Q&A with Dr. Rebecca Blaha

Dr. Rebecca Blaha is an Audiologist at the Pennsylvania Ear Institute of Salus University. With an undergraduate degree in Music Performance, and Master’s Degrees in both Music and Audiology, Dr. Blaha has always had an interest in the art of hearing. 

What inspired you to become an Audiologist?

I always had a huge interest in music, and originally wanted to be a classical musician- a flutist to be exact!  I graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance, and then graduated with a Masters in Music from The Ohio State University in 2002. It wasn’t until I took an Intro to Hearing and Speech Science class that I realized I had an interest in Audiology. In 2004, I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Master of Arts degree in Audiology, and received my Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Florida, Gainesville in 2012.

After receiving her Doctor of Audiology degree, Dr. Blaha completed her clinical fellowship at the Baltimore Veterans Medical Center before moving into private practice for several years. Her interest in teaching eventually led her to Salus University.

What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job?

The most challenging aspect of my job is making patients aware of our role (Audiologists) in healthcare and general wellbeing. We specialize in the management and rehabilitation of hearing loss and the audiologic system as a whole. Some don’t recognize that deteriorating hearing loss is a true health concern, and are reluctant to address the issue.   

The most rewarding aspect is being able to solve the “riddle” for my patients.  Each patient has different needs, which gives me the chance to be creative in identifying certain issues, and formulating individualized treatment options. Dr. Blaha’s clinical interests include hearing instruments, aural rehabilitation, tinnitus management, and practice management, while her personal interests include traveling, salsa dancing, running, and being a self-proclaimed “foodie”.

What do you like most about working at PEI?

The best part about working at PEI is the team atmosphere. We work in a very collaborative environment, and the doctors’ personalities are very well suited for one another. I truly love what I do!

What advice would you give to patients to help them get the most from their audiologist?

Be sure to explain every aspect of your hearing loss to your Audiologist. Hearing loss can vary from case to case, and your Audiologist should be able to provide you with multiple strategies for treatment.

If you suspect you or someone you know has a hearing problem, please contact the Pennsylvania Ear Institute of Salus University at 215.780.3180 to schedule an appointment with a Doctor of Audiology.