March—April - International Hearing Society
March—April - International Hearing Society
March—April - International Hearing Society
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Official Journal of the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Hearing</strong> <strong>Society</strong><br />
THE HEARING<br />
PROFESSIONAL<br />
MARCH–APRIL 2008<br />
2007<br />
ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS<br />
Proudly serving the hearing impaired since 1951<br />
Another Successful Year!<br />
2007 IHS Annual Report
Have you ever heard a patient say this?<br />
“ Now I’m able to join in the conversation. Before, people<br />
would be talking to me and I wouldn’t realize it until they<br />
were right in front of me. Now, I can hear people even if they<br />
come up behind me with a greeting.”<br />
Leo Cook,<br />
Epoq Wearer<br />
USA<br />
Epoq restores spatial hearing by combining the unique spatial sound<br />
compression system with 10 KHz broadband, Open (RITE) Fitting.<br />
Epoq goes beyond hearing compensation and interacts with<br />
a person’s natural ability to hear. A pair of Epoq instruments<br />
presents a sound picture to the brain which enables a more<br />
effective utilization of residual hearing capabilities. Through<br />
real-time binaural spacial sound compression, the user<br />
obtains a more natural sound experience, a better sense of<br />
where sounds are coming from and signifi cantly improved<br />
speech understanding.<br />
For more information please call 1-800-526-3921 or visit<br />
www.oticonusa.com
THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL<br />
VOLUME 57, No. 2 • MARCH–APRIL 2008<br />
(USPS 036-940)<br />
16880 Middlebelt Rd., Ste. 4, Livonia, Michigan 48154<br />
Telephone: 734.522.7200 • FAX: 734.522.0200 • Website: ihsinfo.org<br />
THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL (ISSN 0004-7473) is published bimonthly for members of the<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Hearing</strong> <strong>Society</strong> (IHS), 16880 Middlebelt Road, Ste. 4, Livonia, Michigan 48154. Periodicals<br />
postage paid at Livonia, Michigan and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address<br />
changes to The <strong>Hearing</strong> Professional, 16880 Middlebelt Road, Ste. 4, Livonia, Michigan 48154.<br />
THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL is the official journal of IHS, a nonprofit association of professional<br />
<strong>Hearing</strong> Instrument Specialists. ® Its purpose is to present authoritative technical and business<br />
information that will help hearing aid specialists serve hearing impaired people.<br />
Copyright © 2008 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Hearing</strong> <strong>Society</strong><br />
IHS members, <strong>Hearing</strong> Instrument Specialists, ® are engaged in the practice of testing human hearing<br />
and selecting, fitting and dispensing hearing instruments. Special membership categories of the <strong>Society</strong><br />
offer membership to those who are involved in or have an interest in the hearing instrument profession,<br />
but are not actively fitting and dispensing hearing aids. Call 734.522.7200 for information<br />
about IHS membership.<br />
OFFICERS AND GOVERNORS<br />
James Ogurek, BC-HIS 715.842.9882<br />
President<br />
Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA 503.472.8850<br />
President-Elect<br />
Larry Farris, BC-HIS, ACA 210.342.2299<br />
Secretary<br />
Bruce Sharp, BC-HIS, ACA 801.484.3277<br />
Treasurer<br />
Harlan Cato, BC-HIS 704.333.9055<br />
Immediate Past President<br />
J. Scott George, BC-HIS 417.466.7184<br />
Richard Giles, BC-HIS 360.690.4327<br />
A. Frederick Goossen, BC-HIS 585.419.9702<br />
John Letts, BC-HIS 306.343.9516<br />
Alan Lowell, BC-HIS, ACA 407.905.2950<br />
Marsha Mattingly, BC-HIS 304.525.7221<br />
Therese Wolf, BC-HIS, ACA 616.988.2158<br />
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE EDITORIAL STAFF<br />
Granville Brady, AuD Cindy Helms, Publisher<br />
Patricia Connelly, PhD, CCCA, ABA Autumn Kovach, Managing Editor<br />
Kathy-Jo Facteau, BC-HIS<br />
Kenneth Laferle, BC-HIS<br />
Raymond Loercher, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL is circulated to all <strong>Hearing</strong> Instrument Specialists, ® other members<br />
of IHS and to selected hearing aid manufacturers and suppliers. Advertising rate cards available on request.<br />
Subscription is free to all members of the <strong>Society</strong>. Paid subscriptions are available for $35 in<br />
the United States and Canada and $45 in all other countries. Contact IHS for additional details.<br />
INFORMATION contained in articles, editorials or paid advertising does not represent the endorsement<br />
of any specific product nor is IHS responsible for opinions or interpretations expressed by contributors.<br />
MICROFILM BACKFILES available from University Microfilms, Inc., Serials Acquisitions, 300 N.<br />
Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106.<br />
Manuscripts: Researchers, practitioners, and others are invited to submit articles and papers for publication.<br />
THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materials.<br />
MARCH–APRIL 2008<br />
Contents<br />
2 President’s Message<br />
By James Ogurek, BC-HIS<br />
3 IHS Membership Application<br />
6 Soundbytes<br />
7 <strong>International</strong> <strong>Hearing</strong> <strong>Society</strong><br />
2007 Annual Report to Members<br />
19 ChapterTrack<br />
21 IIHIS Approved Courses<br />
24 Classifieds<br />
POWER SHOPPING<br />
WITHOUT DROPPING!<br />
We’ve all enjoyed the ease and convenience of online shopping. From the<br />
comfort of our homes or offices, we can evaluate products, compare prices and<br />
make our selections without the time-consuming hassles of a trip to the mall.<br />
And now there’s an even better reason to reach for your keyboard instead<br />
of your car keys.<br />
IHS has an exciting fundraising opportunity called MyFundrazor, an online<br />
shopping community with hundreds of major retailers. Each time you shop<br />
through IHS.myfundrazor.org, we receive a percentage of the purchase.<br />
It’s simple, secure and requires no registration fee or personal information—<br />
a fun and easy way to support your professional association.<br />
Think IHS first whenever it’s time to shop for gifts, office supplies, household<br />
goods, and more. Just go to the IHS website and hit the MyFundrazor access<br />
button. Your favorite stores are just a click away, and the online deals<br />
are often better than store prices. Everyone wins!<br />
THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL 1
2<br />
By James Ogurek, BC-HIS<br />
IHS President<br />
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE<br />
Dear IHS Member,<br />
We all wake up each morning, head out to our offices to serve the needs of the millions of hearing<br />
impaired people who need our help. This is WHAT WE DO and WHO WE ARE. It is important to<br />
remember that we are members of a larger community—the hearing healthcare community. We must be<br />
active participants in this community as individuals, as an organization, and as a profession. We are happy<br />
to report—WE ARE!<br />
As members of IHS, you are a part of the following hearing healthcare community activities:<br />
• In March, the <strong>Hearing</strong> Industries Association (HIA) invited IHS, American Speech-Language-<strong>Hearing</strong><br />
Association (ASHA), American Academy of Audiology (AAA), Academy of Doctors of Audiology<br />
(ADA), and the Better <strong>Hearing</strong> Institute (BHI) to participate in their annual meeting. HIA is an<br />
organization of hearing instrument manufacturers, technology providers, battery manufacturers, and<br />
other companies that serve the needs of the hearing impaired. This meeting is an opportunity for all<br />
members of the hearing healthcare community to interact and coordinate our efforts. Cooperation is<br />
essential to ensure that our industry moves forward to serve the needs of the hearing impaired.<br />
• In April, the IHS Board of Governors will be in Washington DC for the spring Board meeting as well<br />
as to visit senators and congressmen to gain support for the <strong>Hearing</strong> Aid Tax Credit Bill. Your support<br />
of IHS makes these efforts possible. Your personal contact with congressional leaders is essential—<br />
please seek their support of this important legislation.<br />
• This spring, IHS leadership will meet with the leaders of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–<br />
Head and Neck Surgery. This is an annual joint meeting to reconfirm and further strengthen the<br />
ongoing partnership between the two organizations. Again, coordination of efforts with the medical<br />
community is essential. You can take pride in the fact that IHS is representing your interests in this<br />
important meeting.<br />
• BHI, an important nonprofit organization committed to educating the public about the benefits<br />
hearing aids provide, needs our HELP. Please assist BHI by looking for hearing aid success stories<br />
and providing data for continued market research. Visit the BHI website at www.betterhearing.org,<br />
and access the “Quick <strong>Hearing</strong> Check” or “<strong>Hearing</strong> Loss Success Stories” links. As good members of<br />
the hearing healthcare community WE MUST HELP. Please take just a couple minutes to help this<br />
important effort.<br />
Thanks for you support and best wishes for your success.<br />
Jim Ogurek, BC-HIS<br />
President, IHS<br />
MARCH • APRIL 2008
Spread the Word About IHS Membership<br />
Help strengthen the <strong>Society</strong> by encouraging membership growth.<br />
This application form can be submitted to IHS headquarters or individuals can join online<br />
at the IHS website where they’ll find detailed information on the benefits of membership.<br />
$275—Board Certified in <strong>Hearing</strong> Instrument Sciences $125—<strong>International</strong><br />
$275—Audiologist $150—Associate<br />
$275—Audioprosthologist $150—Affiliate<br />
$275—Physician $135—Student<br />
$275—Provisional<br />
GENERAL INFORMATION<br />
NAME (Last, First, Middle): SS/SI Number:<br />
Company Name: Date of Birth:<br />
/ /<br />
Street Address: Business Phone:<br />
Business Fax:<br />
City: State/Province: Country: Zip/Postal Code:<br />
Home Address: Home Phone:<br />
City: State/Province: Country: Zip/Postal Code:<br />
Email: Male Female<br />
What year did you begin dispensing hearing instruments?<br />
PROFESSIONAL/EDUCATION INFORMATION<br />
Credentials: BC-HIS (Certificate No.) ACA (Date) CCCA (Certificate No.)<br />
Completed IIHIS Training Manual for Professionals in the Field of <strong>Hearing</strong> Instrument Sciences<br />
Course #: Date Completed:<br />
Education Level: High School College/Trade (Degree) Post-Graduate (Degree)<br />
PAYMENT METHOD<br />
Visa or MasterCard #: Exp. Date:<br />
Check #: Amount: Signature:<br />
I agree to abide by the bylaws and code of ethical practices as established by the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Hearing</strong> <strong>Society</strong>.<br />
Signature/Title: Date:<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Hearing</strong> <strong>Society</strong><br />
16880 Middlebelt Rd., Ste. 4 • Livonia, MI 48154 • phone 734.522.7200 • fax 734.522.0200<br />
www.ihsinfo.org<br />
THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL 3
The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
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Kick off the convention right at the IHS golf outing. The Club at Savannah Harbor, adjacent to our hotel,<br />
offers an 18-hole PGA championship course. If you’re interested in joining us Wednesday, September 24th,<br />
please check the box in the space provided on the registration form. Someone from IHS will contact you<br />
with all the details.
SOUNDBYTES<br />
<strong>Hearing</strong> Instrument Practitioners<br />
Recognized as Prescribers<br />
for Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)<br />
As of January of this year, hearing instrument practitioners<br />
within regulated provincial jurisdictions are now allowed to<br />
evaluate, prescribe, and fit veterans affairs clients. The<br />
Canadian <strong>Hearing</strong> Instrument Practitioners <strong>Society</strong> (CHIPS)<br />
spearheaded the initiative to have VAC recognize hearing instrument<br />
practitioners as qualified prescribers.<br />
Provinces currently included in the new policy change<br />
are Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland/<br />
Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan. Open access to<br />
qualified professionals will help ensure that timely hearing<br />
care is provided to all veterans in urban and rural areas<br />
in Canada.<br />
CHIPS will continue to work closely with other allied<br />
professionals and the Department of Veteran Affairs to ensure<br />
ease of access and the best quality care for veterans.<br />
For more information regarding this new policy visit the<br />
CHIPS website at www.hearcanada.com.<br />
<strong>Hearing</strong> Loss Association<br />
of America Names<br />
New Executive Director<br />
Brenda Battat of Bethesda, Maryland has been named executive<br />
director of the <strong>Hearing</strong> Loss Association of America<br />
(HLAA), the nation’s largest organization for people<br />
with hearing loss. She officially assumed the title and duties<br />
on March 3, 2008, having been unanimously chosen<br />
for the position by the HLAA Board of Trustees.<br />
Battat joined the HLAA national staff in 1989. She has<br />
been deputy executive director, and served as acting executive<br />
director on three interim occasions. Battat brings this<br />
experience to the position as well as her personal exposure<br />
to hearing loss as a user of a cochlear implant and a hearing<br />
aid.<br />
Battat said, “I am ready to take on the challenge of leading<br />
this great organization in a changing world where<br />
hearing loss is burgeoning, technology exploding, and social<br />
networking a way of life. Nothing in today’s society is<br />
business as usual, with the exception of the stigma of using<br />
hearing aids and we have to change that.”<br />
Anne Pope, president of the HLAA Board of Trustees,<br />
said, “The Board of Trustees is delighted that Brenda Battat<br />
has agreed to become the next executive director of the<br />
<strong>Hearing</strong> Loss Association of America. Brenda is unequaled<br />
6<br />
Soundbytes<br />
as an advocate for people with hearing loss. For almost 20<br />
years, she has been a key leader in securing federal legislation<br />
and regulation to accommodate our challenges, and<br />
has taught thousands of our members how to work for accessibility<br />
at the state and local levels. Millions of people<br />
with hearing loss have benefited from her efforts. In the<br />
short time that she has been acting executive director, we<br />
have seen the same creativity, skill, and energy in her executive<br />
leadership that have made her such an effective advocate.<br />
We cannot imagine a better person to lead the organization<br />
in educating the general public about hearing loss<br />
and its challenges.”<br />
Marlee Matlin Dancing<br />
with Starkey Technology<br />
Actress Marlee Matlin will be Dancing With the Stars thanks<br />
in part to Starkey Laboratories founder William Austin, who<br />
provided her with new high power hearing instruments that<br />
she is wearing to hear the music. The Oscar-winning actress<br />
is one of 12 celebrities announced for the latest round of<br />
ABC’s hit dance show, which premiered March 17.<br />
“These special hearing aids which will fit deep into her<br />
ears provide power levels not previously attainable,” said<br />
Austin. “Enabling Marlee to hear the beat of the music<br />
also helps to allow her to dance competitively with her<br />
partner, Fabian Sanchez.”<br />
Matlin hopes she’ll boost the image for the nation’s 28<br />
million deaf and hearing-impaired. “It is exciting to personally<br />
experience these new developments by Starkey. It<br />
will have impact on so many people,” said Matlin.<br />
<strong>Hearing</strong> Loss Association<br />
of America Walk4<strong>Hearing</strong><br />
The <strong>Hearing</strong> Loss Association of America (HLAA) invites<br />
members of IHS to join in the 2008 Walk4<strong>Hearing</strong>. In its<br />
third year, the walk will be in 17 cities nationwide with an<br />
anticipated 4,000 walkers bringing awareness to hearing<br />
loss. HLAA would like participants to walk with individuals<br />
with hearing loss, their families, friends, corporations,<br />
and other hearing health professionals to show support for<br />
the cause in a public way and to increase general awareness<br />
of hearing loss.<br />
You can be a walker, form a team, and/or sponsor a<br />
local walk and help raise money for programs and services<br />
for people with hearing loss. For additional information<br />
visit www.hearingloss.org. THP<br />
MARCH • APRIL 2008
INTERNATIONAL HEARING SOCIETY<br />
2007<br />
ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS<br />
Proudly serving the hearing impaired since 1951
Dear Member:<br />
Celebrating a Successful Year!<br />
The leadership and staff of the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Hearing</strong> <strong>Society</strong> wish to thank each and every one of you for your<br />
continued loyalty, trust, and support. Together, with an enthusiastic combination of determination, passion, and<br />
dedication, we made 2007 another stellar year.<br />
The force is very definitely with us. It is abundantly clear to me on a day-to-day basis that our strength,<br />
influence, and stature continue to grow at a rapid rate and we have emphatically confirmed our platinum<br />
ranking in the hearing healthcare world. It’s your steadfast commitment to the highest standards of quality care<br />
that has earned you this place of prominence on the hearing healthcare delivery team. The respect you’ve earned<br />
throughout the industry and the hearing impaired community is well deserved and you are to be congratulated.<br />
It is our pleasure to present you with this report that highlights some of the more noteworthy accomplishments<br />
for 2007. You will see that our advocacy initiatives are still front and center and we have broadened our<br />
legislative reach in safeguarding your right to practice. Our annual convention and exposition has become<br />
the most prestigious, must-attend event of the year for healthcare professionals and manufacturers on an<br />
international scale. Our educational programs continue to be the best in the business. Our volunteer committees<br />
have been actively engaged in the work of the <strong>Society</strong>. Our affiliate chapter relations have been re-energized. Our<br />
partnerships and collaborative efforts with AAO-HNS and other allied organizations are flourishing. Our<br />
membership is growing and we are welcoming new friends and colleagues from around the world.<br />
It’s on behalf of all our members—old and new alike—that we’ve worked so hard to provide the best possible<br />
value for your dues contribution. We’ve become much more interactive with the membership in seeking your<br />
thoughts, opinions, and ideas in order to better represent your wants and needs. This open communication with<br />
the leadership and staff has been very effective in helping us define our strategic goals with your best interests<br />
in mind.<br />
As an IHS member, you have plenty to celebrate. As we achieve ever-higher levels of excellence, you<br />
can be very proud of your participation in our resounding success. Let’s build on this team approach<br />
as we look ahead to the exciting opportunities the future holds for the <strong>Society</strong> and the profession<br />
at large. Together, we can keep this powerful momentum going and soar to even higher heights in 2008<br />
and beyond!<br />
Yours for better hearing,<br />
Cindy J. Helms<br />
IHS Executive Director<br />
8 2007 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS
2007 Statement of Operations<br />
We are very pleased to report another profitable year, with year-end revenue exceeding expenses by over $80,000. This<br />
figure demonstrates the diligence of management and the Board of Governors in their efforts to ensure the utmost regard<br />
for fiscal responsibility. It also reflects the continued support of our membership.<br />
On your behalf we will always strive to put your membership dollars to work in ways that offer the maximum return<br />
on your investment. Be assured that we will continue to be guided by our mission to protect and promote the<br />
hearing healthcare profession, provide the highest level of member advocacy and support, and grow the <strong>Society</strong> for a<br />
prosperous future.<br />
REVENUE<br />
Administration $ 5,774<br />
Membership and Advocacy $ 689,846<br />
Education $ 506,013<br />
Communications $ 41,017<br />
Meetings and Convention $ 268,946<br />
Total $ 1,511,596<br />
EXPENSE<br />
Administration $ 781,026<br />
Membership and Advocacy $ 135,594<br />
Education $ 204,783<br />
Communications $ 76,908<br />
Meetings and Convention $ 231,926<br />
Total $1,430,237<br />
Revenue Over Expenses = $81,359<br />
Many thanks to those of you who contributed to our Advocacy Alliance. These funds are used exclusively for advocating<br />
on your behalf in the legislative and regulatory arena and in developing important coalitions for a stronger,<br />
more influential voice. This is one of the most important services provided by the <strong>Society</strong>. It is of critical importance to<br />
expanding the benefits of better hearing to an increasing number of those in need and to safeguard your ability to<br />
serve them. As IHS continues its vigorous advocacy and liaison efforts, we urge our members to actively participate in<br />
the political process and develop and sustain relationships with their elected representatives at the state, provincial,<br />
and federal level.<br />
Federal Government Relations<br />
For more than 30 years, the <strong>Society</strong> has maintained the<br />
excellent services of Washington Counsel Tim Waters of<br />
McDermott Will & Emery LLP to help guide our regu-<br />
Meetings &<br />
Convention<br />
18%<br />
Communications<br />
3%<br />
Education<br />
33%<br />
Meetings &<br />
Convention<br />
17%<br />
Communications<br />
5%<br />
Education<br />
14%<br />
Membership<br />
& Advocacy<br />
9%<br />
Advocacy and Outreach<br />
Administration<br />
.4%<br />
Membership<br />
& Advocacy<br />
46%<br />
Administration<br />
55%<br />
latory efforts. For more than a decade Karen Sealander,<br />
also of McDermott Will & Emery LLP, has advocated<br />
with Waters on the <strong>Society</strong>’s behalf.<br />
2007 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS 9
Tax Credit Legislation<br />
IHS has joined forces with others in the hearing health<br />
community in support of legislation designed to encourage<br />
an increasing number of Americans to enjoy the<br />
benefits of amplification. The legislation would provide<br />
a tax credit of up to $500 per hearing aid, available<br />
once every five years, toward the purchase of a hearing<br />
aid. The tax credit would be available to individuals 55<br />
years of age and older and for taxpayers purchasing a<br />
hearing aid for a dependent. The legislation has no restrictions<br />
on who may dispense the device and no restrictions<br />
on the technology available to the patient.<br />
Senator Norm Coleman (R–MN) introduced the tax<br />
credit legislation in the U.S. Senate on May 16, 2007. To<br />
date, six Senators have co-sponsored the proposal, S.<br />
1410, entitled the “<strong>Hearing</strong> Aid Assistance Tax Credit<br />
Act.” A companion bill, H.R. 2329, was introduced in<br />
the House on May 15, 2007 by Representatives Carolyn<br />
McCarthy (D–NY) and Vernon Ehlers (R–MI), and now<br />
has 71 co-sponsors.<br />
IHS members are encouraged to contact their U.S.<br />
Senators and Representatives urging co-sponsorship of<br />
this important legislation. For more information the IHS<br />
website has talking points, sample letters to legislators,<br />
and other related materials.<br />
Pictured left to right:<br />
Washington Counsel<br />
Karen Sealander;<br />
IHS President-Elect<br />
Chris Gustafson;<br />
Oregon Congresswoman<br />
Darlene Hooley;<br />
and IHS President<br />
James Ogurek<br />
<strong>Hearing</strong> on the Hill<br />
In May, President James Ogurek, President-Elect Chris<br />
Gustafson, and Sealander represented the <strong>Society</strong> in<br />
Washington at <strong>Hearing</strong> on the Hill. For more than a<br />
decade the <strong>Hearing</strong> Industries Association (HIA) has<br />
sponsored this biennial educational event, which includes<br />
hearing screenings for Members of Congress and<br />
congressional staff.<br />
<strong>Hearing</strong> on the Hill focused attention on support of<br />
the tax credit legislation for purchase of hearing aids.<br />
Legislators addressing attendees included Sen. Coleman,<br />
Congresswoman McCarthy, and Congressman Ehlers.<br />
Other hearing health organizations also participated<br />
in <strong>Hearing</strong> on the Hill, including the American Academy<br />
of Audiology (AAA), the American Academy of<br />
Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS),<br />
the American Speech-Language-<strong>Hearing</strong> Association<br />
(ASHA), the American Tinnitus Association (ATA), HIA,<br />
and the <strong>Hearing</strong> Loss Association of America (HLAA).<br />
While on Capitol Hill, IHS representatives visited<br />
with the offices of their legislators as well as key Committee<br />
staff.<br />
IHS Leaders Participate<br />
in National Press Club Event<br />
In May, President Ogurek and President-Elect Gustafson<br />
represented the <strong>Society</strong> at the “Mini Health Fair” sponsored<br />
by the Better <strong>Hearing</strong> Institute in Washington,<br />
DC. The event featured free hearing tests and publicized<br />
the study, “Impact of <strong>Hearing</strong> Loss on Household Income.”<br />
This is the first study to document the direct<br />
correlation between income loss and hearing loss.<br />
The study found that people with hearing loss earn<br />
less money than people with normal hearing, but wearing<br />
a hearing aid reduces the amount of income loss.<br />
The study also found that the estimated cost in lost<br />
earnings due to untreated hearing loss is $122 billion,<br />
with the cost to the government in unrealized federal<br />
taxes at $18 billion.<br />
AARP Issues New Consumer<br />
Guide to <strong>Hearing</strong> Aids<br />
In May, AARP issued a revised Consumer Guide to<br />
<strong>Hearing</strong> Aids. This report discusses the prevalence of<br />
hearing loss, encourages the hearing impaired to get<br />
hearing help, and cautions against unrealistic expectations<br />
with respect to amplification. The guide also cites<br />
the benefits of new hearing aid technology and explains<br />
the “three kinds of hearing care professionals,” which<br />
include otolaryngologists (otologists), audiologists, and<br />
hearing aid specialists. This is the third version of the<br />
AARP guide, and each successive version is increasingly<br />
positive about the benefits of amplification and the important<br />
role of the professional hearing aid specialist.<br />
AARP officials reached out to the <strong>Society</strong> for assistance<br />
in possible hearing health awareness efforts. Separately,<br />
AARP solicited bids from dispensing entities for a<br />
possible AARP-endorsed hearing care product. The <strong>Society</strong><br />
is closely monitoring this process.<br />
IHS and AAO-HNS Partnership<br />
IHS continues to build on its effective collaboration with<br />
AAO-HNS on federal legislative, regulatory, and public<br />
affairs matters. We have, for example, written numerous<br />
joint letters to the FDA and conducted numerous joint<br />
meetings with FDA officials, Members of Congress, and<br />
congressional staff to advance our shared view that entry<br />
into the hearing healthcare delivery system through all<br />
three providers (physicians, hearing instrument specialists,<br />
and audiologists) must be preserved.<br />
The leadership of both organizations meet annually<br />
to discuss issues of critical importance and explore<br />
new ways in which their partnership can be mutually<br />
supportive.<br />
Legislation to Require Medicare<br />
Coverage of <strong>Hearing</strong> Aids<br />
In April, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R–FL) introduced<br />
the Medicare <strong>Hearing</strong> Enhancement and Auditory<br />
Rehabilitation Act. The legislation, H.R. 1912, would<br />
10 2007 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS
direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to<br />
establish coverage determinations for hearing aids under<br />
the Medicare program. This would effectively lift the<br />
current prohibition on traditional Medicare’s coverage<br />
of hearing aids. The legislation would also provide Medicare<br />
coverage for auditory rehabilitation services. The<br />
legislation does not specify who would be able to dispense<br />
the device or who would be able to provide the rehabilitation<br />
services. The <strong>Society</strong> does not expect this<br />
legislation to advance.<br />
Legislation to Require Insurance<br />
Coverage of <strong>Hearing</strong> Aids<br />
In January, Congressman Steven Lynch (D–MA) introduced<br />
H.R. 536, the Helping America Hear Act of<br />
2007. The legislation would require coverage of hearing<br />
aids under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program<br />
and under private group and individual health insurance.<br />
There are no restrictions on the providers who<br />
may dispense the device. Like an earlier version of the<br />
legislation that Rep. Lynch previously introduced, this<br />
legislation has no co-sponsors. The <strong>Society</strong> does not expect<br />
this legislation to advance.<br />
Cooperative Advocacy<br />
IHS joined with more than 30 other organizations, including<br />
the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, AAA,<br />
AAO-HNS, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the<br />
American Medical Association, ASHA, and HLAA, in a<br />
joint letter sent to all Members of Congress urging funding<br />
for the early hearing detection and intervention programs<br />
of the Health Resources and Services Administration<br />
and the National Center on Birth Defects and<br />
Developmental Disabilities.<br />
IHS joined with more than 50 other health advocates<br />
in a letter to the President and all Members of Congress<br />
urging reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance<br />
Program.<br />
State Government Relations<br />
Another important aspect of our advocacy efforts is at<br />
the local level, primarily in providing assistance to affiliate<br />
chapters to supplement their respective efforts. The<br />
following section highlights state legislative actions that<br />
occurred in 2007 and our continued coalition efforts<br />
with others on the hearing healthcare team.<br />
Educational Standards<br />
Maryland and Missouri successfully passed legislation<br />
raising educational standards for hearing aid specialists.<br />
Eight states passed legislation requiring a doctoral degree<br />
as entry-level licensure requirement for audiologists.<br />
Insurance Coverage for <strong>Hearing</strong> Aids<br />
Fifteen states introduced legislation mandating insurance<br />
coverage for hearing aids with varying degrees of<br />
coverage and provider provisions. New Mexico and<br />
Maine successfully passed legislation to provide coverage<br />
for minors with fitting and dispensing services provided<br />
by audiologists or hearing aid specialists.<br />
Taxation<br />
Building from the national tax credit initiative, four<br />
states introduced legislation to provide a tax credit for<br />
the purchase of hearing aids. The measure failed to pass<br />
in New Jersey and North Dakota, and is pending in<br />
Georgia and New York. Legislation to exclude hearing<br />
aids from sales tax was considered in Alabama, Mississippi,<br />
Nevada, and Oklahoma but failed to pass. New<br />
Mexico passed legislation to provide a tax deduction<br />
from gross receipts for hearing aid costs and services.<br />
Audioprosthology Title<br />
Much attention was focused on the use of the audioprosthology<br />
title during 2007. Only those who have<br />
completed the advance practice training of the American<br />
Conference of Audioprosthology are allowed to use this<br />
title. Working with leadership on the state level, IHS has<br />
educated policymakers and regulatory authorities on the<br />
value of the program and justification for graduates to<br />
use the title.<br />
Sunset Review<br />
Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Texas, and West Virginia<br />
successfully extended their practice acts which<br />
were due to expire in 2007. Along with extending the<br />
practice act, the state of Colorado incorporated many<br />
beneficial consumer protection provisions and converted<br />
from registration to licensure.<br />
IHS and AAO-HNS State Liaison<br />
IHS and AAO-HNS formed a state liaison in 2003 and<br />
regularly share information, coordinate grassroots initiatives,<br />
and educate local authorities on the hearing<br />
healthcare delivery system.<br />
In 2007, IHS and AAO-HNS partnered on specific<br />
initiatives in Arizona, Florida, Nebraska, and Wisconsin<br />
including scope of practice issues, title restrictions, and<br />
consumer protection provisions.<br />
State Events in Support<br />
of Tax Credit Legislation<br />
A grassroots event for Congressman Dave Camp (R–MI)<br />
was held in Midland, Michigan last November. The reception<br />
and dinner event, hosted by the HLAA Michigan<br />
Chapter and the AG Bell Michigan Chapter, with the significant<br />
support of HIA, was designed to raise the Congressman’s<br />
awareness of the importance of hearing<br />
health to overall health and general well-being and to<br />
demonstrate constituent support for hearing aid tax<br />
credit legislation. IHS and Michigan <strong>Hearing</strong> Aid <strong>Society</strong><br />
member Ed Deneau, BC-HIS, provided outstanding organizational<br />
support for this event. Congressman Camp<br />
2007 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS<br />
11
12<br />
is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee,<br />
which has jurisdiction over tax issues.<br />
IHS Members Serve in State Legislatures<br />
The <strong>Society</strong> is proud that two of its members serve in<br />
state legislatures. Clark Barnes, BC-HIS, serves in the<br />
West Virginia state Senate. Elected in 2004, Senator<br />
Barnes now serves in the Republican leadership as the<br />
Minority Whip. He is the president of the West Virginia<br />
<strong>Hearing</strong> <strong>Society</strong> and has been an IHS member since 1989.<br />
Tracy King, BC-HIS, ACA, a former president of the<br />
Texas <strong>Hearing</strong> Aid Association, serves in the Texas<br />
House of Representatives. Rep. King was first elected in<br />
1994 and has been an IHS member since 2004.<br />
Publications<br />
Professional Education and Training<br />
Sales and distribution of the <strong>Society</strong>’s distance learning<br />
program for entry-level training, Distance Learning for<br />
Professionals in <strong>Hearing</strong> Health Sciences, continues to<br />
flourish at an all-time high. Over 900 programs were<br />
sold in 2007 and nearly 150 students completed the program.<br />
The fifth edition of the program was completed<br />
near the end of the year and will be available for purchase<br />
in the coming months.<br />
American Conference<br />
of Audioprosthology<br />
In 2007, IHS’s advanced educational program, the<br />
American Conference of Audioprosthology (ACA), was<br />
reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE).<br />
Representatives from ACE conducted a headquarters<br />
site visit and curriculum review. The program received<br />
high marks and was again deemed equivalent to 15<br />
upper level baccalaureate semester hours.<br />
ACA classes completed during 2007 took place in<br />
Florida, Arizona, and Michigan, with 17 students graduating<br />
from the program.<br />
Course Approvals<br />
IIHIS is the largest provider of accreditation for continuing<br />
education programs in hearing instrument sciences.<br />
With nearly 300 course approvals, 2007 was an exceptional<br />
year for provider-sponsored programs. Approximately<br />
15,000 certificates of completion were issued to<br />
course attendees. IHS developed 13 seminars for the<br />
2007 IHS convention.<br />
Pat Connelly, PhD,<br />
CCCA, ABA (right)<br />
awarded Tricia Baker,<br />
BC-HIS, ACA,<br />
with a certificate for<br />
successfully completing<br />
the ACA program.<br />
Rep. Camp (left)<br />
discusses hearing<br />
healthcare issues<br />
with attendees.<br />
IHS continues to be a leader in hearing healthcare education. Managed by IHS’s education division, the <strong>International</strong><br />
Institute for <strong>Hearing</strong> Instruments Studies (IIHIS), our programs are widely acclaimed for their standards of excellence.<br />
Highlights of IIHIS accomplishments for 2007 follow.<br />
2007 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS
President<br />
James Ogurek, BC-HIS<br />
Wausau, Wisconsin<br />
715.842.9882<br />
ogurekfam@dwave.net<br />
Larry Farris,<br />
BC-HIS, ACA<br />
San Antonio, Texas<br />
210.342.2299<br />
abhearing@earthlink.net<br />
Southwest: AZ, AR, LA,<br />
NM, OK, TX<br />
Alan Lowell, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Winter Garden, Florida<br />
407.905.2950<br />
alan@encorehearing.com<br />
Southeast: AL, FL, GA,<br />
MS, NC, SC, TN<br />
IHS Executive Committee<br />
President-Elect<br />
Chris Gustafson,<br />
BC-HIS, ACA<br />
McMinnville, Oregon<br />
503.472.8850<br />
evrgrn1024@aol.com<br />
J. Scott George, BC-HIS<br />
Mt. Vernon, Missouri<br />
417.466.7184<br />
sgeorge@sofnet.com<br />
Central: IL, IA, MO, WI<br />
Marsha Mattingly,<br />
BC-HIS<br />
Huntington, West Virginia<br />
304.525.7221<br />
mmattingly@<br />
beltonetristate.com<br />
Central East Coast: DE,<br />
DC, MD, NJ, PA, VA, WV<br />
Secretary<br />
Larry Farris,<br />
BC-HIS, ACA<br />
San Antonio, Texas<br />
210.342.2299<br />
abhearing@earthlink.net<br />
Richard Giles, BC-HIS<br />
Vancouver, Washington<br />
360.690.4327<br />
rick-giles@ear-care.com<br />
Pacific: AK, CA, HI, ID,<br />
NV, OR, WA<br />
Bruce Sharp,<br />
BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Salt Lake City, Utah<br />
801.484.3277<br />
bruce@sharphearing.com<br />
Northwest: CO, KS, MN,<br />
MT, NE, ND, SD, UT, WY<br />
Treasurer<br />
Bruce Sharp,<br />
BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Salt Lake City, Utah<br />
801.484.3277<br />
bruce@sharphearing.com<br />
IHS Territorial Governors<br />
A. Frederick Goossen,<br />
BC-HIS<br />
Dundee, New York<br />
585.419.9702<br />
goossen@roadrunner.com<br />
Northeast Coast: CT, ME,<br />
MA, NH, NY, RI, VT<br />
Therese Wolf,<br />
BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Grand Rapids, Michigan<br />
616.988.2158<br />
tlwolfmom@msn.com<br />
Central East: IN, KY,<br />
MI, OH<br />
Immediate Past President<br />
Harlan Cato, BC-HIS<br />
Charlotte, North Carolina<br />
704.333.9055<br />
harlancato@aol.com<br />
John Letts, BC-HIS<br />
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan<br />
306.343.9516<br />
letjoh@sasktel.net<br />
Canada<br />
2007 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS<br />
13
ACA<br />
Pat Connelly, PhD, CCCA, Chair<br />
Hans Christopher Bell, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Thomas Higgins, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Dana McSpaden, CCC-SLP/A<br />
Therese Wolf, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Awards<br />
Scott Austin, BC-HIS, Chair<br />
W. F. Samuel Hopmeier, BC-HIS<br />
Patrick Kochanowski, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Nonean Price, BC-HIS<br />
G. Charles Young, BC-HIS<br />
Bylaws<br />
Howard Kan, BC-HIS, Chair<br />
Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Ray Hill, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Carl McCurdy, BC-HIS<br />
Raymond Rich, BC-HIS<br />
Michael Stone, BC-HIS<br />
Chapter Relations<br />
Larry Farris, BC-HIS, ACA, Chair<br />
A. Frederick Goossen, BC-HIS<br />
Deanne Manning, BC-HIS<br />
Bruce Sharp, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Deborah Twisdale, BC-HIS<br />
CPOP<br />
Therese Wolf, BC-HIS, ACA, Chair<br />
Kathy Harvey-Jones, BC-HIS, CCCA<br />
Michael Moran, BC-HIS<br />
Ethics<br />
Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA, Chair<br />
John Bartolucci, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Sandy Bichard, BC-HIS<br />
Harlan Blake, BC-HIS<br />
Linda Donaldson, BC-HIS, CCCA<br />
W. F. Samuel Hopmeier, BC-HIS<br />
Stanley McDaniel, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Lloyd Musselman, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Robert Siegel, AuD, BC-HIS, CCCA<br />
Exhibit<br />
Kelly Clark (Sonic Innovations)<br />
Grace Defilippis (Beltone)<br />
Randy Dickins (MedRx)<br />
Henning Falster (Oticon)<br />
Janis Lybarger (Microsonic)<br />
14<br />
Committees<br />
IHS extends its appreciation to the following members who have demonstrated their commitment to the <strong>Society</strong> and<br />
the profession by volunteering their time and expertise on one or more committees.<br />
Federal Advocacy<br />
J. Scott George, BC-HIS, Chair<br />
Robin Clowers, BC-HIS<br />
Larry Farris, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Raymond Rich, BC-HIS<br />
W. Ben Wofford, BC-HIS<br />
Grievance<br />
A.W. Britt Rivers, BC-HIS, Chair<br />
Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Charles St. James, BC-HIS<br />
The <strong>Hearing</strong> Professional<br />
Pat Connelly, PhD, CCCA, Chair<br />
Granville Brady, AuD<br />
Kathy-Jo Facteau, BC-HIS<br />
Ken LaFerle, BC-HIS<br />
Ray Loercher, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
<strong>International</strong> Affairs<br />
John Letts, BC-HIS, Chair<br />
Harlan Cato, BC-HIS<br />
Anne Hogarth<br />
Alan Stone, BC-HIS<br />
<strong>International</strong> Institute for<br />
<strong>Hearing</strong> Instruments Studies<br />
Pat Connelly, PhD, CCCA, Chair<br />
Denny Dingler, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Rick Giles, BC-HIS<br />
Jerome Goldstein, MD<br />
Kathy Harvey-Jones, BC-HIS, CCCA<br />
Charles Herb, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Jay McSpaden, PhD, BC-HIS, CCCA<br />
Ron Perry, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Item Writers<br />
H. Christopher Bell, BC-HIS, ACA,<br />
Chair<br />
Larry Brethower, BC-HIS<br />
Kathy Harvey-Jones, BC-HIS, CCCA<br />
Dana McSpaden, CCC-SLP/A<br />
Jay McSpaden, PhD, BC-HIS, CCCA<br />
Michael Moran, BC-HIS<br />
Kelly Morgan-MacKenzie, BC-HIS<br />
Richard Nodar, PhD<br />
Membership<br />
Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA, Chair<br />
Sherry Appleby, BC-HIS<br />
Christine Fiege, BC-HIS<br />
A. Frederick Goossen, BC-HIS<br />
Mary Lou Luebbe-Gearhart,<br />
BC-HIS, AuD, CCCA<br />
Nominating Committees<br />
for Territorial Governor<br />
Canada Territory<br />
Leslie Holden, BC-HIS, Chair<br />
Christine Feige, BC-HIS<br />
Adele Wiegers, BC-HIS<br />
Pacific Territory<br />
Cynthia Taylor-Peffers, BC-HIS, Chair<br />
Don Cloutier, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Robert Shepard, BC-HIS<br />
Southwest Territory<br />
Robert Baber, BC-HIS, Chair<br />
Tracy King, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Bryan Stinson, BC-HIS<br />
Public Relations<br />
Scott Austin, BC-HIS, Chair<br />
Christine Feige, BC-HIS<br />
Thomas Higgins, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Connie Johnson, BC-HIS<br />
Bill Schenk, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Resource Development<br />
Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA, Chair<br />
Scott Austin, BC-HIS<br />
W. F. Samuel Hopmeier, BC-HIS<br />
Alan Lowell, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Bruce Sharp, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Scope of Practice<br />
Laura Dennison, BC-HIS, CCCA, Chair<br />
Randy Swint, BC-HIS<br />
State Advocacy<br />
Therese Wolf, BC-HIS, ACA, Chair<br />
Linda Donaldson, BC-HIS, CCCA<br />
Kathy Harvey-Jones, BC-HIS, CCCA<br />
Bruce Mow<br />
2007 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS
Mary E. Adams<br />
Robert K. Allison, BC-HIS<br />
Elizabeth Ambroselli<br />
Ryan L. Anderson, BC-HIS<br />
Susan E. Archer<br />
William Thomas Armstrong<br />
Suezanna T. Arp, AuD, CCCA<br />
Michael A. Arpasi, BC-HIS<br />
Maggie Arzani<br />
Elizabeth Aspell<br />
Jennifer Lynn Atkins<br />
Charles Avila<br />
Daniel P. Baggott<br />
Kara S. Baker, BC-HIS<br />
Charles J. Balyozian<br />
Robert S. Barbour<br />
Joseph Bartlett, BC-HIS<br />
Bonnie J. Bass<br />
Jin-Ho Bea<br />
Chandler R. Beach<br />
Emily Bean<br />
Larry A. Billman<br />
Scott Anthony Blythe<br />
Paul C. Bochterle, BC-HIS<br />
Robert G. Bourgeois<br />
Erin M. Boyer<br />
Katy L. Brant<br />
Jason P. Braun<br />
Victor H. Bray, Jr., PhD, BC-HIS<br />
Tim Brecheisen, BC-HIS<br />
Terry D. Brenne<br />
Rob L. Brewster, BC-HIS<br />
Jami Brooks, CCCA<br />
Lance Brooks<br />
Ashley Smith Brown<br />
Mary Elizabeth Buchan<br />
Melissa Bunting<br />
Kerrie Burger<br />
David Ross Burke<br />
Michael M. Burke<br />
Gwen A. Burton, BC-HIS<br />
Patricia Ann Bush<br />
Isaac J. Butler, BC-HIS<br />
Nicholas Caprari<br />
James Nathaniel Caravan<br />
Daniel G. Carusi<br />
New Members<br />
The <strong>Society</strong> is only as strong as its membership and we are pleased to announce the addition of 441 new members in<br />
2007. We wish to congratulate the following individuals who stepped forward to become members of IHS. We salute<br />
your commitment to the profession and welcome you aboard.<br />
Richard F. J. Caruso, BC-HIS<br />
Keith M. Castro, BC-HIS<br />
Michel Chackal<br />
Christopher J. Chadwick<br />
Charles Calvin Chapman<br />
Heather D. Childs<br />
Patrick F. Chip<br />
Wieslaw Chmielewski<br />
Young-Kwun Choi<br />
Thomas L. Christiansen<br />
Dimitrios Chryssikos, Jr.<br />
Gary Chwialkowski<br />
Leslie Ann Clack<br />
Dean Clevenger<br />
Karen Jo Clos, BC-HIS<br />
Andrew Cmeyla<br />
Anna Cohen<br />
Irma Cohens, BC-HIS<br />
Sherri Collins<br />
Brenda L. Colp, BC-HIS<br />
Craig J. Conklin, BC-HIS<br />
Sharon Kay Conlon<br />
Thomas James Contento, BC-HIS<br />
Lori L. Cook<br />
Zina T. Cornwell<br />
Brenda I. Cowan, BC-HIS<br />
Cole M. Crouse<br />
Edel Heberto Cruz<br />
Theresa Cullen, AuD, CCCA<br />
Graydon B. Cummins, BC-HIS<br />
Anthony J. DaSilva, III, BC-HIS<br />
Robert F. Davidson, BC-HIS<br />
John Brian Davis, BC-HIS<br />
Ruth Ann Davis, BC-HIS<br />
Vicki Lyn Dawes<br />
Fermin A. De La Jara<br />
Kristie H. De La Jara<br />
Donald Ray Deardorff<br />
Susan J. DeBauche, BC-HIS<br />
Pamela G. Dechmerowski<br />
Karen L. Demchyna<br />
Fatima DeOliveira<br />
Joseph DeSimone, Jr.<br />
Eric S. Deveau<br />
Robert D. Dickinson<br />
Juan Ding<br />
Tatiana Dobrousin<br />
Sherri L. Dodson, BC-HIS<br />
Brent Donohoe<br />
Barbara I. Dotson, BC-HIS<br />
Kelly Gene Doyle<br />
Jack M. Dragich, II<br />
Jean Drewski<br />
Charles Isaac Dunford, BC-HIS<br />
Joe T. Dust<br />
John W. Dykstra<br />
Nancy Jane Earnest<br />
Dean Curtis Easterwood<br />
Bradley Duane Eastes<br />
Zachary James Ebel<br />
Corinna Eberhardt<br />
Jeffrey Harold Eldridge<br />
Larry E. Eledge<br />
J. Reed Ellis<br />
Christine Enloe<br />
Priscilla Ann Erdmann<br />
Bengt Ericsson<br />
Lisa Renee Flanagan Ernst<br />
Sammi Falconbury-Grello<br />
Laurie B. Firestone<br />
William F. Fletcher, BC-HIS<br />
Anthony Florek<br />
Sandra Davis Folly, BC-HIS<br />
Jan Marie Frank<br />
Eric Freeman<br />
Sandy X. Freia<br />
Jeffery Ted French<br />
Ben Fromm<br />
Tod R. Frueh, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Janet Lee Gadd<br />
Phillip R. Gadd<br />
Michelle Louise Gagne<br />
Annette S. Ganske<br />
Abraham R. Garcia<br />
Nick A. Garcia<br />
David Gardner, BC-HIS<br />
Michael Gedeon<br />
Jeffrey R. Germain, BC-HIS<br />
Joon Gil<br />
Jeffrey S. Gilane<br />
Angelo J. Giordanelli, BC-HIS<br />
Jill S. Goldberg<br />
2007 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS<br />
15
Michael Golubiewski<br />
Sheinah Mae P. Gonzales<br />
Stephenei D. Goodale<br />
Michael David Grace, BC-HIS<br />
Kevin F. Graham<br />
Timothy S. Gunia<br />
Jerry W. Gunter<br />
Margaret Mary Gustafson,<br />
MS, FAAA<br />
L. Greg Haines, BC-HIS<br />
Douglas Byron Hall<br />
Richard L. Hall<br />
Robin S. Hall, BC-HIS<br />
C. Marke Hambley, BC-HIS<br />
Young-Jin Han<br />
Bobby Richard Hardy<br />
Brad Hargrove<br />
William G. Hartman<br />
Donald M. Hawley, BC-HIS<br />
Chris J. Healey<br />
Trevor L. Hedding, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Michelle Hidalgo<br />
Jason I. Higgins, BC-HIS<br />
Toby Shotwell Hill<br />
Alexandra L. Hills, BC-HIS<br />
Bethany J. Hobbs<br />
Kaylene M. Hoeser<br />
Diane E. Hofstetter-Taylor<br />
Lyndi Hofstra, BC-HIS<br />
Diana L. Hollan<br />
Randall L. Holyfield, Sr.<br />
Dana H. Honeycutt<br />
Todd M. Hori<br />
Roy Dennis Horsman, BC-HIS<br />
Lucille P. Hosfeld, AuD, CCCA<br />
Tammi D. Howell, BC-HIS<br />
Sandra K. Hubbard, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Tiana B. Hunt<br />
Robert W. Hunter, ACA<br />
Dwight D. Isenhoward<br />
Tabita Jackson<br />
John Jahanshahi<br />
Leonard John Jarka<br />
Leah Y. Johnson<br />
Brian Steven Jolley, BC-HIS<br />
Donald Joseph<br />
In-Sook Jung<br />
Ryan E. Kabel, BC-HIS<br />
Vivek Kanichiveetil<br />
Brooke M. Karnes<br />
Richard A. Kastel<br />
Donal Keane, BC-HIS<br />
Tam Kam Kei<br />
Edward T. Keller, BC-HIS<br />
Heather Hoyt Kelly<br />
Du-Eon Kim<br />
Soon-Ja Kim<br />
Young-Hoon Kim<br />
Sherry Lynn Kinross<br />
Denise Athey Klepinger<br />
Douglas L. Knoche<br />
Edward David Kraft, Jr., BC-HIS<br />
Kevin Kreze<br />
Andrew F. Krizman<br />
Bryan S. Kroeger<br />
Jason Daniel Krywko, BC-HIS<br />
Mark A. Krywko, Sr., BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Patricia E. Kubacki<br />
Mark E. Kubilus<br />
Rhonda C. Kuhle<br />
Eric Kummero<br />
Hsiang-Tien Kung, CCCA<br />
Frank Kyser<br />
Beverly Ann La Chance-Piucci,<br />
BC-HIS<br />
Brenda L. LaBarge<br />
Heather A. Lacy<br />
Richard W. Laipply<br />
Paul Lariosa, BC-HIS<br />
Jacinta Larkin<br />
Shane Scott Larkin, BC-HIS<br />
Donald L. Lawrence<br />
Vivian S. LeBlanc Doyle<br />
Kwang-Jick Lee<br />
Min-Kyu Lee<br />
Soon-Ju Lee<br />
Jonathan S. Leuthe<br />
Scot W. Lightbody<br />
Antonella Liristakis, BC-HIS<br />
Angeline S. Lockhart<br />
Perla Selene Lopez<br />
Selena Marie Lopez, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
Mindie Marie Low<br />
Elisha Lux<br />
Nick Malatesta<br />
Rochelle Malone<br />
Helen K. Marete<br />
Emily Mary Marquis<br />
Stephen Ross Martin<br />
Ron Maruca<br />
James H. Mayfield<br />
Michelle R. McAfee<br />
Andrea Leigh McCabe<br />
Michael D. McCormack<br />
William M. McCrae<br />
Cathy Bernice McDermott<br />
Scott J. McDonald, BC-HIS<br />
James Anthony McFadden<br />
Sheri L. McGlone, BC-HIS<br />
Charles J. McGlynn<br />
Anna Jana McLester, BC-HIS<br />
Stephen R. McPeek<br />
Penny Lynn Meeks, BC-HIS<br />
Donna Ann Mergel<br />
Elise R. Miller, BC-HIS<br />
Julia Florence Miller<br />
Kim M. Miller<br />
Marina D. Miller<br />
Jerry Mishler, BC-HIS<br />
Barbara Mitchell<br />
Kelli Denee Monds<br />
John F. Montgomery<br />
Marco A. Moor, BC-HIS<br />
David R. Moore, BC-HIS<br />
Jason T. Moore<br />
Joseph C. Moore, Jr.<br />
Mary Ellen Moore<br />
Jennifer Dawne Morehouse<br />
Charles W. Morgan, BC-HIS<br />
Steve R. Morgan<br />
Shayne Morin<br />
William F. Morton<br />
Gregor Murphy, BC-HIS<br />
Christy Lovin Musselwhite<br />
Julia A. Nagell<br />
Zachary Lee Napper<br />
Thomas Guy Nardella, BC-HIS<br />
Mary E. Neffle, BC-HIS<br />
Lindsey Ann Neil<br />
Ashley Brooke Nelson<br />
Damon D. Newland<br />
Douglas J. Niemiec<br />
Michael John Nilsson, BC-HIS<br />
Lori Ann Noland, BC-HIS<br />
Angela Northcutt<br />
John D. Nowell<br />
Gretchen J. Nye<br />
Beverly Ann O’Toole<br />
Darla Ochoa<br />
Philip J. Odessky<br />
Soung-Young Oh<br />
Rakesh Ojha<br />
Angela Ortega<br />
Glenn Otey<br />
James L. Ozzello, Sr.<br />
Soris E. Parajon-Pena, BC-HIS<br />
16 2007 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS
Debra Mae Parish<br />
Gong-Soon Park<br />
Hee-Soo Park<br />
Kyoung-Yul Park<br />
Moon-Soo Park<br />
Tom L. Parker<br />
William S. Parker<br />
Chester H. Partin, Jr., BC-HIS<br />
Christopher M. Partlow<br />
Monique S. Patterson<br />
Nicole S. Pavlakos<br />
Matthew C. Pavone, BC-HIS<br />
Robert Pavone, BC-HIS<br />
James E. Payne, BC-HIS<br />
Greg S. Peevler, BC-HIS<br />
Sylvia Perez<br />
Theodore Perkins<br />
Diana Lynn Perry, BC-HIS<br />
Samuel R. Peters<br />
Victoria Elaine Peters, BC-HIS<br />
Severt W. Peterson<br />
Bethany J. Pfaff<br />
Colleen L. Phillips, BC-HIS<br />
Melanie Joy Plotkin<br />
Leanne E. Polhill, BC-HIS<br />
Dorothy Elizabeth Pollack<br />
Melinda K. Pollitt, BC-HIS<br />
David V. Powell, BC-HIS<br />
Tom Prezioso<br />
Kenneth Pross<br />
Reuben E. Pursoo<br />
Feng Quan<br />
Yvonne Ramirez<br />
Richard C. Rebeck<br />
Tammy L. Redl<br />
Geoffrey D. Reinard<br />
Karen Renick<br />
Darren Patrick Ricchi<br />
Benjamin David Richard<br />
Thomas E. Riddell<br />
Tricia Danielle Riley<br />
Vance T. Riley<br />
Rick J. Rinaldi, BC-HIS<br />
Tracy L. D. Robar<br />
Dawn S. Robinson<br />
Jennifer L. Robinson<br />
Michael Frank Roche<br />
David Q. Roellke<br />
Daniel Wayne Rolin, Sr.<br />
Harvey L. Romanek<br />
Robert R. Romine, BC-HIS<br />
Maria D. Rosa<br />
Lisa H. Roselli<br />
Joseph S. Rosengarten, BC-HIS<br />
Gary P. Rouse, BC-HIS<br />
Katherine Rui<br />
Jefferson Madden Rupp<br />
Terrance Alan Ruzicka, BC-HIS<br />
Cedric Saekan<br />
Doris Sage<br />
Jennifer R. Salas<br />
Jerry Michael Salas<br />
Darlene M. Sawler, BC-HIS<br />
Colleen Ann Schaar, BC-HIS<br />
Raymond W. Schaffer, BC-HIS<br />
Cynthia Scheu<br />
Nancy S. Schlichenmayer<br />
Karin S. Schmidt, BC-HIS<br />
Barbara A. Schneider<br />
Randy Lee Schoenborn<br />
Thomas Joseph Schraufnagel<br />
Marilyn L. Schroeder<br />
David A. Scott<br />
Martin A. Scully<br />
Mark L. Seary<br />
Tracy E. Seary<br />
Charles E. Seaver<br />
Helen Seaver<br />
Linda Shipp Trimble<br />
Samantha Sikorski, ACA<br />
Mitra Simi<br />
Michael B. Simon<br />
John Perry Simpson<br />
Cynthia L. Sims<br />
Fred R. Sims<br />
Rosalind D. Sinclair-Sjue, BC-HIS<br />
Kenneth W. Singleton<br />
Anita H. Slate<br />
Timothy B. Smith<br />
Wendy Smith<br />
Rebecca K. Snider<br />
Joseph J. Someillan, BC-HIS<br />
Brady Spetz<br />
John Thomas Spillett<br />
Joanne Sproule<br />
Michele L. Stacey<br />
Charles J. Stalnecker, Jr., BC-HIS<br />
Elaine H. Stenzel<br />
Gail Stern, BC-HIS<br />
Grace Stevens<br />
Grant Stevens<br />
Theresa J. Stevens, BC-HIS<br />
Rita Ida Stewart, BC-HIS<br />
Brent Patrick Studebaker, BC-HIS<br />
Helene Suzann<br />
Ashley Dawn Sweet<br />
Jennifer C. Swett, BC-HIS<br />
Julia L. Taylor<br />
Terry L. Tegeler, BC-HIS<br />
Galen Teruya<br />
Sally J. Thompson<br />
Elizabeth C. Tobin<br />
Lori Jo Tortorelli<br />
Rheana Marie Trejo<br />
Chelsey G. Trimble<br />
Katie Troyan<br />
Marshall Tullos<br />
Bill D. Turner<br />
Gary L. Tweten, BC-HIS<br />
Keith Underhill<br />
Susan Underhill<br />
Denise Underwood<br />
Michael Underwood<br />
Debra Valatka<br />
Craig Van Doorne<br />
Gregory W. Van Horssen<br />
Mark Vensil<br />
Sandra V. Wagner, BC-HIS<br />
Jon Walker, BC-HIS<br />
Patricia A. Walley<br />
Theon Walley<br />
Jane S. Walters, BC-HIS<br />
Gary D. Wampole<br />
James Larry Warren, BC-HIS<br />
Douglas Gordon Welsh<br />
Jeanne C. Whisenant, BC-HIS<br />
William White, III<br />
Wendell Max Wilbanks, BC-HIS<br />
Josephine W. Williams-Union<br />
Eric Carl Wilson<br />
Tammy L. Wood, BC-HIS<br />
Deborah R. Woods<br />
Ken A. Wooten, BC-HIS<br />
Bruce Newton Wyman<br />
Andrea Erin Young<br />
Byeong-Sam Yu<br />
Catherine Zieniewicz, BC-HIS<br />
Donald P. Zietz<br />
Leonard P. Zinni, BC-HIS<br />
2007 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS 17
Felicia Anderson<br />
Marketing,<br />
Communications<br />
and Membership<br />
Manager<br />
Autumn Kovach<br />
Administrative Manager<br />
and THP Editor<br />
Your IHS Staff<br />
We’re here for you! It was a privilege to serve you in 2007 and we will do our best<br />
to provide the highest level of assistance and support in 2008 and beyond.<br />
Tami Bethune<br />
IT/Special Projects<br />
Manager<br />
Alice Markey<br />
Executive Assistant<br />
Marlene Deuby<br />
Executive Assistant<br />
Carrie Pedersen<br />
Education Services<br />
Coordinator<br />
<strong>International</strong> <strong>Hearing</strong> <strong>Society</strong><br />
Rosalie Francis<br />
Executive Assistant<br />
Susan Stewart<br />
Government Affairs<br />
Manager<br />
16880 Middlebelt Rd., Ste. 4 • Livonia, MI 48154<br />
Phone: 734.522.7200 • Fax: 734.522.0200<br />
www.ihsinfo.org<br />
Cindy Helms<br />
Executive Director<br />
Phyllis Wilson<br />
Associate Director<br />
and IIHIS<br />
Administrative Director
2008 Chapter Meetings<br />
MEETING DATE LOCATION CONTACT<br />
Alabama/Georgia <strong>Society</strong> for July 10–13 Destin, FL Timothy Toomey, BC-HIS<br />
<strong>Hearing</strong> Healthcare Professionals 334.393.6688<br />
southernhearing@msn.com<br />
<strong>Hearing</strong> HealthCare Providers April 30–May 5 Redondo Beach, CA Tricia Hunter<br />
of California 916.447.1975<br />
grg@saclobby.com<br />
Colorado <strong>Hearing</strong> <strong>Society</strong> June 12–14 Estes Park, CO Nonean Price, BC-HIS<br />
303.665.0454<br />
nonean1127@hotmail.com<br />
Florida <strong>Society</strong> of <strong>Hearing</strong> July 10–13 Daytona Beach, FL Neil Waingrow, BC-HIS<br />
Healthcare Providers 954.553.4045<br />
nlwhearing@aol.com<br />
CHAPTER TRACK<br />
Illinois <strong>Hearing</strong> <strong>Society</strong> May 9–10 Lombard, IL Mike Lane<br />
217.528.5230<br />
m.lane@illinoishearingsociety.org<br />
Mid-America Conference June 25–28 Louisville, KY Debra Drewry<br />
on <strong>Hearing</strong> 859.283.5404<br />
haak@myexcel.com<br />
Montana <strong>Hearing</strong> <strong>Society</strong> May 24 Helena, MT Bill Harrington, BC-HIS<br />
406.628.4498<br />
New Jersey Association May 16–17 Mt. Laurel, NJ Chip Herb, BC-HIS, ACA<br />
of <strong>Hearing</strong> Health Professionals 856.428.0885<br />
chipaherb@yahoo.com<br />
<strong>Hearing</strong> Healthcare Alliance June 19–23 Cruise from New York Fred Goossen, BC-HIS<br />
of New York City to St. John, 585.419.9702<br />
New Brunswick goossen@roadrunner.com<br />
Oregon <strong>Hearing</strong> <strong>Society</strong> June 6–8 Cottage Grove, OR Rosalind Sinclair-Sjue, BC-HIS<br />
503.708.3120<br />
rsjue@oregonhearingsociety.org<br />
Texas <strong>Hearing</strong> Aid Association June 26–28 Houston, TX Scott Pospisil<br />
512.477.1991<br />
scott@texashearingaids.org<br />
<strong>Hearing</strong> Healthcare Providers May 9–10 Salt Lake City, UT Bob Heygster, BC-HIS<br />
of Utah 801.582.8828<br />
bobsterslc@comcast.net<br />
If you have an upcoming chapter meeting that you’d like listed in the above roster,<br />
please contact IHS headquarters at 734.522.7200.<br />
THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL 19
Building Trust<br />
with ACA<br />
The American Conference of Audioprosthology<br />
(ACA) is the premier program<br />
that helps hearing instrument dispensers<br />
grow their practices, reach higher goals,<br />
and establish themselves as respected<br />
healthcare providers.<br />
Offered by the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Hearing</strong> <strong>Society</strong>’s<br />
education division, the <strong>International</strong> Institute<br />
for <strong>Hearing</strong> Instruments Studies, this<br />
advanced program propels you to the highest<br />
standards of excellence in your field.<br />
For more information on this exciting career<br />
opportunity contact Carrie Pedersen at<br />
734.522.7200, ext. 230 or check out the<br />
IHS website at www.ihsinfo.org.<br />
A Sound Investment<br />
in Your Future<br />
Practice Owners:<br />
Want to...<br />
Sell your<br />
business?<br />
Retire on<br />
your terms?<br />
Develop an<br />
exit strategy?<br />
Call us today at 1-800-216-1185<br />
or visit www.avada.com<br />
Click on “Avada Member Program”<br />
username: guest password: 2007amg<br />
©2008 <strong>Hearing</strong> Healthcare Management, Inc. All rights reserved. All replies<br />
will remain confidential, and no commitment will be assumed or implied.
INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEARING INSTRUMENTS STUDIES<br />
IIHIS Approved Courses<br />
This is a partial list of approved courses. For a complete roster, contact IIHIS at 734.522.7200.<br />
Contact individual sponsors for locations and for program dates<br />
where not specified.<br />
Sponsor: Amplifon<br />
Description: Intro to New Products; Patient Benefits;<br />
Hands-On Practice; Troubleshooting<br />
(7 hours)<br />
Contact: Jennifer Kolde, 763.268.4074<br />
Sponsor: Beltone<br />
Description: Product Introduction; Directional <strong>Hearing</strong><br />
Aids; Reach Learning VC; Tinnitus Masker<br />
(8 hours)<br />
Contact: Bernadette Londberg, 847.832.3300<br />
Sponsor: Electone<br />
Description: Shell Fabrication; Assembly of Faceplates;<br />
Sealing and Buffing; Digital Circuits<br />
(40 hours)<br />
Contact: Eunice Straw, 800.432.7483<br />
Sponsor: GN ReSound<br />
Description: Introduction of the Concept and Tools of<br />
Lifestyle Based Counseling; New Hardware;<br />
New Software (3 hours)<br />
Contact: April Bennett, 952.769.8481<br />
Sponsor: Interton<br />
Description: Product Overview; Digital Cochlea<br />
Dynamics; Noise Suppression (4 hours)<br />
Contact: Robin Donham, 612.840.6823<br />
Sponsor: Saskatchewan <strong>Hearing</strong> Instrument<br />
Practitioners <strong>Society</strong><br />
Description: Getting the Most Out of Your Profession;<br />
Music and <strong>Hearing</strong> Aids; FM Systems;<br />
Verifying Open Fittings (10 hours)<br />
Contact: Robin Dunlop, BC-HIS, 306.771.4944<br />
Date: May 1–2, 2008<br />
Sponsor: Siemens <strong>Hearing</strong> Instruments<br />
Description: Review of Market Conditions in 2007;<br />
Improving Patient Satisfaction; Open Fitting<br />
Trends (10 hours)<br />
Contact: Thomas Powers, 732.562.6637<br />
Sponsor: Sonic Innovations<br />
Description: Design and Evaluation; Balance Overview;<br />
Open Fit Solutions; Verification Strategies<br />
(6 hours)<br />
Contact: Merritt Bahl, 402.926.9179<br />
Sponsor: Starkey Laboratories<br />
Description: Introduction; Preparation; The Interview;<br />
Post Interview; Reviewing the Information<br />
(10 hours)<br />
Contact: Lindsay Olson, 800.328.8602<br />
Sponsor: Unitron <strong>Hearing</strong><br />
Description: Case Studies; Programming Software;<br />
Fitting Instructions (6 hours)<br />
Contact: Donna Haider, 800.888.8882<br />
Sponsor: Western Canadian Symposium<br />
Description: Rationale for Open Fittings; Marketing;<br />
Service; Effective Training (10 hours)<br />
Contact: Armand Roy, 403.262.2839<br />
Date: April 23–24, 2008<br />
Sponsor: Widex<br />
Description: Candidate and Parameter Selection in<br />
Frequency; Case Examples and Reviews<br />
(2 hours)<br />
Contact: Francis Kuk, 630.245.0025<br />
Accreditation of educational courses for continuing education credit by the <strong>International</strong> Institute<br />
for <strong>Hearing</strong> Instruments Studies does not imply endorsement of a specific product or procedure.<br />
THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL 21
IHS
CLASSIFIEDS<br />
EDUCATION<br />
Multimodal Tinnitus Management<br />
Training Seminar for Dispensing Professionals<br />
is scheduled for July 25 & 26,<br />
2008 at beautiful Lake San Isabel, Colorado.<br />
Instructors: Max S. Chartrand, PhD., and<br />
Glenys A. Chartrand, OTR. Seating limited,<br />
so register today at DigiCare Bookstore<br />
www.digicare.org. or call 866.864.6449.<br />
PREPARE FOR YOUR NBC-HIS OR<br />
STATE LICENSING EXAM—Revised<br />
and recorded on-site in 2006 & 2007,<br />
our Professional Seminars provide the<br />
latest updated information. PowerPoint<br />
slides, study materials and sample exams included.<br />
Since 1977, we have helped over<br />
4,500+ hearing healthcare professionals<br />
earn their credentials and are recognized as<br />
the industry’s leading resource in preparation<br />
for competency exams. State Licensing<br />
DVD $495.00, NBC-HIS DVD $395.00.<br />
Also, brand new for beginners with no experience,<br />
Video Tutorial for New Dispensers<br />
24<br />
Email classified ad copy to akovach@<br />
ihsinfo.org or fax to 734.522.0200. The<br />
ad rate is $.99 per regular word and<br />
$1.15 per boldface or all-capped word,<br />
with a minimum rate of $50.00. There<br />
is an additional charge of $20 for boxed<br />
ads. For additional information call<br />
734.522.7200.<br />
EDUCATION<br />
$265.00. 20% discount for ordering all three<br />
programs, 10% discount for ordering any<br />
two programs. To order, please go online at<br />
www.alanlowellseminars.com or call 1.800.<br />
749.4644. Visa/MC/AMEX/Check. Free<br />
shipping 2-day DHL.<br />
POSITIONS AVAILABLE<br />
Seeking a self motivated, hard working<br />
and honest Regional Manager and Audiologist<br />
or licensed <strong>Hearing</strong> Instruments<br />
Specialist to join my growing organization<br />
in The East Bay San Francisco<br />
area. My name is Rick Frasier and I run some<br />
of the most successful Miracle-Ear Franchises<br />
in the country. I have offices located<br />
in eight different states—NY, MA, CA, IN,<br />
KY, IA, WA, and NE. Run the business as if<br />
it is your own and get support from marketing,<br />
human resources and accounting from<br />
our corporate headquarters. Benefits include<br />
401k and the ability to earn $80k +<br />
per year. If you are a team player and a Licensed<br />
<strong>Hearing</strong> Instrument Specialist or Audiologist<br />
and you feel it is time to take up a<br />
new and rewarding challenge where your efforts<br />
truly make a difference, then send me<br />
your résumé today! Please fax résumé to<br />
Rick Frasier: 518.736.2285, or email carlcase@<br />
frasierenterprises.com.<br />
What’s On Your Mind?<br />
Career Opportunities<br />
Reach Your<br />
Full Potential!<br />
H <br />
H <br />
H <br />
H <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Audiology & <strong>Hearing</strong> Care<br />
AZ • FL • GA • IL • IN • KY • MA • MN • NC • NH<br />
OH • OR • PA • SC • TX • VA • VT • WA • WI<br />
The <strong>Hearing</strong> Professional<br />
Classified Advertising<br />
Gets Results!<br />
We’d like to know. We welcome your submission of articles for publication in The <strong>Hearing</strong> Professional. If you have<br />
something to say, this is the place to say it—your opportunity to share with practitioners throughout the hearing<br />
healthcare field.<br />
As long as the topic is relevant to the hearing health industry or general business management, the specific<br />
nature of the subject matter is entirely up to you. Feel free to write from a very<br />
personal perspective or from a broad industry overview.<br />
So get creative. And don’t worry about your writing skills or the “roughness”<br />
of the draft. The job of our editors is to make you and your article look good.<br />
Email a Word document to Autumn Kovach at akovach@ihsinfo.org. Length<br />
should be approximately 500–1,000 words. Graphics, including photos, charts,<br />
diagrams, etc. that are not incorporated into the Word document should also<br />
be sent electronically, if possible.<br />
All submissions will be considered for publication, but not all are guaranteed for acceptance.<br />
All copy is subject to editing at our discretion. We will make every effort to allow your<br />
review of edited copy prior to publication, but cannot guarantee it. Photos are welcome<br />
and will be returned. Hard copy documents and CDs will not be returned.<br />
Official Journal of the <strong>International</strong> <strong>Hearing</strong> <strong>Society</strong><br />
HEARING HEARING<br />
PROFESSIONAL<br />
PROFESSIONAL<br />
THE THE<br />
2007<br />
ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS<br />
Proudly serving the hearing impaired since 1951<br />
Another Successful Year!<br />
2007 Annual Report<br />
MARCH–APRIL 2008<br />
MARCH • APRIL 2008
A passion for life.<br />
A passion for the best.<br />
CENTRA <br />
– Unmatched Performance.<br />
The CENTRA family of hearing instruments was designed to keep your patients’ hearing as strong as their passion<br />
for life. From CIC to RIC BTE, all CENTRA products include Siemens SoundSmoothing technology, which targets and<br />
suppresses annoying, non-speech impulse sounds. Coupled with our state-of-the-art Speech and Noise Management System,<br />
CENTRA helps deliver unmatched sound processing for the most pure and natural sound possible.<br />
For more information on CENTRA, contact your Siemens Sales Representative at (800) 766-4500.<br />
Siemens <strong>Hearing</strong> Instruments www.usa.siemens.com/hearing