Limited-time opportunity: On-demand access to pediatric content

Registration is open for on-demand access to recordings from renowned experts at the international pediatric conference, featuring the latest research and clinical insights in pediatric audiology. Explore a few highlights below and learn how to register.

For over 25 years, the Sound Foundations Conference has been a cornerstone event in pediatric audiology, uniting global experts to explore the latest advancements in early hearing detection and intervention. First launched in 1998, the conference has evolved alongside the field, with Phonak’s Pediatric Advisory Board guiding its growth and shaping its impactful programming. 

Held from October 27th to 30th in San Diego, California, the event attracted approximately 200 in-person attendees and 300 virtual participants from 18 countries worldwide. 

A stellar lineup of experts and presentations 

Co-chaired by Professor Anne Marie Tharpe from Vanderbilt University and Dr. Marlene Bagatto from Western University, the event featured a diverse lineup of distinguished speakers, including renowned experts such as Dr. Jessica Monaghan, Dr. Dawn Nelson, Dr. Susan Scollie, Dr. DeWet Swanepoel, Francois Julita, and Dr. Bolajoko O. Olusanya, among others. Experts shared groundbreaking research and practical strategies designed to enhance clinical practice, covering a wide range of topics over three days. 

Phonak is pleased to offer on-demand access to this valuable content. This limited-time opportunity allows you to watch recordings at your own pace and gain insights and research shared by leading experts at the conference. 

Here’s a closer look at what the conference offered: 

Day 1: Special populations and tailored approaches 

The first day of the conference focused on children with special needs, highlighting the unique challenges and solutions for various pediatric populations. Sessions addressed children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL), Down Syndrome, Sickle Cell Disease, auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD), and other developmental differences.  

Dr. Thierry Morlet’s talk on evaluating the severity of ANSD emphasized the importance of assessing not just auditory thresholds but also speech processing abilities, a critical aspect to not overlook in clinical settings. 

Day 2: Technological advances and practical tools 

The second day delved into the latest technological innovations and how they can enhance pediatric care. Topics included advancements in hearing aid fittings, noise management for children, the use of Roger microphones, and the evolving role cochlear implants for children with UHL.  

One of the standout sessions came from Dr. Laurie Mauro, who introduced the clinical consensus document for non-surgical bone conduction devices, offering valuable guidance for clinicians looking to integrate these devices into their practice. 

Day 3: The future of pediatric audiology 

The final day of the conference offered a glimpse into the future of pediatric audiology. Sessions explored the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in early detection of hearing loss, as well as promising developments in inner ear therapeutics and genetic testing for children with hearing loss.  

Dr. Jessica Monaghan’s presentation on AI analysis of speech samples to identify hearing loss in young children was particularly eye-opening, showcasing how AI could support identification and intervention. 

Access the on-demand recordings 

If you missed the live event, there’s no need to worry—registration is still open for on-demand access to the full conference. You can register through December and watch the recordings at your convenience until the end of January. The on-demand content also offers continuing education units (CEUs) for audiologists through AAA, IHS, and AudA. 

The Sound Foundations Conference continues to be an important forum for advancing knowledge in pediatric audiology, fostering global collaboration, and providing clinicians with the tools they need to improve outcomes for children with hearing loss. With cutting-edge research and expert guidance at its core, the event remains an invaluable resource for those dedicated to supporting the hearing health of future generations. 

You can register for on-demand access here.  

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Author

Stacey Rich

Senior Manager Audiology Thought Leadership & Education

For the last 12 years Stacey has held various audiology and training roles with a special interest in pediatrics. She currently leads the Audiology Leadership and Training team at Phonak HQ based in Switzerland and lives in North Carolina. Before becoming an audiologist, she worked as an American Sign Language interpreter. Stacey completed her Master of Clinical Audiology degree in 2003 and worked as a pediatric clinician fitting children with hearing aids and remote microphone systems in Australia until joining Phonak US in late 2008.

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