Did you know that HEAR Wisconsin helps shape the next generation of audiologists?

HEAR Wisconsin plays a vital role in training future audiologists and speech-language pathologists through a unique partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), while continuing to provide audiology services and programs.

This collaboration bridges classroom learning with real-world clinical experience. Dr. Stacy Ryan, an audiologist with over 25 years of experience and Associate Clinical Professor at UWM, leads the training program at HEAR Wisconsin, mentoring and supervising students as they gain hands-on experience.

UWM Communication Sciences and Disorders students work alongside with Dr. Ryan and the HEAR Wisconsin clinical team in a fully equipped audiology clinic, where they engage directly with patients, apply their knowledge, and build clinical confidence.

This collaboration stands out for the variety of learning environments it offers. Students receive on-the-job training in the audiology clinic, mobile clinic, and toddler communication groups. Each year, HEAR Wisconsin provides six fully supervised, semester-long internships for UWM graduate students and observation opportunities for undergraduates, benefiting approximately 30 UWM graduate students annually.

Families and patients benefit as well. HEAR Wisconsin combines clinical expertise with supervised student support, ensuring personalized care while helping educate future hearing and communication specialists.

As enrollment increases and local internships become more limited, this partnership is increasingly important. It enhances student training experience, advances UWM’s academic mission, and enables HEAR Wisconsin to continue providing compassionate, high-quality care.

UWM Student from the School of Rehabilitation Sciences & Technology Program working on HEAR Wisconsin’s Mobile Audiology Clinic.

Dr Stacy Ryan helping an audiology patient.

HEAR Wisconsin Audiologist, Dr. Stacy Ryan with patient. (UWM photo)