Audiology is a critical field that helps people of all ages with hearing and balance issues. However, many people of color, especially those from low-income communities, often lack access to this essential care. Dr. Jocelyn Tubbs, a successful entrepreneur, and audiologist, is dedicated to breaking new ground and paving the way for people of color in audiology. She believes hearing healthcare is a cornerstone of healthcare and should be accessible to everyone.
She is a founding member of the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing (NBASLH) and a member of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Through her involvement in these organizations, she has collaborated with other audiologists to raise awareness about the need for better resources for ear health and general healthcare related to hearing and the ear.
Dr. Tubbs has faced setbacks due to her dyslexia and being a person of color but has persevered and succeeded in her profession. She aims to inspire more people of color to pursue healthcare careers, particularly in audiology, and promote diversity in the field. She stated, “My goal is to inspire more people of color to pursue healthcare careers.” Moreover, at another place, while mentioning her passion she added, “My passion is Audiology and getting more people of color to be seen regularly for hearing exams.”
In 2019, Dr. Tubbs wrote a children’s book called “A Sound Adventure” to help young children understand how the ear works. At her first American Academy of Audiology (AAA) Conference, she noticed a lack of diversity among attendees and was inspired to create a Facebook group called Black Audiologist United. The group provides mentorship, internships, and networking opportunities for Black graduate students in audiology to boost their professional lives.
The following year, Dr. Tubbs was asked by the President of AAA to draft a statement about Black Lives Matter and the racial tensions of that year. She created a presentation titled “Being Black in Audiology,” which addresses the effects of implicit bias on black patients and doctors in audiology. Tubbs has also presented her research at several national audiology conferences in different states.
Dr. Tubbs hopes that her book, “A Sound Adventure” will inspire young Black children to pursue audiology or at least have an understanding of hearing loss and the difficulties that come with it. She believes that too many people with disabilities are isolated and treated with indifference, so she is making an effort to break the stigma surrounding them.
Dr. Tubbs is an innovator, advocating for people of color in audiology. Her dedication, perseverance, and heart have brought her success and inspired others to do the same. Through her book, her Facebook group, and her presentations, Dr. Tubbs is promoting diversity and inclusivity in the audiology field through her book, her Facebook group, and her presentations.
For more information about her, visit her Instagram page.
