Audiologist EmilyAnn Duffley Tunes into the Needs of Families
If you’ve ever seen viral videos online that capture the first time a small child hears their mother’s voice, you have a window into the work of EmilyAnn Duffley. An audiologist at Texas Children’s Specialty Care Cy-Fair, EmilyAnn has the privilege of sharing moments just like these as she performs hearing tests, fits and manages hearing aids, and provides counseling and support to families facing a child’s hearing loss diagnosis.
Empowering Patients and Families with Educational Video Series
EmilyAnn has been part of our Audiology Department since September 2022. Recognizing the rollercoaster of emotions that accompanies a new diagnosis, she was motivated to create an accessible, supportive resource for families. “When a child is diagnosed with hearing loss, parents are understandably emotional and might struggle to absorb information during appointments,” she explains. To address this, EmilyAnn developed a video series parents could come back to when they were ready to think about how to manage their child’s hearing loss.
The beauty of this project lies in its patient-centered approach. The videos tackle critical topics like “What is an Audiogram,” “Hearing aids vs. Cochlear Implants,” and “Classroom Accommodations for Children with Hearing Loss.” They are designed to empower families by guiding them through the intricacies of their new reality. Our physicians readily share the three videos already available to the public. Look for new episodes in the series soon, featuring real families who offer a relatable perspective for viewers. They were thrilled to participate!
Innovation and teamwork are embedded in Texas Children’s core values, and we embrace opportunities to collaborate and blaze new paths in the name of care. Our Marketing department played a vital role in bringing EmilyAnn’s vision to life, transforming her scripts into engaging and informative visuals. Building upon the last year of their work together, EmilyAnn plans to expand the content to a series of eight videos.
A Passion for Audiology Ignites
EmilyAnn’s path to audiology began with a childhood love for music. “I saw ‘Annie’ when I was eight and, with my red hair, I felt a special connection to the character. I’ve been singing ever since,” she shares.
Driven by her diverse interests in music, math and science, EmilyAnn initially pursued vocal performance and industrial engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “While I loved both curriculums, it was too much all at once, so I focused on music. But I missed the math and science aspect, so I joined a research lab studying pitch perception and cochlear implants,” she recalls.
It was in that research lab that EmilyAnn discovered her true calling. “I met people with cochlear implants and worked alongside audiologists and researchers. Seeing the impact of helping people hear again, especially those who couldn’t perceive music, left an impression,” she says.
After completing her dual undergraduate degrees in Vocal Performance and Speech and Hearing Sciences, EmilyAnn earned her doctoral degree in audiology from Northwestern University. Her externship at a school for children with hearing loss solidified her passion for pediatric audiology. “Being in the school was interesting because I got a taste of what it was like working with parents and seeing how much support kids need with their devices,” she explains.
Rewards, Challenges and Advancements in Pediatric Audiology
EmilyAnn notes the advancements in audiology over the years, especially the significant improvements in hearing aid technology. “Devices are becoming smaller, less noticeable and smarter, with tiny computer chips that can focus on voices and reduce background noise, making conversations easier,” she explains. Working at Texas Children’s has made it easy to stay current on the latest breakthroughs. “Technology is one of my favorite parts of being an audiologist. It’s exciting to be part of a large system that hosts regular conferences bringing in manufacturers and researchers to discuss new developments.”
At our Specialty Care in Cy-Fair, EmilyAnn works closely with a team of specialists, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, and ENT physicians in an outpatient setting. “We can bounce ideas off each other and find ways to improve hearing aid programming. It’s very collaborative,” she notes. When patients require imaging or surgery, Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston’s Medical Center is nearby. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive and seamless care for each child.
Navigating the emotional and informational overload for families is a constant challenge in EmilyAnn’s work. “Most families have no prior experience with hearing loss, which is why the video series has been so useful,” she explains.
Hearing loss affects not just the individual, but also the entire family. EmilyAnn shares a particularly heartwarming case involving an older child who hadn’t been seen by an audiologist for five years due to family circumstances. His devices had been broken for four years, and he struggled to hear. “We got his devices fixed, retested his hearing and reprogrammed the aids. At his follow-up appointment, his little sister came along. She told me, ‘I can talk to my brother again, and he hears my voice. Thank you so much.’”
Embracing Life in Houston
EmilyAnn is over the moon about being a pediatric audiologist, combining her technical expertise and interests to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families at Texas Children’s. “It’s such a rewarding career, and I feel so lucky to be here.”
She’s also enjoyed her transition from colder climates to Houston. “I grew up in Chicago. I love not having icy, cold winters anymore. Also, the community here is strong, and I’ve felt embraced by the people. Southern hospitality is real,” she says.
Outside of work, EmilyAnn enjoys singing with the Houston Symphony Chorus and at her local church. She also recently took up piano lessons and swimming.
Join Us and Be the Difference
Texas Children’s Hospital supports innovative ideas and fosters a collaborative environment, making it an excellent place for professionals passionate about improving patient care. If you are inspired by EmilyAnn’s journey, consider joining one of our dedicated teams at Texas Children’s. Together, we can Be the Difference in the lives of children and their families.
Visit our careers page to learn more about available positions and apply at Texas Children’s.
