Factors Influencing Audiology Job Changes and Attrition: An Interview Study
1Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Towson University, MD.
American Journal of Audiology
|June 9, 2025
Summary
Former audiologists leave the profession due to complex factors like burnout and management issues. Understanding their career journeys can help improve audiology recruitment and retention.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Career Development
- Workforce Studies
Background:
- Audiology faces challenges with professional retention.
- Understanding the career trajectories of former audiologists is crucial for addressing these challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the lived experiences and career journeys of former audiologists.
- To inform strategies for recruiting and retaining audiologists by understanding workplace factors.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing grounded theory.
- Virtual interviews conducted with 28 participants (25 former audiologists, 3 in departure planning).
Main Results:
- A career model was developed with themes including "Link Between Family & Career," "Confluence of Experiences," and "Self-Evolution & Pondering Change."
- Key factors influencing departure include "Wanting More," "Bad Management," compensation, job desirability, burnout, workload, flexibility desires, and sales emphasis.
- Most former audiologists found post-audiology compensation equal to or greater than their previous roles, with many remaining in healthcare or becoming caregivers.
Conclusions:
- Personal and professional factors significantly influence audiologists' career paths and workplace experiences.
- Insights from former audiologists' career stories can guide improvements in recruitment and retention strategies within the audiology profession.
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