  

Also that was me who originally posted, I just forgot my login info lol

Edited April 11, 2018 by csd123

[FutureAuD8]

43 minutes ago, csd123 said:

Thank you all for your answers! I guess I'm just stressed with job flexibility/ salary for audiologists. I think I like audiology more than SLP, but the fact that hearing aids and what not are not covered by health insurance is stressing me out.  I guess I'm afraid people will continue to get hearing aids from Costco, and audiology may not be as viable as it was 20 years ago. I'm just torn because I know audiology is a better fit but I'm a worrywart.  

Also that was me who originally posted, I just forgot my login info lol

I mean worst case scenario most Costco’s do have licensed audiologists. I think t depends on what you’re interested in. There will always be the whole hearing instrument specialists touch our territory but there is a wide difference between the two. I personally am interested in cochlear implants so this was a giant flag to go the audiology route for me. I think I’m the end it matters more on what you’re interested in not the pay rate or any of that. Audiologists will always been needed and it’s a growing field.