PP601 - Burnout in Audiology Students and Professionals

Abstract:
This study assessed the impact of previous COVID-19 infection on the CANS using the auditory middle latency response in 14 young adults with normal hearing. AMLR waves Na, Pa, Nb, and Pb acquired monaurally from each ear, were analyzed for slow and standard stimulus rate conditions. ANOVA and T-test analyses revealed a significant impact on multiple latency and relative amplitude measures in both the slow and standard conditions. Analysis revealed ear differences indicating COVID-19 may cause hemispheric effects and increased amplitude results suggest reduced cortical inhibition impacts midbrain and thalamic regions of the CANS.

Summary:
This study identifies potential causes of the burnout among both audiology professionals and doctoral students and offers strategies and preventative measures to manage burnout. While there is existing research on burnout rates among professionals, there is limited research on doctoral students in audiology. Given the potential for burnout in any profession, previous studies have explored the risk within audiology but tend to focus on professionals. These studies have shown audiology is generally perceived as a “low stress” profession (Severn et al., 2012, Zimmer et al., 2022, & Blood et al., 2007). The purpose of this study is to identify potential causes of burnout among professionals and doctoral students, as well as formulate strategies to prevent and manage burnout.

To answer these research questions, a mixed methods approach was used, specifically using questionnaires and interviews. Data was collected from 258 professionals and 154 audiology doctoral students. A Qualtrics survey contained demographic questions to get information about the participants, as well as quantitative responses given from the Professional Quality of Life (Hudnall Stamm, 2009) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (Maslach & Jackson, 1981). Following completion of the survey, participants were asked to take part in an interview to ask additional questions. If they were interested, they entered their email address in a separate survey. Those provided emails were used to schedule a recorded Zoom call for an in-depth conversation about their experiences with burnout. Qualitative interviews are beneficial to gain understanding on strategies that help prevent burnout amongst students and professionals. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and create categories from participants’ qualitative responses.

The results from the qualitative portion of the Qualtrics survey revealed the top three causes of burnout reported by professionals were the stressors of a private practice, being in an ENT setting, and being understaffed (not having enough audiologists). The top three strategies to prevent (or combat) burnout were creating a work-life balance, changing settings, and physical exercise. The top causes of burnout, reported by students, were working outside of the university while going to school, balancing family and school, commuting, and being a graduate assistant. Their top three strategies to prevent burnout were having time for yourself, exercising, and spending time with family/friends. Something noteworthy is that the causes for the two populations were very unique, as the preventative strategies can be utilized by both.

With these results, we plan to further this project by creating resource guides for faculty members (to support students) and supervisors (to assist professionals), so that both populations can feel better supported in the field. These guides can provide insight on how to better support individuals in the field. This research underscores the importance of addressing mental health within audiology and highlights that burnout can be experienced at any stage, from schooling to professional practice.