Staci Blackwell

My career in audiology has deep roots in Tennessee, where I grew up and received my undergraduate education before attending graduate school at the University of North Texas. \n I credit my uncle, an audiology professor at the University of Tennessee, for paving the way for me to combine two passions - my love for music and my fascination with how we hear. I played trumpet as a University of Tennessee undergrad, and during graduate school, I worked at the Texas Center for Performing Arts Health. \n Throughout my career, I have presented original research at national and international meetings on the risk of hearing loss in musicians. One paper focused on the risk for players in community bands and non-majors in college bands. Another explored how wearing earplugs while playing a brass instrument affects sound output. My current interests include diagnostic testing, amplification and treatment for auditory processing disorders in children and adults. \n In my work, I want each patient …to know that someone cares. Even if I do not have all the answers, I will continue the search or refer them to other specialists who can help. I aim to be there for my patients, every step of the way. \n For my professional development, I am a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and a clinically certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. I have been a member of several audiology advisory boards. \n I am active in my church, where I play trumpet and handbells, and help direct the children's chimes choir. My husband and I have twins and together, we love traveling, spending time with extended family, enjoying game nights and, of course, cheering on the UT Vols.