Minneapolis, Oct. 8, 2010 - Starkey Laboratories, Inc., a global leader in hearing technology, was excited to host its first annual Pediatric Symposium in late September at its headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minn. Marion Downs, a Distinguished Professor Emerita at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a relentless advocate for early identification of hearing loss in newborns, infants and young children, was the guest of honor at the event. Leading authorities in pediatric fitting and clinical applications presented keynote and case presentations to more than 250 participants throughout the three days. Additionally, attendees were given the opportunity to work hands-on with Starkey's pediatric hearing aids and the Inspire® software, which includes specific pediatric fitting options.
"We are so proud to have the opportunity to bring together such an exciting slate of pediatric audiology experts under one roof," said Jerry Northern, Ph.D., Director of Pediatrics for Starkey. "From fitting to clinical applications, we gave the participants the opportunity to find out both what's new in pediatric audiology as well as get hands-on access to our new pediatric products and fitting software. We are thrilled to have so many people participate in this event and look forward to working with them to provide excellent solutions for kids in the future."
Keynote presentations included:
- Anu Sharma, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Science and Director of the Brain and Behavior Laboratory at University of Colorado in Boulder, Colo.: "Cortical Plasticity, Maturation and Efficacy of Early Intervention"
- Susan Scollie, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the National Centre for Audiology and the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada: "Evidence-based Protocols for Pediatric Hearing Aid Fitting"
- Yvonne Sininger, Ph.D., professor-in-residence, Division of Head and Neck Surgery at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA: "Auditory Development in Early Amplified Children"
- Jason Galster, Ph.D., an experienced pediatric audiologist on the Starkey Hearing Research team: "Pediatric Considerations in Real-Ear Measurements
The Starkey Pediatric Program was launched in April 2010. Developed using Starkey's renowned evidence-based design approach, the program provides innovative hearing products matched with professional and patient support. Starkey Pediatrics hearing aids are authorized to offer Nickelodeon™ characters from some of kids' favorite TV shows - including Dora the Explorer™, Go, Diego,Go™, SpongeBob SquarePants™ and iCarly™ — on their earmolds and in materials that accompany the hearing aids thanks to an exclusive partnership. Spongebob even made an appearance at the Pediatric Symposium.
Starkey Pediatrics hearing aids are built on the S Series iQ platform and provide a variety of child-friendly features. For more information about Starkey Pediatrics, visit StarkeyPro.com.
About Starkey®
Starkey Laboratories, Inc. is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minn. The company is recognized for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Founded in 1967, Starkey currently employs more than 3,250 people, operates 22 facilities and conducts business in more than 100 markets worldwide. For more information, visit StarkeyPro.com or the Starkey Web Channel on Audiology Online.
