Making Sense of Speech, Voice, and Hearing

Every day we brush our teeth to ward off cavities, exercise to build and maintain cardiovascular strength, and rub in SPF 15 lotion to protect our skin against the sun's rays. We also shout across a crowded room, stand on a corner as an emergency vehicle whizzes by, siren blaring, and attend rock concerts with booming bass and screaming guitars. Most people never give more than a passing thought to how they should protect two basic human functions: voice and hearing. They might be more careful if they met any of the 30 million Americans who are unable to speak or hear effectively.

Journalists are invited to apply for a two-day media fellowship at the University of Iowa focused on advances in treatment and research on speech/voice and hearing health.

The University of Iowa is the only institution that can boast the combined clinical and basic science expertise of both a Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology and a Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery that are consistently ranked among the top two programs in the nation in their respective fields by U.S. News & World Report.

World renowned faculty members from these units will demonstrate some of the latest scientific and medical advances in the field. Journalists will learn about cochlear implants, the first man-made technology to successfully integrate with the human brain, and other exciting, emerging technology.

The program will cover genetic and behavioral causes of hearing loss and the use of music as an aural rehabilitation tool for children with hearing loss. Participants will have a chance to meet and talk with an array of people with hearing disabilities.

Richard Hurtig, professor and chair of speech pathology and audiology, and Jodi Morgan, assistant professor (clinical) of otolaryngology, evaluate a touch input device for augmentative communication.

Ingo Titze, professor of speech pathology and audiology, performs with Pavarobotti.

Journalists will also explore issues related to voice and speech disorders, including hands-on demonstrations of new technologies that allow those with temporary voice loss to communicate. Finally, the program includes a performance by Pavarobotti, a unique singing robot, designed by an Iowa faculty member, that uses sophisticated computer simulation of the human voice.

This fellowship is open to a limited number of journalists representing print, broadcast, or electronic media. The University of Iowa will provide meals and three nights lodging at the Sheraton Iowa City. Your media organization is responsible for your travel expenses and salary during the fellowship.

This program is hosted by the University of Iowa in conjunction with the 2001-02 CASE Media Fellowships.

Please direct any questions and correspondence regarding the fellowship to:

Mary Geraghty Kenyon
University News Services
300 Plaza Centre One
Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone: 319-384-0011
Fax: 319-384-0024
mary-geraghty@uiowa.edu