Melissa Wikoff, a 2006 graduate of the University of Maryland Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences’ bachelor’s degree program, has been awarded the prestigious designation of Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (DFAAA) through the James F. Jerger Program of Distinction, one of the highest honors in the field of audiology.

The DFAAA designation recognizes audiologists who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, sustained contributions, and a meaningful impact on the profession beyond their clinical practice. Recipients are selected by a national review committee for their excellence across multiple areas, including leadership, clinical expertise, and community outreach.

Wikoff, who was selected as a Life Sciences Scholar in the College Scholars program while at UMD, is the founder of Peachtree Hearing, an audiology practice based in Marietta, Georgia, dedicated to providing comprehensive hearing healthcare with a focus on patient-centered care, advanced tinnitus treatment, and community outreach. 

Wikoff’s work has focused on advancing tinnitus care, expanding access to hearing healthcare, and community service. She has served in national leadership roles, including two terms on the Board of Directors of the American Tinnitus Association, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Audiology Practice Standards Organization. She also serves locally on the board of directors at City Springs Theatre Company.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” said Wikoff. “This profession has given me the opportunity to change lives every single day. My passion for audiology began at a young age after watching my grandfathers, both World War II veterans, struggle with hearing loss and miss out on meaningful moments with their families. That experience has stayed with me and continues to drive my commitment to ensuring that no patient feels that same sense of isolation.”

Wikoff has become a recognized leader in tinnitus treatment and hearing healthcare. Her work extends beyond the clinic through national education initiatives, international collaboration, and extensive community outreach.

Among her most impactful efforts is a program she founded to provide hearing aids and ongoing care to Holocaust survivors in the Atlanta community, along with accessibility initiatives such as open-caption movie events, theater accessibility advocacy, and public education campaigns on hearing health.

The Distinguished Fellow designation reflects not only Dr. Wikoff’s professional accomplishments, but also her ongoing commitment to elevating the standards of care within audiology and improving the lives of those with hearing loss.

Dr. Wikoff will be formally recognized at the American Academy of Audiology Annual Convention.

This article was originally posted on the BSOS website.