PACS: Meet Cathryn!

My Dream Career

When I was six, I was diagnosed with a profound sensorineural hearing loss in my right ear—or single-sided deafness. The doctors believe that I was born with hearing loss, but since I have normal hearing in my left ear, I was able to learn to listen and talk. In high school, I received a bone-anchored hearing aid (Baha). It helps me with sound awareness on my right side because it sends the signal to my ‘good ear’. After I received my Baha, I began to think audiology would be a great career path for me. I would be able to relate to my patients and pursue my passion of helping others. I am graduating this month with my doctoral degree from Washington University’s Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences (PACS). Once I graduate, I will be joining the Adult Audiology Department at the Center for Advanced Medicine in St. Louis, MO.

Early Advocate

In school, it was challenging for me to hear in the back of the classroom or when someone was on my right side. From a young age, my parents helped me learn to overcome these obstacles by advocating for myself. I always make sure to tell my teachers about my hearing loss and position myself so that everyone is on my left side (whenever possible). Today, my Baha helps me hear people on my right side, like when I’m driving, but even with my Baha I still use my self-advocacy skills!

My Summer Treat

Any ice cream with chocolate and peanut butter in it is my favorite!

Learn more about Cathryn’s graduate program in deaf education and audiology: pacs.wustl.edu

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