Los Angeles and St. Louis - July 23, 2007 - Energizer® Battery, Inc., a leading provider of batteries for hearing aids and devices as well as consumer electronics, announces that it has awarded a full scholarship to University of Texas - Dallas graduate student Marissa Mendrygal, who will receive one year of specialized clinical training as a pediatric audiologist at House Ear Institute's Children's Auditory Research and Evaluation (CARE) Center. The Energizer® Audiology Traineeship term runs from July 1 through June 30, and because it provides a comprehensive range of services from newborn hearing screening to cochlear implants, is highly competitive. Candidates for this Traineeship are required to have a master's degree or clinical doctorate in audiology, and selection is based on merit and a desire to pursue a career in pediatric audiology.
"I've received such a warm welcome from the House Ear Institute's CARE Center staff, who generously and willingly make themselves available to teach and support me as I begin my training at HEI," said Mendrygal. "The pediatric clinical experience provided at the CARE Center is excellent." Mendrygal has nearly completed her Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) at the Callier Center for Communication Disorders in Dallas. This scholarship from Energizer helps fulfill the Institute's mission to advance education in the field of hearing health and supports its effort to partner with corporations that are committed to educating the next generation of hearing health professionals.
"The Institute has an outstanding reputation in the hearing health industry and our comprehensive approach to pediatric audiology prepares our trainees well for careers in any setting serving children with hearing loss. Former trainees have gone on to positions at such fine institutions as Indiana University and Stanford Medical Center, among others," said Margaret Winter, MS, CCC-A, Clinical Services Coordinator, CARE Center. "Marissa brings exceptional skills and enthusiasm to her traineeship and I know that after completing her training year here, she will be well equipped to put her skills and experience to excellent use in whatever area of the field she chooses.
"According to national reports, audiology is one of the fastest growing professions and Energizer is committed to being part of the future of hearing health by supporting young audiologists in training," says Anne Bannister, Brand Group Director of Energizer Battery, Inc. "In addition, the Energizer Bunny® has become a cultural icon of longevity and perseverance, making it a great fit with the House Ear Institute and the spirit of the children who are patients of its CARE Center."
About Energizer® Battery, Inc.
Energizer® Holdings Inc. is one of the world's largest manufacturers of batteries and flashlights and a global leader in the dynamic business of providing portable power. Energizer provides the optimal power solution to hearing aid wearers by offering a full line of hearing aid battery products, including Energizer® EZ Change®. Energizer EZ Change is the world's only hearing aid battery dispenser which allows hearing aid users to insert their batteries precisely without having to handle the tiny batteries or tabs.
About the House Ear Institute (HEI)
The House Ear Institute (HEI) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing hearing science through research and education to improve quality of life. Established in 1946 by Howard P. House, M.D., the House Ear Institute has been engaged in the scientific exploration of the auditory system from the ear canal to the cortex of the brain for nearly 60 years. HEI scientists investigate the developing ear and ear diseases at the cell and molecular level, as well as the complex ear-brain interaction. They continue their cutting-edge work in improving technology and function of auditory implants, hearing aids, diagnostics, clinical treatments and intervention methods. For information on the House Ear Institute, please call (213) 483-4431 or visit the Web site at www.hei.org.
