"During my last year in the master's program, I ended up with a significant change in my hearing, so I was thinking about leaving the field altogether. But I was encouraged to stay and get a PhD, so that's what I did."
A personal connection to hearing loss
Dr. Samuel Atcherson’s path to audiology started early — he's had hearing loss since age 4. While exploring different careers in college, he knew he wanted to work in healthcare. During his sophomore year he met an audiologist who encouraged him to consider a career in that field. That suggestion stuck with him, leading him to pursue a master’s degree in clinical audiology.
“During my last year in the master's program, I ended up with a significant change in my hearing, so I was thinking about leaving the field altogether,” said Dr. Atcherson. “But I was encouraged to stay and get a PhD, so that's what I did."
Motivated by his mentors to continue, he pursued a PhD in audiology and got a cochlear implant, which opened up new opportunities in clinical practice, teaching, and research. During his studies he was introduced to the AMPHL — the organization he now represents as president.
A distinguished background in audiology
Dr. Atcherson has built an impressive career, spending years teaching and conducting research at esteemed institutions. His academic contributions include publications on hearing loss, communication strategies, and the use of assistive technologies. His work studying amplified and electronic stethoscopes has provided invaluable insights into how these devices can be optimized for individuals with varying levels of hearing impairment.
Leading AMPHL into a new era
Dr. Atcherson’s blend of research, teaching, and hands-on clinical work have provided a solid foundation for his leadership as AMPHL president.
He’s spearheaded research that’s changing how medical professionals with hearing loss approach their work, particularly through digital stethoscope technology. And his efforts aren’t just about overcoming obstacles; they’re about embracing opportunities to innovate and enhance patient care in meaningful ways.
Pioneering research in stethoscope accessibility
One of the key challenges Dr. Atcherson has addressed is the need for medical professionals with hearing loss to accurately assess heart and lung sounds — an area where traditional stethoscopes fall short.
A significant part of his work involves exploring the impact of Bluetooth technology on stethoscope performance. Dr. Atcherson has conducted detailed studies to measure how Bluetooth-enabled stethoscopes perform regarding sound amplification and clarity, especially for clinicians using assistive devices.
His findings have been crucial in helping audiologists and medical professionals make informed decisions about which stethoscopes are best suited for their specific hearing needs, and how different stethoscope models can be adapted to work seamlessly with hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Standing together for inclusive healthcare
At Eko, we’re proud to support Dr. Atcherson and AMPHL in their mission to create a more inclusive healthcare environment. We’re committed to developing technologies that enhance patient care and empower all clinicians to practice confidently.
Eko’s advanced digital stethoscope technology is designed with inclusivity in mind, offering features that don’t sacrifice clarity or introduce excessive noise. The option to connect via Bluetooth, combined with the visual display of heart sounds, provides an extra layer of confidence, ensuring clinicians can perform auscultations with the precision their patients deserve.
Our partnership with AMPHL reflects our shared belief that every medical professional deserves the tools they need to provide the best possible care.
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