(Pittsburgh, PA - November 12, 2007) John D. Durrant, PhD, professor and vice chair of communication science and disorders, professor of otolaryngology, and professor of rehabilitation science and technology at the University of Pittsburgh, will receive the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (ASHA) Honors of the Association award during the 2007 Convention of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), November 15-17 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Honors of the Association recognizes distinguished contribution to the field of speech, language, and hearing and is the highest honor the Association can give. Honored individuals have made outstanding contributions to the discipline of communication science and disorders, research, administration, or service to state or national organizations.
Dr. Durrant is a researcher, scientist, clinician, and educator whose collaborations around the globe have earned him the unofficial title of "international ambassador of audiology." Dr. Durrant has published more than 80 articles in peer-reviewed journals and more than 40 book chapters or invited conference proceedings. His research extends to the vestibular system, basic anatomic and physiologic mechanisms of audition, development of audiologic instrumentation, clinical measurements and treatment of hearing impairment, and the generation and role of the cochlear summating potential (one of the sound-elicited potentials of the hearing organ).
A dedicated teacher, Dr. Durrant has served on numerous thesis and dissertation committees, and served as an advisor to international fellows from Egypt, Turkey, China, Brazil, Greece, and Hungary. His international reputation is enhanced by his many invited and contributed presentations at international meetings; his working relationship at the Université Claude Bernard in Lyon, France; and his advisory role and collaboration with the International Center for Hearing and Speech in Kajetany, Poland.
The annual ASHA convention is the most comprehensive development conference for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language and hearing scientists. It features more than 1,500 educational sessions that highlight the latest developments in research and clinical practices for professionals who provide services in schools, hospitals, health care centers, rehabilitation clinics, and other practice settings.
Nearly 300 exhibitors, including hearing aid manufacturers and other companies in the speech and hearing industries, will showcase innovative products and services in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center's exhibit hall. Technology presentations on products, such as computer software programs as well as alternative and augmentative communication and assistive listening devices were also featured.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 127,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems including swallowing disorders.
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