In January of 2024, the House Institute Foundation welcomed Dr. Kelsey Klein, AuD, PhD, CCC-A, to the research team. Dr. Klein brings a wealth of experience and a passion for pediatric audiology. We had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Klein to delve into her inspirations, experiences, and aspirations.
Q: Can you share a bit about your journey in the field of pediatric audiology, and what inspired you to specialize in this area of research?
A: My journey began during my undergraduate years at St. Olaf College, where a research lab exploring speech perception in cochlear implants got me hooked on learning about how to conduct research, as well as the role that cochlear implants can play in the lives of people with hearing loss. That summer, I completed an internship in the audiology department at the Mayo Clinic, where I helped with a research study focusing on children with cochlear implants. My experience at Mayo convinced me that audiology was the field for me. I found it incredibly interesting to study the interactions between human behavior, perception, and technology, and I loved that clinical practice affords the opportunity to tangibly improve the lives of children and adults with hearing loss. During graduate school, I gravitated toward pediatric audiology due to the profound impact a doctor in that field could have on someone’s entire life through timely and appropriate intervention during childhood.
Q: You spent a year as a fellow in Norway focusing on language outcomes in children with cochlear implants. How did this international experience shape your perspective on pediatric hearing health, and what lessons did you bring back to your work in the United States?
A: My time in Norway was eye-opening, revealing the diverse approaches to healthcare and education worldwide. By embracing universal healthcare and prioritizing early interventions, Norway highlighted the potential for innovative practices in pediatric audiology here in the US. Norwegians, additionally, have a strong culture of work-life balance. Once, I tried to go to the university library on a Sunday to get some extra studying in, and it was locked because it was the weekend! Overall, my time in Norway taught me to question our assumptions as researchers and clinicians about how things are done.
Q: Having completed a combined AuD/PhD program, what aspects of your training do you find the most valuable for your current role as a pediatric hearing health researcher here at the House Institute Foundation?
A: The dual nature of my training emphasized how the symbiotic relationship between research and clinical practice can change lives. The clinicians I worked with were enthusiastic about partnering with researchers to achieve mutual goals that would improve patient care. This holistic perspective guides my approach at House as we strive to bridge research and clinical care for optimal patient outcomes.
Q: Outside of your professional life, you mentioned a passion for Brazilian jiu-jitsu. How did you get into this sport?
A: Coming from a background in wrestling and rugby, I sought a new hobby that would keep me active and bring a little balance to my life, so I tried Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and it has been great for both my physical and mental health. It’s hard to stress about work when someone is trying to break your arm!
Q: Spending time with family is important to you. How do you balance your demanding career with your personal life, and how does this balance contribute to your overall well-being?
A: It certainly is important to me. My husband Chris and I have two energetic German shepherd mixes whom we adore, and in June, we’re thrilled to be welcoming our first child. There’s much more to me than being a researcher or an audiologist. I don’t feel like my life is in balance unless I can nurture those other aspects of my life alongside my career ambitions.
Q: If you could pick one song to be the theme of your life, what would you choose and why?
A: This is a tricky one! Maybe “Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac. It’s about focusing on the future and staying optimistic, which I try to do in my personal and professional life.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for advancing research in pediatric hearing health, both within the House Institute Foundation and on a global scale? How do you envision your work solving broader challenges in this field?
A: My long-term goal is to improve real-world communication skills among children and adolescents with hearing loss by identifying malleable factors that support success so that all children can reach their full potential. Along with this, I aim to improve the implementation of best practices in pediatric audiology clinics and identify and address barriers that may limit families’ access to high-quality intervention.
As Dr. Klein continues her journey at the House Institute Foundation, her dedication to pediatric audiology promises to shape a future where every child regardless of their hearing ability can thrive.