Siemens Student University Welcomes Country's Top Au.D. Students

On July 26, Siemens Hearing Instruments (SHI) held its first Siemens Student University at its New Jersey state-of-the-art learning center. The intensive two-day program was attended by 36 top doctor of audiology (Au.D.) students from around the USA who were nominated by their university.



The curriculum featured presentations from several well-known experts in the field of audiology:

• H. Gustav Mueller, Ph.D. of Vanderbilt University discussed the use of probe-microphone speech mapping.
  
• David B. Hawkins, Ph.D./Professor Emeritus of Mayo Clinic Florida spoke on enhancing hearing aid success with group adult aural rehabilitation programs.
  
• James W. Hall III., Ph.D. took an in-depth look at tinnitus and its various evidence-based treatment options.

Siemens' own expert staff also provided several interactive presentations, including:

• An introduction from CEO Scott Davis
  
• An industry trends overview from Thomas Powers, Ph.D.,
  
• A "101" course on private practice management from Ron Gleitman, Ph.D.,
  
• A social media presentation and focus group
  
• Several hands-on product demonstrations.

"The Student University is the latest example of Siemens' commitment to support both our current and future hearing health professionals," said Alina Urdaneta, Vice President of Marketing and Education. "Our online Expert Series has been a hit with students over the past several months and our regular Sit Down with Siemens webinars are always available to both professionals and students."



Gus Mueller presents on probe-microphone speech mapping.

Students also received a personalized tour of Siemens' New Jersey manufacturing facility and witnessed first-hand how custom hearing aids are electronically received, modeled, created, assembled, tested, packed and shipped. Among the program's other highlights, each student was given the unique opportunity to build a hearing aid on the production floor and take it home.

"We're extremely pleased with the success of this program—and the positive feedback has been tremendous," added Urdaneta. "This was an opportunity for these young, talented students to build connections with fellow Au.D. students across the USA, learn from experts in the field, and experience a manufacturer's operations—all while having a little fun learning!"

Urdaneta noted that Siemens' commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. At the conclusion of AudiologyNOW! 2012, Siemens announced a new $25,000 grant to the American Academy of Audiology Foundation to support the next Jerger Future Leaders of Audiology Conference (JFLAC), scheduled for September 13-15 in Reston, VA.

For further information please visit: https://usa.siemens.com/hearing or the Siemens Web Channel on AudiologyOnline.