April 27, 2004 , SOMERSET, NJ - The Oticon Foundation has awarded the American Academy of Audiology Foundation a $30,000 grant to establish a national lecture series on pediatric audiology. The lecture series will be named in honor of Marion Downs, in recognition of her life-long contributions to pediatric audiology as a clinician, teacher and advocate. The Oticon Foundation, which is funded by income derived from its ownership of the majority of shares in the Oticon Company, awards grants to organizations worldwide that support the needs and interest of hearing impaired individuals.
"There is an increasing need for more scientifically-based approaches to all aspects of pediatric hearing loss, from early identification and accurate diagnosis to the selection and fitting of hearing aids and educational intervention," stated Mikael Worning, President, Oticon, Inc. "We hope that these knowledge-sharing sessions will answer the dramatic need that now exists for more educational services in pediatric audiology."
Oticon, a pioneer in providing dedicated programs for children with hearing loss, is committed to helping hearing impaired children get the best start in life to enable them to reach their full potential. In addition to the company's award-winning Otikids website, Oticon produces educational tools for children, information booklets for parents, teachers and families and tools and accessories for hearing care professionals.
The Marion Downs Pediatric Lecture Series will be a featured session at the annual AAA Convention. The AAA Foundation, in cooperation with Oticon, will invite internationally know speakers to address various aspects of the diagnosis, treatment and management of childhood hearing loss.
About The Oticon Foundation
Founded in 1957, the Oticon Foundation sponsors social and educational programs, publications, conferences, cultural activities and campaigns - both for researchers, hearing care professionals and the general public. The Foundation's statutes mandate that income be used to support the needs of hearing-impaired individuals as well as organizations that serve people with hearing loss. Income is derived through the Foundation's ownership of the majority of shares in the Oticon Company. For information about Oticon Foundation grants, please contact
Donald Schum, PhD/CCC-A (djs@oticonus.com) at 1-800-227-3921.
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