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About the Audiologist
Sarah Sparks, Au.D., CCC-A, CH-TM
Dr. Sparks is a clinical audiologist licensed in Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Washington, DC. She has a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and a Certificate Holder – Tinnitus Management credential from the American Board of Audiology (ABA). Her clinical interests include pediatric audiology, balance problems in deaf and hard of hearing populations, cochlear implants, aural (re)habilitation, tinnitus, counseling in audiology, and audiology services provided in American Sign Language (ASL).
Education
Dr. Sparks is a graduate of Gallaudet University’s Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program. She has earned four master’s degrees, including a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Early Childhood Education (Arcadia University). She also has multiple graduate certificates, including Infant-Toddler Mental Health (Arcadia University) and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Infants, Toddlers, and Families: Collaboration and Leadership (Gallaudet University).
Clinical and Professional Experience
In addition to her work at Audiology Outside the Box, Dr. Sparks is a full-time educational audiologist in a large public school district with deaf and hard of hearing programs. She has previous experience with providing cochlear implant, hearing aid, and diagnostic testing services at an in-person clinic. As an adjunct instructor, she has taught the following courses in Gallaudet University’s Au.D. and Peer Mentor Training Certificate Programs:
- HSL 828: Clinical Applications of Sign Communication 1
- HSL 831: Foundations of Clinical Audiology
- HSL 833: Pediatric and Educational Audiology
- HSL 784: Research Methodology in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
- PSG 690: Opening Seminar: Orientation to Peer Mentoring
- PSG 691: Hearing Loss in America: An Overview
- PSG 692: Practical Audiology: Fundamentals for Consumers
- PSG 693: Biopsychosocial Aspects of Hearing Loss
- PSG 694: Communication Assistive Technology
- PSG 695: Peer Mentoring for Hearing Loss
- PSG 696: Final Seminar: Applications of Peer Mentoring
Clinical Training
Dr. Sparks trained at Boston Children’s Hospital for her clinical externship year, completing a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) fellowship. She also completed clinical internships at Kennedy Krieger Institute (Baltimore, MD), Maryland School for the Deaf (Frederick, MD), and Potomac Audiology (Rockville, MD).
A Deaf Audiologist
Dr. Sparks identifies as deaf, having lost her hearing progressively. She uses cochlear implants for both ears, and her daily communication includes ASL, spoken English, and written English. She has beginner knowledge of Cued Speech (American English). These aspects of her life experience have shaped her “outside the box” perspective on audiology services. She understands that every deaf or hard of hearing person has an individual story that shapes their own perspectives on communication, hearing, and technology use. She believes that listening to her clients with empathy and kindness is essential for providing excellent clinical services.