Audiology Doctorate Graduate Researches at Mayo Clinic

Monica Amarante, who graduated in May from Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg with a Doctorate in Audiology, completed her fourth-year externship in the audiology program in the 2023-24 academic year at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.

Her research at the Mayo Clinic included investigations into how headphone placement affects hearing tests, the effectiveness of home self-assessment of over-the-counter hearing aids, and how cochlear implants change the quality of life for caregivers of a hearing-impaired person.

“I chose audiology because I wanted a career that allowed me to help others, that was diverse, and in the healthcare field. I enjoy science and technology, but did not want to become a physician,” says Amarante. “I was encouraged to explore audiology, speech pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Audiology was perfect as it was a good mix of science and technology that allows me to establish rapport with patients and witness their progress.”

Amarante is also a 2020 alumna of CU-Bloomsburg’s undergraduate program in audiology and speech pathology.

“I decided to attend Bloomsburg for graduate school as well because it offered a range of opportunities that some of the bigger name schools couldn’t provide, such as a rotational chair on campus, an entire class devoted to tinnitus, and the opportunity to see patients in the on-campus clinic on day one. It also allowed me to continue research I had started during my undergraduate studies with Dr. Thomas Zalewski. The research was later presented at the American Academy of Audiology National Convention.”

Amarante has joined Geisinger Medical Center in Danville as a clinical audiologist.