2006-05-23 Pediatric Audiology Workshop Scheduled Siemens Hearing Instruments, Piscataway, NJ, part of Siemens Medical Solutions, will host its 2nd International Hands-On Pediatric Workshop, August 2-4, 2006 in Nuremburg, Germany, just miles from Siemens’ global corporate headquarters. At last year’s workshop, pediatric audiology practitioners from around the world received hands-on training from renowned pediatric experts. This year, Marlene Bagatto, AuD, from the University of Western Ontario, Canada and Leisha Eitan, MA, from Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Neb, will present and train on the latest diagnostic and fitting methods for infants and children. Additional topics will include diagnostics (screening methods, electrophysiological procedures, how to derive audiograms from electrophysiological results, and more); real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD, including theory, procedure, hands-on practice, and troubleshooting); selection and fitting of hearing instrument technology for infants and children; hearing instrument verification and validation; and FM theory and fitting. Siemens developed a pediatric program to provide children with hearing loss, their family, teachers, and peers with support through the entire treatment process—from the time hearing loss is suspected, through diagnosis and treatment. The support and resource materials offered by Siemens are designed to make pediatric fittings a success and ensure a future of positive development for the child. “Studies have shown that nearly one out of 10 American children have a hearing loss termed ‘educationally significant,’ ’’ said Thomas Powers, PhD, director of audiology, and chief research officer with Siemens Hearing Instruments. “Parents and other caregivers should be well informed about pediatric hearing loss and the special support that is needed, in terms of speech and language development. Advanced digital technology coupled with comprehensive parent education and a greater understanding of child development can help them adjust to wearing hearing instruments and reach their full potential.” For more information about the workshop or to obtain a registration form, contact Carolyn Smaka, Siemens Hearing Instruments’ product manager for pediatrics, at (800) 766-4500 or [email protected].