Taylor Simmons, AuD

I am a pediatric audiologist and researcher. Clinically, I work in diagnostic audiology and hearing aids for children and families from birth to 18 years. My research interests include maximizing language and educational outcomes of children with hearing loss, early identification and intervention program development, and population-based research on the determinants of success.

I grew up as one of three siblings with congenital hearing loss and have worn hearing aids since the age of six. I received a cochlear implant (CI) in the Spring of 2009 and now enjoy bimodal hearing (CI on one ear and hearing aid on the other). I have been a faculty member of the UNC-Chapel Hill Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences since August 1999 and hold the titles of Professor and Clinic Director. My primary responsibilities include directing the operations of the UNC Hearing and Communication Center clinic, providing clinical services while supervising graduate students in audiology, and teaching graduate courses. I am board-certified with the American Board of Audiology (ABA) and a member of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. I am a licensed audiologist in the state of North Carolina. I have had a lifelong passion for promoting more affordable and accessible hearing care to those with hearing loss. I am on the Academy of Doctors of Audiology Practice Accreditation committee for standardizing hearing and balance care. My team at the NC-Hearing and Communication Center aim to lead the way in national efforts to make hearing care more accessible via unbundled and itemized fee structure while utilizing best practices.

I chose to become a clinical audiologist while working as a direct support professional for an adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My philosophy of care is patient-centered and evidence-based with diversity, equity, and inclusion in mind. Outside of work, I like learning languages and traveling and spending time with friends and family.