March highlights National Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the profound contributions of women in various fields. Audiology, in particular, has been shaped by the remarkable contributions of many pioneering women. As we honor Women’s History Month, our team recognizes the contributions of nine trailblazing women and their enduring impact on the profession.
“With immense pride, I stand among the extraordinary women in history who have paved the way in audiology and hearing aid practices. As the owner of an audiology-based hearing aid practice, I am honored to contribute to this legacy, ensuring that every individual finds their unique rhythm in the symphony of sound. Together, we chart a course for a future where women continue to refine the way we hear the world, one person at a time.” ~ Kristin Johnston, B.A., BC-HIS, Owner of Comprehensive Ear & Hearing Grand Haven
Dr. Marion Downs: A Pioneer in Pediatric Audiology
Dr. Marion Downs, a legend in pediatric audiology, revolutionized the field by emphasizing the importance of early intervention for infants with hearing loss. Her groundbreaking work at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in 1963 laid the foundation for universal hearing testing. Dr. Downs’s dedication to newborn hearing screening programs has had a lasting impact, with 97% of newborns in the United States screened for hearing loss today.
Dr. Christine Yoshinaga-Itano: Championing Social-Emotional Development
Internationally renowned for her research in social-emotional development, speech, and language for hard-of-hearing and deaf children, Dr. Christine Yoshinaga-Itano collaborated with Dr. Marion Downs to establish universal hearing testing. Currently a professor at the University of Colorado, her work remains fundamental to understanding the developmental needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing infants.
Dr. Deanna Meinke: Leading in Hearing Loss Prevention
Dr. DeannaMeinke, former president of the CAA and NHCA, is a trailblazer in preventing sound-induced hearing loss. As a professor at the University of Northern Colorado, she advocates for awareness and prevention of hearing loss, particularly in school-aged children, while actively supporting public health initiatives.
Tani Austin, BC-HIS: Transforming Hearing Healthcare on a Global Scale
Tani Austin, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Starkey, has served the hearing healthcare industry for over 35 years, including ten years of owning her own hearing aid practice. Named Female Philanthropist of the Year and honored at the First Ladies Summit at the UN General Assembly in 2015, Tani’s volunteer work with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, the world’s largest hearing healthcare charity, has touched lives in over 100 countries. In 2021, Tani played a key role in launching Starkey’s corporate social responsibility program, Starkey Cares, which collaborates with Special Olympics International to provide hearing health resources to athletes with disabilities worldwide.
Tomi Browne: Advocating for Ear Health in Kenya
Tomi Browne, founder of Heart of the Village Inc., tirelessly works to treat and prevent ear diseases in children in Kenya. Recognized with a Presidential Medal of Honor in 2019, her efforts demonstrate a commitment to global hearing health and patient advocacy.
Dr. Laura Ann Wilbur: Shaping Modern Audiology
A founding member of the American Academy of Audiology, Dr. Laura Ann Wilbur’s five-decade commitment to hearing health helped shape modern audiology. Her influence extended to creating new industry standards governing audiometry and serving in leadership roles in prominent audiology associations.
Dr. Anita Pikus: Founding the NIH Audiology Clinic
As the first director and founder of the National Institutes of Health Audiology Clinic, Dr. Anita Pikus played a pivotal role in advancing audiology as a profession. Her legacy includes co-creating the clinical Audiology (Au.D.) degree, leaving an indelible mark on the field. The Au.D. program is designed to produce audiologists skilled in providing diagnostic, rehabilitative, and other services associated with hearing, balance, tinnitus management, and related audiological fields.
Dr. Lucille R. Beck: A Lifetime Commitment to Hearing Health
Dr. Lucille R. Beck’s numerous awards reflect her lifelong commitment to hearing health. As the current Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Policy and Services for the Veterans Health Administration, she continues to make essential contributions to the field, including the developing and managing of the federal hearing health care program, initiating groundbreaking collaborations between the VA and the Department of Defense to develop the first distance-learning audiology program, and more.
Dr. Meredith Holcomb: Leading the Cochlear Implant Alliance
In 2019, Dr. Meredith Holcomb became the first Audiologist and woman to chair the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, showcasing her leadership in this critical institution. Her dedication to mentorship opportunities for young audiologists propels the field forward.
Hearing Inclusion For All
At Comprehensive Ear and Hearing, we proudly stand as a woman-owned business with a passion for advancing better hearing for all. As we celebrate National Women’s History Month, let’s take a moment to recognize and appreciate these women who have not only pioneered in audiology but continue to inspire the next generation, shaping the future of hearing health.
Our team is ready with extra encouragement, strategies for your hearing health, or to provide a better understanding of treatment options. Schedule your free consultation today. comprehensiveearandhearing.com/contact