Get to know Dr. Jenell Douglas! Dr. Douglas, Audiology and Hearing Aid Specialist at Advanced Specialty Care, gives us a look into a day in the life of an Audiologist and also recaps on her first few months as a physician at the practice.
1. How have your first few months at Advanced Specialty Care been?
The last month has been great! I recently moved back to Connecticut which is my home state. Everyone at Advanced Specialty Care has been nothing but welcoming, friendly and helpful. I’m also meeting a lot of wonderful patients who make it an even more pleasant place to practice audiology. I’m very happy to be here; it’s been my privilege to work with the audiology team and I look forward to growing with them.
2. What is it like working in three different locations?
I feel that being at three locations allows us to take all of the best parts of our practice, and make it accessible to individuals in surrounding communities. It’s a great way to meet new people and each office has something unique and special because of the people who work there.
3. What are your favorite parts about being an audiologist?
My favorite part of being an audiologist is seeing my patients succeed. I think of our sense of hearing as a gift. It’s often under-appreciated or overlooked until we begin to have trouble with it or know someone deeply affected by hearing loss. Every person who is challenged with hearing loss has a different experience. Getting to know my patients and their families, finding out what’s important to them and working together to find the best hearing solution is a privilege and something that I look forward to everyday.
4. What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is combating stigmas and stereotypes about hearing loss which can be barriers to individuals receiving the help they need. Hearing loss often goes under-diagnosed and individuals often suffer in silence if they are unaware of the resources available to them. Silence is lonely, and our hearing is one of the most important ways that we connect to people and the world around us. I encourage anyone who notices changes or challenges with their hearing to see an audiologist. It’s better to know the status of one’s hearing and to be proactive rather than dealing with the consequences of a problem that goes untreated.
5. How did you get into the field? What lead you to audiology?
I’ve always known that I wanted to be in a profession where I am helping others so naturally, I was drawn to the health field. When I was a student at the University of Connecticut, I was introduced to various communication disorders including speech and hearing impairments. I found myself inspired by those who have overcome the challenges of living with hearing loss and I was blown away by the technology and methods used to diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders. For the first time, I was truly motivated to learn more and get involved in such a rapidly growing and evolving field. I realized that this is my purpose, this is the way I’m going to help improve the quality of life of others in my community.
6. What do you like to do outside of work?
I love listening to music, dancing, reading for pleasure, spending time with friends and family and finding new ways to stay physically active.
7. What’s on your bucket list?
I don’t have a list, per se, but my biggest goal is to be able to travel more. My next destination will be to California!
8. What do you most want patients to know about you?
I want my patients to know that I have their best interest in mind. I also believe education is power. Education is an important part of my process in providing care and I hope that they will leave each appointment knowing more than they did when they walked through the door.
Dr. Jenell Douglas is a Clinical Audiologist and Hearing Aid Specialist at Advanced Specialty Care and currently practices and sees patients in our Danbury, Ridgefield and Norwalk offices. She is passionate about counseling individuals through their hearing loss and helping to restore a quality of life. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Douglas, please call (203) 830-4700 or click here to fill out an appointment request form
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Checklist: When to See an Audiologist About Your Hearing
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Advanced Specialty Care is a multi-specialty private practice caring for patients in Fairfield County, CT for over 30 years. We are committed to the well-being of our patients. We have expertise in Ear, Nose and Throat Disease, Head and Neck Surgery, Allergy & Asthma Care, Audiology, Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, and Dermatology and Skin Care. At each of our six Connecticut facilities, we offer only the latest state-of-the-art technologies and techniques – all in a welcoming and caring environment.