July 19, 2007

Cathy Jones, President and CEO of Phonak Hearing Systems, Inc., announced that Phonak will make a gift in the amount of $50,000 to the American Academy of Audiology Foundation to support the American Board of Audiology’s Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certification (PASC) initiative.  "We are pleased to partner with the Foundation and the ABA to ensure that all children receive adequate care
for the assessment and treatment of their hearing loss from knowledgeable practitioners," said Cathy Jones.

This specialty certification will be central in driving the audiology profession’s successful development of effective newborn hearing screening and intervention programs, according to an AAA statement.  Now that most newborns are screened for hearing, the families of referred infants need to be able to quickly identify pediatric audiologists with the requisite knowledge to fully and appropriately take part in successful hearing habilitation efforts.

Brad Stach, chair of the foundation board, announced "…the AAA Foundation is delighted to embark on this exciting partnership with both Phonak and the ABA in this effort to enhance access to expert audiologic care of our youngest patients. Phonak’s donation is a valuable part of our efforts to support this worthwhile program.  I extend a huge ‘thank you’ to Cathy Jones and Phonak for taking the corporate lead with this most generous gift."

Bruce Edwards, chair of the ABA, expressed thanks for Phonak’s contribution and noted  "such a substantial donation greatly supports the ABA’s ongoing efforts to establish this much-needed specialty program designed to benefit children with hearing impairment and their families."

Source: American Academy of Audiology