The Lived Experience of the Audiologist: Connections Between Past, Present, and Future

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to use qualitative research methods to explore connections between audiologists' lived experiences and perceptions of the future and change. Method: This research was based on a constructivist grounded theory approach. A semistructured interview guide inspired 30 audiologists to share their stories via virtual interview. A theoretical framework evolved from grounded theory analysis techniques. Results: The majority of audiologists interviewed in this study entered audiology via the undergraduate-stumble pathway, usually after leaving speech-language pathology. This pathway was associated with poorer perceptions of the future compared with early-purposeful and later-purposeful pathways. Generation differences, value juxtaposition, professional identity, and student debt also influenced perspectives of the future. Participants described high value-of-self relative to patient care and joy stories associated with meaningful relationships with patients. Most participants reported responding actively to changes in the marketplace at the individual work setting level; however, change response was complex and difficult to quantify when broader issues impacting the profession were considered. Participants expressed concern about the future, including the need to address high student debt, perceived lack of unity across the profession, and value-by-others. Conclusion: Grounded theory exploration of the lived experience of 30 audiologists supported a theoretical framework that connects perceptions of the future with origin story, generation perspectives, value juxtaposition, professional identity, and student debt.