How Audiology Alienates Transgender Audiologists

Abstract

There are more transgender and gender-diverse clinical audiologists working today than might at first be apparent. The field of audiology, however, has unique interpersonal and structural factors that cause transgender audiologists to experience significant prejudice and discrimination from their patients and colleagues. Transgender audiologists who experience discrimination are at higher risk of stress, burnout, and leaving the field of audiology altogether. Improved education for healthcare professionals on LGBTQIA+ topics in graduate and continuing education may resolve many of the unequitable experiences that transgender audiologists experience and lead to improved patient care for our gender diverse patients.