Shelby Houston, OT

My work focuses on helping children hear better and fulfill their full potential. \n Since elementary school, I have had a keen interest in broadening my understanding of hearing loss and deaf culture. In 11th grade I first became aware of pediatric audiology as a career. Since graduate school, my clinical work has focused on early identification and intervention. \n As the manager for audiology and rehabilitation in Charlotte, I've had a key role in creating and cultivating our strong, multidisciplinary pediatric rehabilitation team. I was chosen to lead the newborn hearing screening program across the area. The program has been recognized by the North Carolina Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program. \n I am a founding member of a Novant Health work group that focuses on congenital cytomegalovirus, a leading cause of childhood hearing loss. I participate in North Carolina's state-level work group for this condition, and I am certified by the American Board of Audiology. \n My family-centered approach to treatment starts with listening. Learning about each family's personal experiences helps us work together to develop a plan that addresses each child's unique needs. I continually strive to educate families and make them aware of their options for care, so they can make the best choices for treatment. I try to be descriptive, direct and unfailingly kind. \n My husband and I married in 2005, and we have three lovely, talented and active children. We love taking family bike rides. I've spent many years on the soccer field, first as a player through college and now cheering for my kids. An avid runner, I've completed five marathons and a handful of sprint triathlons. I love being outdoors. \n My personal passions include raising kind and hardworking children and helping the families I see in the clinic meet their goals for their kids.

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.