Hearing Conservation Team Teaching at its Finest
In this third and final post highlighting our world-class team of CAOHC instructors, we’re spotlighting Hannah Formella Zdroik, AuD. She is the owner/founder of Melody Audiology in central Wisconsin and specializes in music audiology and hearing loss prevention. You can hear her speaking at state and national conferences on her topics of expertise, on podcasts about musicians hearing health, or find her serving as a practicum instructor for the Earmark Hearing Conservation CAOHC courses! We’ve been lucky to have on our team of CAOHC instructors since early, 2023!
Hannah Formella Zdroik, AuD
What got you interested in hearing conservation?
In audiology, the focus is often on treatment. My passion for working with the music industry and performing artists expanded into a desire to help other populations that are also at risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Noise exposure is a public health issue that I care deeply about. Getting to teach others who share that goal is really wonderful.
Favorite part of teaching the CAOHC courses?
I love meeting people from all walks of life and helping them learn the steps they need to support others. The discussions that take place are not just content-based but application-based, and they’re incredibly valuable for serving people and preventing hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss isn’t just an objective change measured on paper—it also has a subjective impact on a person’s experience, emotions, and relationships.
We have students from a wide range of backgrounds (MAs, MDs, industrial hygienists, managers, etc.). What is something you’ve learned from the students?
We once had a student with a background in zoology who brought a bearded dragon to class. We learned that bearded dragons have an externally visible tympanic membrane!
I remember that, and even managed to grab a screenshot of it! Memorably, to say the least. The different ways animals hear are truly fascinating and highlight the miracle of the hearing mechanism. Beyond that, every student has their own unique background and brings important perspectives to our discussions.
There are big changes coming to the CAOHC courses—official exam prep materials, a new textbook, updates to the simulator. What changes are you excited about?
I’m excited to see the new materials because updates are so important in this field. Though not an official CAOHC product, I especially love the Earmark Hearing Conservation audiometric test simulator we use in the course. I’m eager to see what the updates will include - it’s such a helpful tool for anyone learning the process.
What is your average workday when you’re not teaching CAOHC classes?
My work looks different every day, and I love that! I’m an audiologist on the telehealth platform Tuned Care, and I’m grateful to help people on their hearing journeys—from all walks of life, including musicians. I also own my audiology practice, Melody Audiology LLC, where I provide in-person services and focus heavily on noise-induced hearing loss prevention. I often speak about hearing loss prevention with community groups and at conferences.
In my role as the program director for a children’s theatre, I handle theatre management and help grow the program. I’m pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Education and plan to unite my passions for theatre, music, and audiology so people of all abilities—especially those with hearing loss—can access theatre.
What is the most important takeaway about hearing loss prevention that you want students to receive?
Hearing is a gift! Education on NIHL, noise exposure, and the consequences of both is vital for prevention. Noise-induced hearing loss is becoming more common with easy access to technology and the ability to increase volume levels beyond the safe range. Educating younger generations is crucial to addressing this public health issue.
What do you do outside of work and teaching?
I live on an acreage with my two dogs, two cats, and plenty of wildlife, and I love spending time outdoors. I enjoy trout fishing, and I’m learning a lot about fly fishing—I absolutely love it. I also direct musicals for the children’s theatre and love to sing. So if I’m not teaching, I’m probably onstage, backstage, or standing in a trout stream.
Do you have any new hobbies that you’re not yet great at?
I’m always learning about things that fascinate me. I used to paint with watercolors and acrylics, and I love the therapeutic aspect of painting. I’d love to get better at painting landscapes.
What is your favorite sound?
The sound of a flowing stream—especially while I’m standing in one—along with all the natural environmental sounds around it. And fire crackling. Nothing beats those.
If you or your colleagues are in need of CAOHC Certification, you can’t go wrong with the instruction team at Earmark! You can review the course details and book a course on www.earmarkhc.com/CAOHC, or reach out to contact@earmarkhc.com. We look forward to seeing you in a future course!
Sincerely,
Frank Wartinger, AuD
Audiologist / CAOHC Course Director / Owner
Earmark Hearing Conservation