Amplifon USA
Chris Toal has been hired as senior vice president of marketing for Amplifon USA, Minneapolis. He will oversee the marketing activities for the company’s Miracle-Ear, National Hearing Centers, and Sonus brands, including branding, consumer research, media and advertising planning, and promotional strategies.

Chris Toal

Prior to joining Amplifon USA, Toal was vice president of marketing for Caribou Coffee. His other experience includes marketing and brand management positions with Ralston Purina and Pillsbury.

“Chris’ considerable marketing experience will benefit Amplifon USA greatly in its mission to enhance the quality of life for hearing loss patients and elevate the hearing device industry by delivering a new level of care, convenience, and selection,” says Robert Wabler, president of Amplifon USA.

Eye and Ear Foundation/NIDCD
The Eye and Ear Foundation, a supporting organization of the Eye and Ear Institute at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, awarded the 3rd annual Albert C. Muse Prize to James F. Battey, Jr, MD, PhD, director of the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).

Battey joined NIH in 1983 and was appointed director of NIDCD in 1998. He has advocated studies on the importance of early identification of hearing loss in newborns and new technologies for improving assistive devices, such as cochlear implants and hearing aids. He also encourages research on the importance of genetics in diagnosing, treating, and preventing communication disorders.

“The awarding of the Albert C. Muse Prize celebrates the genius and perseverance of a truly remarkable scientist of our time,” says Gordon Nelson, chairman of the Eye and Ear Foundation.

The award was established in 2001 to honor the world’s leaders in otolaryngology and ophthalmology who have made significant, progressive contributions to the field of science and medicine in either specialty. It honors Albert C. Muse, a past chairman of the Eye and Ear Foundation, and current vice-chairman who has dedicated more than 30 years to the Foundation and the Eye and Ear Institute.

Megan Quilter

GN Otometrics
GN Otometrics, Schaumburg, Ill, has hired Megan Quilter as an audiologist for its audiology staff. She will focus on customer support, and will conduct outside training and beta testing on the ICS and Madsen product lines, in addition to providing general support for the product development and sales staffs.

Quilter was a diagnostic audiologist with a clinical focus on vestibular and neurologic disorders in Portland, Ore. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Florida.

Melissa Alfonso Freund

Audiology Online
Melissa Alfonso Freund has been promoted to director of e-learning for Audiology Online, San Antonio. Her responsibilities will include the direction and implementation of Audiology Online’s numerous e-learning initiatives.

“E-learning is at the core of our business to assist hearing health care professionals earn continuing education credits conveniently and cost-effectively,” says Kevin Havens, CEO of Audiology Online. “Hearing health care professionals and our corporate partners will benefit greatly from Melissa’s knowledge and skills to facilitate online training and education.”

While attending Maitland Audiology’s open house, John Zeigler, vice president of marketing for AuDNet Inc, presented Barbara Crotty, founder and owner of Maitland Audiology, with her certificate of membership in AuDNet.

Maitland Audiology
Audiologist Barbara Crotty, MA, founder and owner of Maitland Audiology, PA, and her colleagues held an open house at their Florida office to celebrate 5 years of independent audiology practice. John Zeigler, AuD, vice president of marketing for AuDNet Inc, Burnsville, Minn, joined in the festivities to congratulate Crotty and her colleagues, and also to welcome Maitland Audiology as a new member of the AuDNet provider network.

“Owning my own audiology practice continues to be a tremendously rewarding experience,” Crotty says.