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Background
The Canadian Academy of Audiology (CAA) is a professional association dedicated to enhancing the role of audiologists as primary hearing health care providers through advocacy, education and research. The Academy’s vision is to represent the profession of audiology in Canada, and be the primary source of information to its members, external groups and the public. The Academy was founded in 1996 and incorporated in October of 1998.
Historically, the Academy has been involved in the following areas:- Maintenance and advancement of ethical standards of practice
- Improvement in the abilities of its members by facilitating and encouraging conferences, workshops, seminars and research
- Provision of educational resources, such as books and videos
- Advocacy on behalf of audiologists on relevant national issues
In the current environment, audiology is able to stand alone, no longer dependent on the historic ties to speech language pathology for recognition as the needs of the two professions diverge. Changes to the Canadian health care system, the rapid growth of hearing aid technology, the introduction of doctorate degrees, and the development of internationally recognized newborn hearing screening programs are among a few recent examples of the new picture of audiology.
In seven Canadian provinces, professional regulatory colleges ensure minimum standards as well as quality of practice. In provinces where no college or regulating body exists, a “Mutual Recognition Agreement” ensures the same standards of practice for audiologists across Canada.
The CAA is the voice for audiology in Canada and offers some compelling and attractive membership services:- Internationally acclaimed conferences with evidence-based, audiology-focused topics and presentations.
- Professional provincial focus groups to address issues specific to each province.
- Web-based marketing and promotional “tools”.
- A focus on the enhancement of the profession through cooperation and collaboration with professional regulatory bodies.
- An organization by audiologists for audiologists.
- A professional journal “Canadian Hearing Report”.
- Affordable liability and other group insurance programs for individuals and businesses.
The CAA Board of Directors is currently implementing an ambitious marketing campaign to promote the profession, and in doing so expand CAA’s professional presence within government agencies, universities and colleges, and the public sector.
