Phonak Sponsors First International Conference ''ACCESS: Achieving Clear Communication Employing Sound Solutions''
The first International Conference ''ACCESS: Achieving Clear Communication Employing Sound Solutions'' will be held in Chicago November 10-12, 2003. In the tradition of the international pediatric conferences ''A Sound Foundation Through Early Amplification,'' Phonak is pleased to be able to sponsor this international conference that focuses on the needs of adults and children that go beyond hearing aids and focuses more on FM technology.
Historically, wireless / FM technology with hearing aids has been primarily focused on applications for school-age children in the classroom. More recently, technological advances, in combination with improvements in audiological management, have expanded candidacy for benefit from FM devices. Research conducted with adult and pediatric populations has demonstrated considerable benefits of FM amplification when compared to unaided or hearing aid only conditions.
The ACCESS conference is being organized by a steering committee with members from three countries and includes Vibeke Vesterager, Ph.D. (DK), Richard Vaughan, Ph.D. (UK), Lucille Beck, Ph.D. (USA) Carol Flexor, Ph.D. (USA), Cheryl DeConde Johnson, Ph.D. (USA) and Linda Thibodeau, Ph.D. (USA). The committee selected speakers from among the world's most distinguished audiological experts and chose an interesting mix of subject matter and professional expertise.
Presentations will be given by a wide array of internationally recognized researchers and clinicians with expertise with FM amplification. Topics will include FM basics and emerging technologies, audiological candidacy, management and fitting issues, legislative/ reimbursement issues and future needs for research, clinic and educational applications. The program has been designed to allow interactions between faculty and attendees through the use of panel discussions, interactive audience participation and social activities.
In addition to the oral presentations, consisting of both invited and submitted papers, a separate poster session will be held for submitted papers. Researchers and clinicians who would like to present their findings pertaining to the key topics presented at the conference are invited to submit their proposals no later than July 1, 2003. Poster sessions will be peer-reviewed by the steering committee, and notification of acceptance will be sent on or before August 1, 2003.
Additional information about the conference can be found at our website, www.phonak.com/conference or by contacting your local Phonak representative.
