John Coverstone is an audiologist and teaching assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders who has been working at UMD since August 2025.

Why did you choose to work at UMD?

I chose UMD because I have always been drawn to student education and to the opportunity to help prepare exceptionally capable audiologists. My career has combined clinical practice, education, professional leadership, and advocacy, and I value the chance to share that experience with students as they develop into thoughtful clinicians and future leaders.

What do you like most about your job?

I love audiology, and I love teaching, so the opportunity to put these things together is super exciting to me! The students at UMD are incredible humans, and I feel honored to be a part of the community that gets to educate them. It motivates me to constantly improve and be the best instructor and mentor that I can. I also have so much respect and admiration for the other faculty at UMD. I can't say enough great things about the faculty and staff in CSD, and I have been able to meet a few people in different departments at the University as well. I have never worked anywhere that I was welcomed more warmly and made to feel more a part of a positive, forward-thinking community than I have at UMD. The caliber of students and of the people educating them has me very excited for our future!

What is your research or teaching focus?

My teaching and professional interests span adult and pediatric diagnostics; hearing-aid fitting and rehabilitation; educational audiology; tinnitus and sound-tolerance disorders; and vestibular care. I have also taught courses in genetics and the physiological measurement of hearing. My primary clinical focus in recent years has been on auditory processing disorders.

I also serve as executive director of the Audiology Practice Standards Organization, a nonprofit that develops and publishes practice standards for the profession. I have not had much time to do research while in clinical practice, but am currently working on started a new line or research regarding a non-tinnitus sound in the ear that has never been studied.

Last, I take time when I can to work on websites and applications that I have created. In addition to managing a number of websites, I am working on a couple of new web-based applications to support audiologists in their work. Earlier this year, I published my first phone application, a tool which uses the ANSI Speech Intelligibility Index to calculate the amount of speech that is audible for a person, given their hearing loss and amount of noise in the environment. I am currently working on the second version, which will take the noise measurements for you, right on your phone. This is a valuable tool for audiologists working in K-12 schools, where we must assess classroom environments to ensure students' access to instruction throughout the day.

Do you have any advice for students?

My students would probably not believe that I remember my time in college, but based on my own experiences and what I still see today, I have a couple of recommendations. First, take advantage of every opportunity you can while you are in college, and make the most of the experience. Explore a breadth of courses, activities, and experiences.  Whether you have a major or are still exploring options, there are so many different fields out there, including some you probably don't know exist. You never know which one may reveal an interest, skill, or direction you had not considered.

Second, collaborate with one another. You will always be stronger and more successful when you work together.  College is an opportunity to grow, build relationships, and be part of a community that will last the rest of your life.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities, particularly with Scouts. I occasionally (but never often enough) have the opportunity for golf, reading, and playing guitar and piano. I also serve in youth ministry at my church and have long been involved in Scouting. In 2026, I started Tranquility with John Coverstone, a podcast where I narrate short stories to help with relaxation and sleep.