BETHESDA, MD–The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) has named Juliëtte Sterkens, AuD, as its new hearing loop advocate. Sterkens, an audiologist in private practice in Oshkosh, WI, has led a successful looping initiative in her community and the Greater Fox Valley area of Wisconsin, which has resulted in nearly 200 hearing loop installations.
In her role as advocate, she will collaborate with HLAA volunteers throughout the United States to increase awareness of hearing loss, and the need for greater use of hearing loops to improve hearing accessibility. She will apply her public speaking and advocacy skills to help HLAA chapters start hearing loop initiatives of their own.
Sterkens, who holds a doctorate from A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences, was officially introduced to HLAA’s members last month at the opening session of its annual convention. Last year, the Dutch-born audiologist received the Larry Mauldin Award for Excellence in Education, presented by Beltone at AudiologyNOW!