The Hear the World Foundation Announces Winner of the 2014 Judith Gravel Fellowship in Pediatric Audiology

STAEFA, Switzerland and WARRENVILLE, Ill., Jan. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The fellowship was created by the Hear the World Foundation in 2010 and is named in honor of the late Judy Gravel who passed away in 2008. Johnna feels deeply humbled to be awarded the Gravel fellowship. "I admire Dr. Judith Gravel's leadership and scholarship contributions to the field of pediatric audiology. It is an honor to continue my studies with the esteemed audiologists at UNC through the Foundation," she said. "This externship opportunity will allow me to gain foundational skills in pediatric audiology so that I can better serve children with hearing loss and their families."

Johnna, a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, completed her undergraduate degree in physics and Asian studies at Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin. Prior to entering graduate school, Johnna spent two years in Japan teaching English. Currently, she is a fellow in the Arizona Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (AZLEND) Program. According to the review committee, there were many outstanding applicants this year but Johnna stood out because of her international service, her background in basic science, and her passion for pediatric audiology.

About the Fellowship
The Gravel Fellowship is awarded each year to a fourth-year Doctor of Audiology (AuD) student whose externship is completed at UNC Hospitals with a focus on audiological management of infants and young children with hearing loss. The fellowship is named in honor of the late Judy Gravel who passed away in 2008.

"Dr. Gravel was internationally renowned for her expertise in pediatric audiology and for her many contributions to clinical research and professional service. She is also remembered for her dedication to the advancement of educational opportunities for students and clinicians," said Professor Richard Seewald, a member of the Advisory Board for the Hear the World Foundation; "the Foundation carries on her mission with this fellowship."

About the Hear the World Foundation
By supporting the charitable Hear the World Foundation, Sonova is campaigning for equal opportunities and a better quality of life for people with hearing loss. As a leading manufacturer of hearing systems, the company feels socially responsible for contributing towards a world where everyone has the chance to enjoy good hearing. For instance, the Hear the World Foundation supports disadvantaged people with hearing loss around the world and gets involved in prevention and providing information. It focuses particularly on projects for children with hearing loss, to enable them to develop at the appropriate rate for their age. More than 70 famous ambassadors, including celebrities such as Placido Domingo, Annie Lennox, Sting and Joss Stone, champion the Hear the World Foundation.

For further information, go to www.hear-the-world.com.
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SOURCE Hear the World Foundation