Reston, VA (August 20, 2012) — Richard Danielson, chair of the American Academy of Audiology Foundation Board, recently announced that Widex has agreed to fund a new series of educational lectureships that will provide audiologists with the most current information on tinnitus diagnoses, treatment and research. The $70,000 educational grant will support the Topics in Tinnitus lectures that will be offered at AudiologyNOW! from 2013 through 2017. The generous grant will also underwrite on-demand accessibility of each lecture at eAudiology.org following each live conference presentation.
"Since tinnitus frequently occurs in patients with hearing loss, audiologists are often on the front lines of tinnitus management," Danielson stated. "This philanthropic gift from Widex truly expands educational opportunities for audiologists as they seek information on developments in tinnitus research and practical tools for tinnitus treatment. We extend great appreciation to our Widex colleagues for this very generous funding. "
SØren Westermann, Widex A/S executive vice president, spoke about his company's funding for this new project while attending AudiologyNOW! last spring. "Just as the Widex name is synonymous with quality hearing technology, the AAA Foundation name is associated with quality educational lectures that provide audiologists with cutting-edge hearing science," he said. "Widex is delighted to fund the new Topics in Tinnitus lectureship since tinnitus management is an ongoing challenge for the hearing health community, and frequently a terribly debilitating condition for our patients with tinnitus."
As with the Foundation's other endowed lectureships, this grant will support the expenses associated with bringing renowned international speakers to the Academy's annual conference. In addition, a portion of the funding will also support, at no charge, online accessibility to the lecture for audiologists who are unable to travel to convention. This free online accessibility to the lecture is especially important since it ensures that the international community can participate in the lecture either as it is Webcast live from the AudiologyNOW!, or as an on-demand Web seminar. CEUs and ABA Tier One credits will be available for both the live and on-demand versions.
Danielson also noted that Foundation leadership was reviewing recent tinnitus research as it worked to engage an exceptional presenter for the inaugural 2013 lecture. He added, "It really is an honor to work with Widex to bring one of the 'best and brightest' experts in tinnitus to share expertise with audiologists ...and I thank the Widex team for their generosity and vision in reinforcing the role of the audiologist as a primary resource for tinnitus sufferers who seek informed diagnosis, quality treatment and relief from this debilitating condition."
About the American Academy of Audiology Foundation (AAAF)
The American Academy of Audiology Foundation's mission is to promote philanthropy in support of research, education, and public awareness in audiology and hearing science. The Foundation works closely with the American Academy of Audiology to fund research grants;to sponsor educational opportunities for students, audiologists and others in the hearing health-care community;and to increase public understanding of the causes, treatments, and prevention of hearing loss. The AAAF is exempt under 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, and all gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law. For more information, visit theAAAF Web site.
About Widex
Widex is a family-owned company founded in Denmark in 1956. Today, it is the world's sixth largest manufacturer of hearing aids. Widex hearing aids are sold in more than 100 countries around the world, and the company employs 3,400 people worldwide. For more information, visit the Widex Web site.
