Abstract
While previous studies have examined the prevalence of burnout among audiology professionals, few have included doctoral students or compared the burnout rate between students and professionals. This nationwide mixed-methods study investigated how burnout manifests, its causes, consequences, and identified preventative measures that could aid in managing burnout, for both populations. Data was collected via a Qualtrics survey and one-on-one interviews, to assess participants’ personal experiences with burnout. Participants responded to demographic questions about their academic and clinical environments, along with completing the Professional Quality of Life Scale (Hudnall Stamm, 2009) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (Maslach & Jackson, 1981). There were 258 professionals and 154 students who completed the Qualtrics questionnaire, for a total of 412 participants. Results indicated that nearly 94% of respondents reported experiencing some level of burnout during their academic or professional journey. Additionally, a range of 64% to 87% noted significant mental,emotional, or physical health changes attributed to burnout. Professionals reported low levels of compassion satisfaction and moderate levels of burnout, suggesting diminished fulfillment from work-related activities. Alongside quantitative data, qualitative responses and optional interviews revealed recurring causes of burnout and offered insights into coping mechanisms. There were 14 professionals and 12 students who consented and completed an interview. The findings highlight that both audiology students and professionals experience burnout due to demanding schedules, lack of support, and external pressures like commuting and financial concerns. Professionals emphasize challenges such as understaffing, long hours, and poor compensation, while students struggle with academic intensity and balancing multiple roles. Strategies for managing burnout include strong social support, flexible scheduling, self-care, and open communication, suggesting that institutional changes and personal coping mechanisms play a crucial role in mitigating burnout. Based on these results, a variety of strategies can be applied in both academic and clinical settings to better support current and future audiologists.