From Patients
and Their Parents
Marjory BlindermanElizabeth Bonagura, MS.
Brenda Cotsen and Jeffrey Benjamin
Lori and Rob Fisher
Heather Friedman
Michelle Goodman
Jennifer & David Hoffman
Batya Jacob
Mark and Amanda Jaffe
Betsy Lee
Rabbi Darby J. Leigh
Irene W. Leigh, Ph.D.
Teresa & Clinton A. Lewis, Jr.
Rick Lieberman
Larry & Leslie Meli
Sheryl Sandler
Randi Spinowitz
Tracy
Jason & Ellen Winkler
From Colleagues
Dale V. Atkins, Ph.D. Psychologist, Author, LecturerAbbey L. Berg, PhD
Jeri Weinstein Blum, M.S. CCC –SLP
Becky Crow Clem, MA, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
Linda Daniel MA, MS, LSLS Cert. AVT
Joseph Danto, PhD, D-ABNM, F-AAA, CCC-A, F-ASNM
Nancy L. Datino, M.S., Ed.M. CCC-A/SLP
Myriam De La Asuncion, Au.D.,CCC/A
Michele DiStefano
Kris English, Ph.D.
Carol Flexer, Ph.D., CCC-A; LSLS Cert. AVT
Sima Gerber, Ph.D., CCC
Jan Gilden, M.A., CCC-A
Nina Hertz, M.S. CCC-SLP
Anne Kearney, CCC SLP, Cert AVT LSLS
Irene W. Leigh, Ph.D.
Ruth Litovsky, Ph.D.
Angela Loavenbruck, EdD
Frank Lucente, MD
Laurie Mirman, M.S. CCC SLP
Helen M. Morrison, Ph.D., CCC/A, LSLS Cert. AVT
Julie B. O'Shea, Au.D., Principal
Todd H. Porter, AuD, F-AAA
Steffi B. Resnick, Ph.D.
Frances Santore, M.A. CCC-SLP
Richard G. Schwartz, Ph.D.
Johnnie Sexton, M.S./CCC-A
Jace Wolfe, Ph.D., CCC-A
Heidi A. Wolfinger, M.Ed., CCC-A/SLP, C.E.D.
David E. Yoder, Ph.D., CCC/SLP
In the spring of 1982, my wife and I were elated as our first child and
son, John was welcomed into the world. Throughout the spring and
summer, we were awestruck as our son grew and developed. He was such a
happy baby and being first time parents we couldn't have guessed what
was in store for us. At ten months, John began to walk and we began to
notice that when we called his name, sometimes he would acknowledge us
but most of the time, he would not. Of course, we took him to the
pediatrician who clapped his hand and snapped his fingers and said
nothing is wrong.
By thirteen months, we conducted our first hearing test at a local Long
Island facility. As John sat on my lap in a sound proof room and the
sound filled the room at 80 decibels or more our worst fears were
confirmed. John was deaf! How could it be and why did it happen? At
that moment of devastation, we knew we did not have the luxury of time
to ponder those questions. We knew we needed to act, but what were we
to do?
As my wife attended to John's daily needs, I locked myself in my office
and spent three days calling all around the country to find a cure.
There was none but there was a critical and immediate need to find
solutions to allow John to communicate with us and us with him. At this
particular time, there were two schools of thought: Total Communication
or generally oral communication (of course there are various iterations
of oral communication). The TC people said the "oral" group was wrong
and the "oral" folks said the TC group was wrong. Great, just great! I
needed a solution and I was in the middle of a firefight with two
polarized groups who did not shed light on the problem, only heat.
That was until I talked to Jane Madell. She was and is the consummate
professional. As I learned early on in my business, never denigrate the
competition; show the client or in this case patient that you
understand all sides of the debate but that your position is a far more
suitable solution than the alternative. Jane Madell understood that and
saved our family's life and more important set the stage for John to
become a productive member of society. We visited Jane at the NY League
for the Hard of Hearing and she not only diagnosed the level of John's
hearing loss, we had hearing aids on him within 36 hours. Jane knew
what to do and what to expect. We added an FM Trainer for school and
John was on his way.
Today the world is quite different with cochlear implants and young
deaf children "turning on" to sound and speech and music and life. Jane
was and remains on the forefront of everything good in providing
hearing impaired children the tools they need to compete in a highly
competitive global society. Our youngest son, now a sophomore in a
university in California was the beneficiary of Jane's sage advice and
counsel as he received a cochlear implant at age five. Our youngest was
mainstreamed throughout all his school years and other than a few minor
accommodations like preferential seating and registration, he continues
to continue his studies alongside of all his hearing piers and friends.
Without Jane Madell's hard work, experience and diagnosis for our sons,
I don't know where we would all be today. It was the single most
important telephone call I made in my entire life when I called Jane
Madell in the spring of 1983. Jane, keep doing what you do best--help a
child hear!
With Love,
Larry & Leslie Meli
April 11, 2011
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Jane is an exceptional audiologist, educator, mentor and advocate. Her
pioneering work in audiology, pediatric audiology, licensure and
professional development has spanned 4 decades and lifted the field of
audiology to the heights it is today.
Her accomplishments are far too numerous to note here but her legions
of followers include children their families, parents, grandparents,
all over the country and hosts of colleagues.
I met Jane during the 1970s when she had already built the New York
League for the Hard of Hearing into a nationally accomplished center
for deaf and hard of hearing families.Her advocacy work with children
and her philosophy of including hearing impaired children in the
mainstream is well established.
Her knowledge and expertise are beyond reproach.
Her ability to stay ahead of the crowd, to embrace the new and
innovative are her cornerstones.
Laurie Mirman, M.S. CCC SLP
Speech Pathologist
May 10, 2010
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Jane Madell, Ph.D., is a leader and known worldwide for her outstanding
contributions to the field of audiology. Her respectful reputation
includes numerous text books, articles, presented at countless
conferences, and been issued awards for her work. Jane is one of the
best audiologists I have ever interacted with. She has endless efforts
in supporting and educating families on hearing loss and always seeking
the best treatment and management plan possible for each unique child.
She is a thinker, a doer, an advocate. Jane is extremely committed to
her work and patients and will only accept the best technologies that
will provide optimal outcomes for her patients. Jane has a unique and
effective style allowing for a holistic approach and management. She is
very skilled and understands how to with children with hearing loss,
autism, and/or other challenging disabilities. It is impressive to see
her interact with children, as she understands how to relate to them.
She never underestimated their abilities and pushed them to perform.
Often times, audiologists are too accepting of a child not performing
well and/or responding, Jane's skills allow her to obtain information
from every child, "there is always something you can do". She is not
only an outstanding audiologist, but one of the most influential people
and teachers I have met. She is clinically driven and ambitious.
Having been a former colleague, Jane allowed me to learn directly from
her about how children think, and how by implementing the proper
techniques in testing, one can obtain responses no matter the
challenges of the child. It was amazing to work with her and her
persistence in doing all that she can to provide them with audition.
She also taught me to be an excellent audiologist by looking at the
child as a whole being. It was not just hearing, but their overall
development including their language skills, motor skills, emotional
state, social skills, educational placement, etc. Jane has been the
only colleague who has been honest and upfront on what matters most in
audiology, the overall health of the child and that no child is a
challenge. We are the challenge for that child. Regardless of age, type
of disabilities, special needs, and/or behavior of the child, we as
professionals need to be trained in understanding the child, in order
to seek the information we need from them. She has taught me how to
interact with children in a manner that promotes trust and discipline;
the child is more willing to cooperate and ultimately provide us with
valuable information to better assist and issue proper recommendations.
Jane provides a constant reminder to her colleagues, families, and
other professionals that our goals and outcomes for hearing impaired
children should be no different than what we would pursue for children
with normal hearing.
Jane has always encouraged thinking outside the box, she challenged me
not to settle for what looks correct on text book, but to think of
outside factors and collaborate and sometimes question other
professionals to find the best management plan. She is very giving to
others and to her patients. During the time I worked with her, she saw
my strengths in the field. Jane encouraged that I continue my work in
cochlear implants, in clinical research, specialize in pediatrics, and
gave me the opportunity to be a co-contributor in one of her books,
"Pediatric Audiology". She also has allowed me to reach out and provide
support services in Cochlear implants as a guest speaker to the
Hispanic population. Jane never denied patients, and/or her colleagues
help, she was always very supportive. She always wanted her staff to be
trained with the most up-to-date information and techniques. She was a
big proponent of trainings in-house so that her staff would always be
ahead of the game and be able to provide the best services.
I am indebted to her for positively influencing the way I practice
audiology, how I interact, evaluate hearing loss, evaluate speech
performance, and manage the pediatric population. It must be said that
working with her has allowed me to be a better healthcare professional,
her teachings are always a fresh reminder that I can do anything I put
my heart into. There are few people in your life that come along that
change your way of being, she has been one of them. I thank her for her
honesty, her persistence, her commitment, and endless support. Jane is
extremely unique, and I am honored to have worked with her. I thank her
for opening my eyes to a new world and opening many doors. As a friend
and former colleague, I can't thank her enough for always being there
with a wealth of knowledge. She is and continues to be an influential
person in the profession and in my life.
Myriam De La Asuncion, Au.D.,CCC/A
Clinical/Cochlear Implant Audiologist
March 5, 2010
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There is a lot that can be said about Jane Madell, PhD. It is true that
she has been instrumental in the development and advancement of the
field of audiology. It is also true that she has written text books,
chaired anticipated conferences, and won awards. She is a passionate
audiologist who demands the best for her patients, from the
audiologists she has worked with over the years, and from herself. All
those things are true about Dr. Jane Madell. However, as an audiologist
who completed my CFY and worked for over eight years with her, I most
admire her integrity, commitment, and passion. It is Dr. Jane Madell’s
standards that make her a respected audiologist and wonderful person.
Dr. Madell truly cares about the children and adults she has treated as
an audiologist. She wants the best for them whether that is the best
technologies available to provide them with audition, the best therapy
available to help them reach their goals, or allowing them to have
someone for counsel who they trust. Like so many other audiologists who
have worked with her, Dr. Madell has taught me so many things. But, the
most important thing she taught me was to view my patient as a whole
person; hearing, overall development, and emotional state.
Dr. Madell not only taught me about audiology, but she has taught me
about being an excellent, caring health care professional and an
upstanding person with convictions. Jane never denied a patient help.
Jane never denied those who worked with her help. Dr. Madell is always
willing to let you explore your interests in the field of audiology. If
she was unable to teach you what you wanted to know, she found you a
conference or article that could. If you wanted to try the newest test
or newest technology, she arranged for you to have it and have in-house
training on it. Dr. Jane Madell allowed me as an audiologist to explore
the specialties in the field and find the ones I loved. She encouraged
me to become part of the American Cleft Palate and Craniofacial
Association, to explore my interests in auditory processing disorder,
ABR testing, and even auditory verbal therapy. Most importantly, Dr.
Jane Madell has always been willing to give of herself for someone
else. This is not only true at work; this is also true in everything in
Dr. Madell’s life. I have personally been able to call on her for
advice, help, and even an encouraging word. Dr. Jane Madell is truly a
unique person who cares for her patients, her colleagues and her
friends. I am honored to have had the pleasure of working with her, and
to consider her a friend.
Michele DiStefano
January 26, 2010
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The day my daughter Miryam was conclusively diagnosed with a profound
hearing loss was the day I was blessed to meet Dr. Jane Madell.
After running from place to place hoping for a different diagnosis, we
finally found ourselves in the incomparable hands of Dr. Madell. The
ability of a person to instill total confidence, to make a ‘problem’
seem like a challenge that will be overcome, is the greatness of this
woman. It has been almost 20 years since that day of tremors…we have
never looked back.
Dr. Madell’s knowledge in her field is indisputable. She guided us each
step of the way and truly looked after Miryam as if she were her own
daughter. Her positive thinking is infectious and her expertise – the
top. Today Miryam is an A student at Brooklyn College. Her success is a
direct result of Jane’s total commitment to making sure all individuals
reach their potential.
Over the years I have been lucky enough to advise and give strength to
other parents setting out on their journey. Whether being fit for
hearing aids, cochlear implant surgery and of course speech therapy, my
education came directly from all I learned with Jane. She is not only
my mentor - she is my friend.
Anyone who consults with Jane can do so with absolute confidence
because she is – hands down - “the best in the business”.
Sheryl Sandler
January 19, 2010
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I have followed Jane’s work enthusiastically for over 25 years. Her
approach to the management of children with hearing loss is a model for
excellence. She has led the profession in integrating technological
advancements in caring pediatric practice.
Jane has also provided our profession a model for practice as
clinician/researchers. She approaches her work as an opportunity to
learn more about how children with hearing loss learn to listen and how
we can provide better audiological care. Our knowledge base is strongly
influenced by Jane’s contributions.
Jane is the consummate teacher. She discovers the instructive value in
daily practice and has the gift of telling the audiological story in a
way that is accessible, relevant, and exciting. Her texts are timeless.
Her seminars are filled with engaged learners.
I have had the opportunity to get to know Jane personally in the past
several years and I consider her acquaintance to be a hallmark of my
career. She is all that her public persona suggests, and more. Children
with hearing loss, their families, and the audiological profession are
fortunate to have this wise woman among us.
I endorse Dr. Jane Madell in her endeavors and I’m looking forward to
seeing the creative and groundbreaking work that she will bring about.
Helen M. Morrison, Ph.D., CCC/A, LSLS Cert. AVT
Associate Professor
Department of Communication Disorders
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX
January 11, 2010
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I have known Jane as a colleague, advisor, educator and friend for over
30 years. Throughout this period, Jane has demonstrated a passion for
improving the lives of hearing impaired individuals, infants through
seniors, by facilitating their ability to communicate in a hearing
world. Jane's dedication to her work has enabled countless families
across our country and throughout the world to benefit from her
tireless efforts. Jane can always be relied upon to provide the highest
quality support and guidance in the ongoing treatment of those who are
under her care, as well as to her colleagues who seek her advice and
hold her in highest esteem. She is always available for those in need.
Nina Hertz, M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
January 10, 2010
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"Jane Madell is the best pediatric audiologist I've ever met. She was
the former Director of Audiology at the New York League for the Hard of
Hearing and has worked closely with implant teams. If you want to
maximize your child's available hearing, she's the person to see.” I
wrote this in a letter to a parent of a newly diagnosed child in 1994.
These words still hold true.
Jane is an aggressive audiologist in the best sense of the
word. She makes my job, as an auditory-verbal therapist, much easier.
When a child is seen by Jane, I know the child is fit with the best
technology available.
One of the first e-mails I received in 2010 was from a family who just
had a second child diagnosed with a hearing loss. This family asked who
I recommended since Jane was no longer doing clinical testing. I don’t
have an answer to this question. New York professionals and families
need Jane Madell more than ever.
Anne Kearney, CCC SLP
Cert AVT LSLS
January 9, 2010
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My son at the age of 2 was so very fortunate to meet Jane Madell. After
almost over a year of misdiagnoses and numerous doctor visits in every
specialty, Jane Madell was able to aggressively and swiftly treat my
son's congenital hearing loss with hearing aids. What took well over a
year with other physicians to pinpoint, Dr. Madell was able to detect
at our first visit. Since then, Evan is 5 years old doing extremely
well in school, he is adjusted and seamlessly mainstreamed. He
continues to be under the care of Dr. Madell, and I plan to follow her
wherever her paths will take her. I would trust no one more than her
with my son's overall developmental plan for his hearing loss. In
addition, just when I thought I had enough to thank Dr. Madell for, she
asked me to bring my daughter, who at the age of 16 months was not even
showing any overt signs of hearing loss, and thanks again to her, she
diagnosed my daughter with the similar condition. An MRI soon after her
diagnosis did confirm that she too suffered from a congenital
malformation of the ossicles, and as a result, conductive hearing loss.
She too is currently under her care.
After many sleepless nights up worrying about what could be wrong,
Dr.Madell confirmed that I was all along correct in suspecting
something was wrong. As a mother, when specialists believe that one is
"overly concerned", Dr. Madell has always lent an ear and a shoulder in
a addition to her extensive knowledge and recommendations. I am more
than fortunate and blessed to have her in our lives. What a tremendous
loss to the NYEE. As mentioned, I plan to follow her 'wherever' her
path will take her . . . she certainly has two additional
'grandchildren' here to take care of!!! We love you Jane, and hope only
the best for your future - God knows you deserve it!!
Teresa Lewis, Mom
Clinton A. Lewis Jr , Dad
President
Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Inc.
New York, NY
January 7, 2010
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What a pleasure to
have the opportunity to talk about Jane! I have known Jane Madell for
over 30 years and have had many opportunities to interact with her in
various professional arenas. Her reputation as a fine audiologist, a
successful administrator, a leader in her field, an advocate for
families and children, a researcher, a teacher, a pioneer, and a
professional, immediately come to mind. But without a doubt, the
capacity in which I have known her best is in her work with families of
children with various types of auditory processing challenges,
particularly children who are at the heart of my own clinical work. I
have referred many families to Jane to explore the rather complicated
and confusing area of auditory processing and counted on her wise
guidance to determine which path to take. Often the children that I
have sent to Jane are children who are quite difficult to evaluate, but
Jane has always been successful developing a profile of the child’s
capacities and needs. Jane is the only audiologist I refer these
families to, as I am most comfortable with and confident in her
clinical judgment. This includes her ability to think broadly about a
child’s educational and clinical needs and to provide a sound and
integrated view of the child’s emotional and learning vulnerabilities.
In my opinion, Jane’s years of experience and clinical wisdom are
unmatched. One of the most important responsibilities that a
professional has is to refer the families of the children she is
serving to other professionals who are the best in their field. Jane
has filled that role for me on countless occasions!
The families that I know who have seen Jane have always felt that they
have gotten an honest, informed, intelligent, and up to date evaluation
of their child’s auditory issues. They have felt informed by Jane’s
assessment of their children and secure in her recommendations for
intervention. Many of these families consider their work with Jane to
have been the vital first step in their child’s journey to the
development of language.
Finally, I have always admired Jane’s long and enduring commitment to
teach other professionals, including speech-language pathologists like
myself, what is most important to understand about auditory function
and yet, what is often missed, even by colleagues in the same field.
Jane’s tenacious commitment to the field of communication disorders and
her undying passion for the work, the children, and the families is
inspiring and I am sure there are many fine audiologists who credit
Jane with the perspectives they hold dear in their own work. Jane is a
consummate professional and the fact that I have counted on her wise
counsel all these years, certainly makes it clear where I stand
relative to her talents, expertise, and professionalism.
Sima Gerber, Ph.D., CCC
Associate Professor
Linguistics and Communication Disorders
Queens College
City University of New York
January 6, 2010
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Dr. Jane Madell has
been an acclaimed clinical and educational leader in the area of
children’s hearing impairments for over three decades. I had already
known of Dr Madell’s work in pediatric audiology for some time when I
first met her 25 years ago as a member of the Scientific and
Educational Programs board of the American Speech-Language and Hearing
Association. She was then and still is widely recognized
internationally as a leader in pediatric audiological assessment,
habilitation, and rehabilitation. One of the things that impressed me
when we first met was her unconditional commitment to children with
mild to profound hearing impairments. It is one of the qualities that I
admire most about her.
With the advent of cochlear implants, Jane immediately established
herself as an advocate for children who are candidates for implantation
and as an innovative leader in pre- and post-implant assessment.
Dr. Madell’s book with Dr. Flexer, Pediatric Audiology: Diagnosis,
Technology, and Management, represents the state of the art in
audiological practice. One of many areas in which Dr. Madell excels is
her development of behavioral techniques to test infants and young
children. She has been in demand as a speaker internationally for
several decades, not only for her expertise, but because she has a
unique ability to translate research to clinical practice and her
clinical experience into research ideas.
Dr. Madell’s experience, knowledge, and understanding of pediatric
hearing impairments place her at the top of a small number of
international clinicians and scholars. I have referred innumerable
patients as well as colleagues with a research or educational needs
interest in pediatric hearing impairments to Dr. Madell. She is the
first person I would turn to for clinical expertise, for research
collaboration, or for advice in area of pediatric audiology.
Richard G. Schwartz, Ph.D.
Presidential Professor
Ph.D. Program in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences
The Graduate Center
City University of New York
January 5, 2010
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I have known Dr.
Madell for more than thirty-five years. During that period I have
served with her on the Executive Board of the American Speech, Language
and Hearing Association and have collaborated with her on professional
presentations. I have had the privilege of discussing with her
professional issues about which we agreed and disagreed. I know her to
be disciplined and tireless in her dedication to improving the quality
of life for children with hearing impairment and auditory processing
disorders. She has devoted herself to educating physicians,
audiologists, speech/language pathologists, teachers and parents
regarding the identification and management of children with auditory
impairments. She has done so through her writings and presentations
and, by example, through her clinical practice and administration of
clinical programs. I have found her to be skilled in bringing
individuals with disparate interests and expertise to consensus, to be
judicious in her criticisms and to be reasonable in her expectations.
As a consequence, she has been effective in building clinical programs
of high quality and has exerted a major influence on the nature and
quality of services provided to those with auditory impairments.
Steffi B. Resnick, Ph.D.
S.B. Resnick PhD, Inc.
Consultant in Audiology
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
January 5, 2010
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I have known Dr.
Jane Madell professionally for 30 years; initially as a professor at
Columbia University, and then I had the privilege of working with her
for five years when she was the Director of the League for the Hard of
Hearing in New York City. Over the years Jane has developed a stellar
reputation for excellence in pediatric audiology. She always has the
uncanny ability to assess children with hearing impairment and provide
ongoing guidance and support to the hearing impaired child and their
families.
Jane has published state of the art books on pediatric audiology always
helping others stay current in the field. Her lectures are well
attended because she is an engaging speaker and the professional always
leaves with information that can be put into effect immediately for
their patients.
Dr. Madell possesses tremendous skills to clearly assess problems,
provide solutions, and assist families to follow through on her
recommendations – no matter how difficult. She helps families make the
tough decisions they need to make in management of their child’s
hearing. She is fiercely loyal to her patients and she has raised the
bar for how we all practice pediatric audiology.
Julie B. O'Shea, Au.D., Principal
Doctor of Audiology
Solomon-Shotland Audiology & Hearing Care Associates
at the Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
785 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, New York 10605
January 4, 2010
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As a successful
pediatric audiologist and speech-language pathologist, I will forever
be grateful to Dr. Jane Madell. Dr. Jane Madell is a distinguished
pioneer in the field of pediatric audiology. I have had the pleasure of
working with her in many capacities.
From the first day I met Jane, thirty years ago, as my professor at
Columbia University, up to today as I write this, Jane inspires me to
be the best clinician I can be. Jane shares her vast knowledge in the
field and her unique skill set, graciously, patiently and selflessly.
In her capacity as audiology director, Jane taught me to think out of
the box, provided numerous opportunities for growth in the field of
aural habilitation, and inspired me as I began my career with children
with hearing impairment and their families.
Jane has the ability to use her passion for the field to reach the
children and families she serves in a way that I have known no other to
do. Now as colleagues, it is a pleasure and honor to be able to refer a
family to her, as I know there are no better hands I can place that
family in.
Nancy L. Datino, M.S., Ed.M. CCC-A/SLP
Audiologist
Speech –Language Pathologist
January 4, 2010
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I have known Dr
Madell for over 30 years as a cherished colleague and hopefully, friend.
When asked to describe Jane, my first words are she is dedicated to her
patients and is determined to get them the best she can . . . traits I
urge my students to emulate. As a care-giver that should be your
highest goal. Most colleagues place this trait below their own
aggrandizement and advancement . . . not Jane. As a “pediatric
audiologist” this tenacity to get the most from and for your patients
is what makes her a true “great leader of a generation”.
She is a bright, insightful woman who has a tremendous command of her
own field and integrates this brilliance with a critical understanding
of contributory fields such as medicine, acoustics, education,
psychology, etc. The breadth of her functional knowledge is remarkable
and, for me, enviable. The scope of her publications further attests to
the intellectual and clinical contributions of this special woman.
Her pragmatic thread allows her to be a strong administrator. The
leadership roles she accepted within our professional organizations
clearly attest to the respect her colleagues showed her and the
abilities she has to lead significant organizations. This is more
demonstrative since, as part of a professional organization, she served
as the administrator for peers . . . and in some cases . . .
competitors. Even as she accepted positions in major health
organizations, her concern for her patients came first and she
maintained a clinical presence within her administrative roles.
On a personal level, I find her to be a refreshing, honest, delightful
friend. I can count on her to give an honest response and when she
offers her word, it is unquestionable and unswervingly reliable.
I consider myself most fortunate to be able to claim, in even one small
measure, to have learned and benefitted from Jane Madell.
Joseph Danto, PhD, D-ABNM, F-AAA, CCC-A, F-ASNM
Professor, Program Director Stern College Yeshiva University
January 4, 2010
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My association with
Jane Madell began in 1989, when I left UVA to come complete my CFY at
The League for the Hard of Hearing in NYC. From the moment I walked
through the door of The League, I knew that I had landed an excellent
placement. Jane's deep dedication to the field of audiology and, in
particular, to oralism is matched by few.
Jane's diagnostic skills are untouchable. Her efficiency in testing,
even those deemed 'difficult to test', is part of her skill package.
Coupled with that skill is the ability to work with a parent and help
them realize that things were going to be just fine. She always has a
plan of action to accompany a diagnosis. Jane never leaves a parent
without a direction. I so remember my first time testing a child with
Jane. The child had a severe to profound hearing loss. Jane gave me the
audiogram to use while explaining the results to the parents. Tears
were running down my cheeks because I was sad for the family. Jane was
furious with me. 'Why are you crying? If the parents see you crying
they will get upset. Now, get in there and tell them what we found and
what they are going to do to get this child on her way.' To this day, I
have not forgotten those words. I learned in that moment that you may
not always be able to deliver the news a parent wants to hear but you
can deliver the information you have acquired coupled with a plan that
helps make things manageable. And, in turn, helps make the child
successful.
Throughout Jane's career she has helped countless families piece
together the world of deafness. Many, many children are successful oral
individuals because of the work Jane has done. I feel very fortunate to
have been trained by Jane and to be able to continue to use her as a
resource. She is current on every issue in the field be it cochlear
implants, hearing aids, assistive devices, etc.
Jane has dedicated her life to this field and it shows in the work she
continues to do each day.
Heidi A. Wolfinger, M.Ed., CCC-A/SLP, C.E.D.
Educational Audiologist
January 3, 2010
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I have had the
privilege of knowing and working with Dr. Jane Madell since the 1970’s.
In our early efforts to bring hearing aid dispensing into the daily
practice of audiologists in every practice setting, Dr. Madell and I
published the first text book on hearind aid dispensing specifically
for audiologists. Her work with families and children with hearing
impairment is known and respected all over the world, and she is widely
viewed as the pre-eminent expert in enabling children to reach their
full potential. Her passion and expertise in pediatric audiology have
made her a sought after lecturer, teacher, consultant, author,
researcher and mentor. Her commitment to her patients and their
families, to her staff and to her profession have contributed to her
renown in the audiology profession. I am sure her contributions to the
profession and to the lives of children will continue in her new
capacity as a consultant.
Angela Loavenbruck, EdD
Loavenbruck Audiology, PC
New City, NY
January 3, 2010
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The field of
pediatric audiology would not be as advanced as it is if it were not
for Dr. Jane Madell. For years she has set the standard for testing the
hearing of infants, fitting them with state of the art amplification,
and educating their parents in how to raise their children in the
hearing-speaking mainstream. In addition to her cutting edge clinical
practices, she has lead the field in research. She has contributed
prolifically to the knowledge base of the profession in the form of
articles and books. She has given herself to other professionals in the
many seminars and workshops she has taught. Dr. Madell has been an
anchor in the field of pediatric audiology for decades and is known as
the "go-to" person for questions and problems regarding difficult to
test infants and children, amplification, FM systems, cochlear implants
and all aspects of assessment and technology for children with hearing
loss. Her expertise and deep caring for the individual has given many
children a life to live in the hearing-speaking mainstream. She has an
unusual wealth of expertise and experience to share in her consulting
practice with patients and professionals.
Linda Daniel
MA Lic. Audiologist, FAAA
MS Communication Disorders
LSLS Cert. AVT
HEAR In Dallas, Director
January 2, 2010
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Dr. Jane Madell and
I have been colleagues for close to 20 years, but worked most closely
together when she was Director of the Learning and Hearing Center at
Beth Israel Medical Center and I was the Director of the Speech and
Language Center from 1999-2001. This is where I was able to see this
tireless professionals work in action. I have never seen anyone work as
hard as Dr. Jane Madell – there was no coffee break or lunch break and
when I left to go home for dinner – Dr. Madell I can only presume
eventually went home herself.
What does working hard mean? In the case of Dr. Madell, it was evidence
of the total devotion she provides to her clients. In one measure, it
was making absolutely sure that the audiological testing she performed
was state-of the-art. The best that could be provided to the children –
whether it transpired with two audiologists or more. It also meant that
she spent a great deal of time in the decision making process whether
it be deciding who is a candidate for Auditory Integration Treatments
or a Cochlear Implant. It was spending the extraordinary amount of time
needed to counsel and explain tests results and recommendations to her
clients.
Dr. Madell’s tirelessness is also evident in her devotion to the
professions of speech-language pathology and audiology as a whole. This
is clearly seen in her prolific writing and the hundreds of conferences
she has coordinated as well as been a speaker for over these many years.
I very much enjoyed working with Dr. Jane Madell.
I wish her every success in the new journey she is now embarking on!
Jeri Weinstein Blum, M.S. CCC –SLP
Director, Downtown Brooklyn Speech-Language Hearing Center
Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus
January 2, 2010
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Jane Madell is a
worldwide leader in the provision of hearing healthcare for children
with hearing loss. I am indebted to her for positively influencing not
only my clinical practices but also my research career in audiology.
She has conducted numerous research studies, presented at countless
professional meetings, and published an incredibly large number of
journal articles, book chapters, and books. Through her scholarly
contributions to our field, she has dramatically changed for the better
the care I provide for children with hearing loss in Oklahoma. I always
look forward to hearing her speak at professional conferences and to
reading her manuscripts and textbooks. Most importantly, I learn
something new every time I interact with her, and I can truly say that
her efforts have improved the lives of hundreds of children with
hearing loss in Oklahoma.
More than any other clinician or researcher I know, Jane constantly
reminds families and professionals that our desired goals and outcomes
for children with hearing loss should be no different than what we
would pursue for children with normal hearing. Although the
aforementioned objective seems like common sense, I must reiterate that
nobody else exceeds Jane’s efforts toward making certain that
professionals pursue such a logical, yet ambitious target. It seems as
though she approaches service delivery for every child with the
motivation, effort and zeal as one would expect if the child was her
own.
Her presentations and publications constantly challenge me to evaluate
the services I personally provide for my patients and to “think outside
of the box” in an effort to make certain I am maximizing the
developmental opportunities for each patient I serve. Jane has changed
the way I conduct hearing evaluations for children with hearing loss,
the way I counsel families, the way I make decisions regarding
technology options for children, and the goals and outcomes I pursue
for my patients. She is truly an expert in numerous areas including
diagnostic services for children with hearing loss, management of
technology (cochlear implants and hearing aids) for children with
hearing loss, and interaction with families of children with hearing
loss.
Jane’s research is clinically driven with the goal of immediately
improving our ability to serve persons with hearing loss. Additionally,
her research possesses the aim of optimizing spoken language abilities
and auditory development of children with all degrees of hearing loss.
She was one of the first professionals in our field to publish research
findings for children using cochlear implants and personal FM systems.
In fact, her FM research served as the primary inspiration for my
research studies that have sought to optimize FM benefit for cochlear
implant users. Furthermore, she is most definitely the first
professional to report on the use of a novel clinical technique to
obtain reliable and valid behavioral hearing information for children
under 6 months of age. We have extensively used this technique at
Hearts for Hearing to improve our service delivery and outcomes for
young children with hearing loss.
Above all, Jane is simply a great person. I know it may sound quaint to
say that, but it is a fact, and it must be mentioned. In spite of her
numerous professional accomplishments, she is a selfless person who
possesses a desire to better the lives of others. She is superbly
qualified to manage the care of children with any and all types of
hearing loss and to educate professionals who serve children with
hearing loss. I look forward to continuing to consult with her when I
encounter tough clinical decisions for the patients I serve, and I
enthusiastically encourage both families of children with hearing loss
and professionals who serve children with hearing loss to consult with
Jane as an pediatric hearing healthcare expert and endless source of
knowledge and expertise in maximizing the possibilities and
opportunities for children with hearing loss.
Jace Wolfe, Ph.D., CCC-A
Director of Audiology
Hearts for Hearing
Oklahoma City, OK
Adjunct Assistant Professor
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
January 2, 2010
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From the time that I
first met Jane R. Madell, PhD as her student at the University of
Tennessee at Knoxville, she has been an inspiration to me in my
profession as an audiologist. In the days before audiologists had all
of the electrophysiological and other objective evaluation techniques
that we have today, Jane taught me how to evaluate infants and young
children using only observational and behavioral skills. She was a
pioneer in the evaluation of young children and her methods are still
in wide-spread use all over the world. Whenever I am presented with a
young child with behavioral or intellectual problems and a suspected
hearing loss, I still can hear Jane in my head saying "There is no such
thing as an untestable child--only an audiologist who cannot complete
the test."
The experience and knowledge that I gained from Dr. Madell was a
crucial asset to me in my experience as a co-investigator in the FDA
clinical trials of cochlear implants in children. All of these children
had confirmed profound hearing losses and many had never experienced
hearing any sound prior to being implanted. It was my responsibility to
evaluate the child's responses to the electrical stimulation from their
implant and set their systems to avoid both over and under stimulation.
Once the devices had been set, I then did an entire battery of
behavioral testing and training to determine the hearing levels
achieved by using the implant. My research, along with all of the other
co-investigator audiologists led to the FDA approval of cochlear
implants in children and eventually to the coverage of cochlear
implants and post-surgical habilitation by most insurance carriers.
Jane is truly one of the most outstanding (and outspoken) audiologists
in the world. She is a devoted advocate for the deaf and hearing
impaired as well as a force of nature in her own right. It is indeed an
honor and privilege to know Jane on a personal level and it is a great
pleasure to consider her my friend. I cannot recommend Dr. Madell
highly enough in any endeavor she pursues in the future.
Todd H. Porter, AuD, F-AAA
Doctor of Audiology
January 1, 2010
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Jane Madell is one
of a kind in the field of pediatric audiology. She is exceptional at
what she does, and her input on decision making is extremely valuable.
She understands the field of audiology extremely well. She understands
the technology with its benefits and limitations.
In addition, Jane has the best interest of the patient. She is an
impressive communicator and is the truest advocate for children's
communication abilities. She understands children, understands families
and family dynamics, and is able to work with families from a multitude
of backgrounds and needs. She is very bright and knowledgeable, she
treats her patients with respect and is honest and kind. I have
collaborated with Jane Madell on numerous projects related to hearing,
speech and language in cochlear implant users, and always appreciated
her keen eye towards detail, towards making improvements rather than
settling on what is available. Her love of the field and of her
patients is impressive. Jane Madell's CV attests to her long-standing
career and the respect that she has gained amongst her colleagues. In
summary, Dr. Madell's years of practice in a growing field has allowed
her to become an expert whose consultation services are highly valuable.
Ruth Litovsky, Ph.D.
Professor of Communicative Disorders
University of Wisconsin - Madison
January 1, 2010
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Our two daughters
were diagnosed with severe and progressive hearing loss at the ages of
two and four, and we were at our wits end in trying to determine how to
proceed. Hearing aids were providing them the benefit to continue
speaking and listening, but their window of opportuniity was
maddeningly and tragically slipping away from them as they continued to
lose their hearing. We were in the test booth constantly resetting
digital hearing aids to fit the losses. Hearing was leaving them like a
feather floating to the floor: slowly and ever so consistent. Any
mother with hearing impaired children will understand how the
relationship of solid hearing and speech-recognition impacts daily
living: a trip to the supermarket or an interview with a prospective
kindergarten teacher can only go as well as the hearing technology can
be on that given day . . . our days were filled with general unrest and
we were exhausted mentally and physically from the process.
I met Jane at a conference in New York at this time, in the winter of
1999; I will never forget our first conversation where I mentioned that
I did not trust the advice we had been given at our center in
Philadelphia. She replied, while putting her arm around me at the same
time, "The choices we make for our children today greatly impact the
rest of their lives . . ." That was all I needed to hear - finally,
someone who would join in the family fight and spearhead a move in the
right direction. Since then we have made the trip to see Jane countless
times for CI surgeries (4 in total), mappings, testing, and emergency
situations (soft failure of a CI) . . . Now my children are fully
mainstreamed in the seventh and ninth grades, both on the honor roll.
Our family life has resumed a more natural state where we are much less
concerned with hearing loss as the Big Elephant in the Room. My
children and I trust Jane implicitly, even when she gets tough in the
test booth! I can honestly say that Jane has set us on the right path
beginning with that conversation all those years ago. I hope she knows
what a tremendous role-model she has been for me as well.
Betsy Lee
December 31, 2009
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I’ve been a patient
of Jane’s since I was 2.5 years old, I’m now 25 and a 2nd year student
at the University of Louisville’s School of Medicine. I also have my
masters from Columbia, and an AB from Duke University. Not too bad for
a kid with a severe to profound hearing loss whose parents were told
that I would have to be put in a special school for the deaf and
wouldn’t be auditory. Thankfully my parents don’t take no for an answer
and found Jane Madell, who truly changed the course of my life and
allowed me to reach my highest potential.
Throughout my life, Jane has fought for me every inch of the way so
that I could have as normal an education and life as possible. She has
worked with me through all the tantrums, the fears and the celebrated
all of my successes. Jane made sure my family and I knew about every
new technology and made sure I had access to them. She is without a
doubt, the best of the best when it comes to audiology care and
research. It is for that reason, no matter how far away from New York
my life has taken me, I have never seen another doctor. I would rather
pay for a plane ticket than go to someone who is less experienced or
less knowledgeable, and there isn’t anyone who can compare to Jane’s
expertise. As I’ve grown older and more knowledgeable myself, I am only
ever amazed by how impressive Jane’s work for the field of audiology
has been.
One of Jane’s best attributes is that she is a fighter, she never
accepts anything less than the best whether that be in her research
pursuits or achievements with her patients. This has been crucial for
our interactions. Her fighting spirit early on, played a large role in
my family’s approach toward my hearing impairment and also in my
self-confidence. It’s no small feat that because of Jane I have never,
and will never see myself as being “handicapped” or any different than
any other non-hearing impaired person. More recently, her insistence on
my considering cochlear implant surgery as a new means of achieving
better results along with her patience in my decisions to wait until I
graduated from college really made me consider something I was very
firmly against for a long time. When I finally decided to have a
unilateral implant, I waited until I graduated from college so I could
come back to NYC and be under Jane’s care and yet again she never led
me astray. Jane was honest about the difficulties and the time line to
recovery and for when I could expect to see results. Jane found me the
best surgeon, Dr. Hoffman, and the best speech therapist, my dear Liz,
and made sure to talk to me regularly and keep me in good spirits
through that difficult time and in the end, she was right. My Cochlear
Implant has allowed me a wider range of success than I’ve ever had
before. My grades were better at Columbia and now at UofL than they’ve
ever been and socially things are much easier.
I could go on for pages about Jane and what a wonderful practitioner
and person she is, but in the end Jane has been a friend, a teacher,
and an audiologist. There is no tangible way to express my gratitude
for all that she has done for me but I and my family are forever
grateful that we have been friends and patients of hers for 20 plus
years.
Elizabeth Bonagura, MS.
December 31, 2009
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Like most parents,
we were surprised and shocked to learn that our son had a severe to
profound hearing loss. In the labyrinth of specialists we were referred
to, Dr. Madell stood apart in her willingness to listen and understand
what we wanted for our child. Her knowledge of the situation, her
candor and her broad network of resources helped to establish a
protocol that met all of our goals. We are grateful that Dr. Madell
helped us put in place and lead a team of professionals that have
worked with our son for seven years.
Brenda Cotsen and Jeffrey Benjamin
December 31, 2009
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My husband and I
realized almost from birth that our son, Avi, was not hearing
correctly. The professionals at the time thought that we were
over-reacting, or lied to us, and did not feel the need to follow-up
and test his hearing. Being the parents we were, and being an
audiologist myself, I called Dr. Jane Madell to ask her to test our
son. At 6 weeks of age, Dr. Jane (as our family has come to call her)
diagnosed our son’s hearing loss and fitted him with hearing aids
immediately. She was the first professional who was honest and reactive
to the needs of our child. Her expertise allowed for an accurate
diagnosis but her friendship over the past 20 years has come to mean so
much more to both myself and Avi.
To quote Avi, “Dr. Jane made me normal”- he said this after reading
from the Torah at his Bar Mitzvah- a goal that we did not know if he
would reach. Dr. Jane believed in our son’s abilities and never allowed
him to take the easy road. She worked with us as a family to ensure
that not only would he have the most up to date and appropriate
amplification, but that he would secure a place within our family
dynamic as a typical child. Avi says that Dr. Jane made him
“handicapable, not handicapped.”
Jane’s sensitivity to our personal belief system helped pave the way to
ensure that Avi would attend Yeshiva Day School (along with his
siblings) and be a full member of the Jewish community where we live.
Dr. Jane has worked with the schools that Avi has attended (he is now a
junior in college) guiding teachers and administrators as to how to
best meet Avi’s academic and religious needs.
As a grandmother, I have had the opportunity to visit Dr. Jane anew -
testing my children’s children, listening as Dr. Jane has explained
both positive and negative test results with them. Her steering us to
Dr. Ronald Hoffman (for Avi and my grandchildren) has helped us along
the road to the best hearing possible for them.
At this juncture, we are at a loss as to who to turn to for Avi’s
needs. When you have worked with a professional who is considered
worldwide as a leader in her field, she is extremely difficult to
replace. When you have obtained the emotional support from this
individual, then she is truly irreplaceable. We know that Dr. Jane will
continue to be there for us as a consultant and continue to guide us
along the way.
As a professional, I have come to value Dr. Jane’s sensitivity towards
her clients, parents, and families of those that she works with. I have
often called on her to facilitate workshops and guide other parents
through the process of identification. We have had the opportunity to
work within the Jewish community as well, educating rabbis and
communities as to the Jewish laws of hearing aids, cochlear implants,
and religious rites that may be affected by hearing loss. Working with
her specifically in this area has helped hundreds of hearing impaired
religious Jewish individuals achieve their rightful place in the belief
system that they have chosen. I thank Dr. Jane for taking the time and
interest for this endeavor.
Dr. Jane has been an ear at the other end of the phone to my own
personal challenges of raising a child with a hearing loss, making sure
that he would socially fit in, and guiding us to the next steps of his
life. We are forever grateful that Dr. Jane has been there for us
throughout the years and plan to dance with her at Avi’s wedding in the
future.
Batya Jacob
December 31, 2009
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In my 30+ years as a
pediatric/educational audiologist, I rarely have found a colleague who
inspires me the way Dr. Jane Madell has. The passion for her work with
children who are deaf and hard of hearing has made me strive to be
better and better in my chosen profession. Jane readily teamed up with
me on a number of projects that broadened my own knowledge and
contributed to the knowledge base of the audiology profession.
I have known Jane for many years now and we have worked together on a
number of studies. Without a doubt, she is at the top of the audiology
profession. Her knowledge and experience span a wide range of areas. I
came to work with her to independently collect data on children who
utilize assistive technology with their primary amplification. These
areas of research and interest were grossly lacking documentation on
performance issues because there was no data on the topics. Jane is
always moving forward to expand the information needed for the
professionals who work with these children.
Jane has also lectured extensively around the world on a variety of
subjects. I find her lectures and presentations to be comprehensive,
animated and full of passion. She clearly not only knows what she is
doing but she loves what she is doing.
I have observed Jane in clinical environments working with families.
Her approach with families is both educational and full of concern for
the well being of the families. Jane takes the time necessary to give
comfort to the families and to teach them what they need to know to
help their children grow and flourish. She takes a great deal of
interest in follow through as well. With Jane, families know they can
count on an ongoing relationship with her to ensure their children have
seamless services and support.
I have also watched Jane with her patients in diagnostic situations and
find her knowledge, skill and expertise with young children
specifically to be truly unique. She is able to use techniques that she
has mastered to glean critical information from her patients to further
document their hearing challenges.
Through our work together, we have become friends as well. You can’t
help but grow to love a person who so loves her work with children and
who is inspired to improve the human condition. Jane is an expert, a
colleague, a mentor, a teacher, a clinician, a researcher and a friend.
Johnnie Sexton, M.S./CCC-A
President, John E. Sexton & Associates, Inc.
Wilmington, NC
December 30, 2009
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Dr. Jane Madell has
the amazing ability to balance indisputable, top-notch, technologically
accurate knowledge with warmth, humor, compassion and genuine care for
the people she works with. I feel truly lucky to have been receiving
audiology evaluations and support from Jane for over 30 years. No
doubt, I would not have developed the auditory skills I have today,
without her caring involvement, interest, & support.
If it were only that she were an expert in her field, then I might have
sought out a comparable expert after moving away from NYC. Jane’s
genuine interest in me as a client/person has allowed us to establish a
relationship in which I can trust her professional advice without even
blinking. This relationship and trust is the reason that I always
schedule visits to NYC whenever in need of an evaluation or new hearing
aids.
I know that countless others have similarly benefitted from Jane’s wise
and warm guidance over the years. Whenever asked, I unhesitatingly
refer others to Dr. Jane Madell.
Simply put, to be in the hands of Dr Jane Madell is to be able to rest
comfortably knowing that you are in the hands of the very best.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Darby J. Leigh
December 29, 2009
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We have been working
with Dr. Madell since the spring of 2003, when our son, Jack, was not
quite 2 years old. He had been exhibiting signs of deafness- not
responding to his name, not orienting to sirens or other loud noises -
but multiple visits with other audiologists left us no better informed
than we had been before consulting with them. It was not until we met
Jane that we had a clear understanding of our son's condition. He was
exhibiting early signs of Auditory Processing Disorder, which was
entirely new to both me and my husband. The previous audiologists had
dismissed our concerns, because Jack's hearing was intact. These
dismissals were terribly frightening for us, because they invalidated
the problem that we knew existed, and because they gave us no roadmap
for helping our child, whose development was falling progressively
further behind. Given that APD is not typically diagnosed until a child
is at least 7 years old, and that testing instruments for auditory
processing are not available for such young children, most clinicians
simply wait until the child is of age before delivering such a
diagnosis. While Dr. Madell did not, in fact, formally diagnose Jack
until his seventh birthday, she did tell us that she thought the
deficit was auditory processing (vs. hearing). She provided clear
suggestions for treatment, always taking the time to get a holistic
picture of Jack's overall functioning. She has followed Jack since that
time, and has celebrated his successes with us along the way.
It is immeasurably frightening to parent a child whose development is
so uncertain. Having an ongoing relationship with a clinician who truly
understands our child's core deficit, and knows what to do about it,
has brought us tremendous comfort. Jack is now successfully integrated
into the first grade at a Jewish day School, where he wears the FM
system recommended by Dr. Madell. His teacher reported that he
explained to his friends, "Some people need glasses for seeing, and I
need this headset for hearing when it's noisy." Thank you, Jane, for
helping us save our little boy!
Michelle Goodman
Teaneck, NJ
December 28, 2009
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Professionally, I
have known Dr. Madell for over 30 years. She is a dedicated pediatric
audiologist. She publishes and presents extensively, generously sharing
her clinical knowledge with both novice and experienced audiologists.
She has written several books, has been asked and contributed to over
20 book chapters and 50 articles and presentations that range from case
studies, amplification for the pediatric population, educating parents
about hearing loss options, and best practices in education for the
child with hearing impairment and auditory processing dysfunction.
Of her many strengths, I think what separates Dr. Madell from other
audiologists is that she successfully bridges the gap of diagnosis of
hearing impairment in children to providing optimal amplification and
educational practices. After diagnosing hearing loss or auditory
dysfunction, Dr. Madell works with the parent, child, and teacher to
ensure that amplification (e.g. hearing aids, cochlear implants,
frequency-modulated [FM] systems and other assistive technologies) is
optimal for the various settings the child will experience;
specifically, home, play, and educational settings. She provides
information, support, and reassurance to parents at a time when they
are feeling particularly vulnerable and unsure. Dr. Madell also obtains
feedback from teachers so that appropriate adjustments to amplification
systems can be made. Audiologists, parents, children, and educators can
benefit from her consultative services.
Abbey L. Berg, PhD
Professor, Pace University, New York
Adjunct Faculty, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia
University, New York
Director of Newborn Hearing Screening, Morgan Stanley Children’s
Hospital of NewYork Presbyterian, New York
December 28, 2009
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After 2-1/2
intensive years of bringing our non-verbal daughter to every kind of
reputable expert in NYC – pediatricians, audiologists, speech
therapists, neurologists & more – I had the good fortune to meet
Jane Madell, who very quickly made the correct diagnosis of hearing
loss which had amazingly eluded everyone else. Jane even explained
multiple ways this could & should have been apparent in previous
tests & examinations. Our daughter was just turning 4 then, so she
had missed the window when children generally pick up most of their
speech. Jane fitted her with hearing aids & educated me about
auditory/verbal training. Life changed dramatically at that point,
especially for our daughter who, over 10 years later, is a
high-achieving student in one of the city’s best high schools after
being mainstreamed so seamlessly that by second grade many of her
friends’ parents, without seeing the hearing aids buried under her
hair, didn’t even realize she had a hearing problem. None of this,
& none of the many wonderful things our daughter has been able to
experience & accomplish, would have been at all likely without
Jane. She combines deep experience with awareness of the latest
developments in a way that one wishes were the norm for all
practitioners in all areas. In fact, I have felt sorry for other
parents of children with hearing loss I’ve met – & older adults as
well – because they often don’t seem to realize how much better their
results can be, let alone how to get there. In addition, Jane Madell is
known & respected to a degree that getting the right services has
been incomparably eased by virtue of the trust & credibility she
has earned in the medical, audiological & educational communities.
And she is a pleasure to deal with. Our daughter loves her, & so do
we.
Rick Lieberman
New York, NY
December 28, 2009
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Our son, Noah, has
literally grown up under Jane Madell’s care. As parents of a
nine-year-old hearing impaired child, we have grown under Jane’s care
as well. Noah was diagnosed with a hearing loss the day after he was
born. We were fortunate enough to learn of Jane soon thereafter and
first saw her when Noah was only a few weeks old. From the beginning of
our relationship with her, we have had a partner and an advocate by our
side in every aspect of our journey. Whether the matter at hand has
involved the intricacies of audiological testing, technology, IEPs,
advocacy, or any one of the thousands of questions we’ve had for her
over the years, Jane has always been there for us. For Noah, we know
that living with a hearing loss has been an interesting journey. It’s
certainly been an interesting journey for us. None of us can imagine
being on that journey without Jane, and we look forward to continuing
to work with her for many years to come. Her passion, commitment, and
determination to enable Noah to have every opportunity to perform at
his best in the hearing world has inspired us to be the best advocates
for Noah we can possibly be.
Mark and Amanda Jaffe
December 28, 2009
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In early 2007, our
program received a grant with the mission of 'increasing knowledge and
awareness for parents and professionals that children with hearing
loss/deafness can learn to listen and speak, read, and perform in
mainstream classrooms with correct technology, aggressive audiological
management, active parent participation, early identification, and
appropriate therapy". This goal was to be initiated through a four-part
lecture series. I called Jane to ask her to be our first speaker - and
though she didn't know me well then, her willingness to be part of our
grant program was an overwhelming YES!
Jane Madell's presentation "Closing the Gap in Pediatric Audiology:
from Identification to Management" set the stage for the next 12 months
of this mission. Providing her a list of needs in our area of the
country, she tailored the presentation specifically for our program and
audience. Over 200 parents and professionals attended in person or by
video conference from Ft. Worth, Texas, and left with new- found
excitement to shift their focus to spoken language for children with
hearing loss. Dr. Madell proved to be an enthusiastic, dynamic and
organized speaker with interactive audience dialogs.
Something happened during the May 2007 lecture that exemplifies Jane's
love and dedication to pediatric hearing loss. One of our families,
Tammy and Mike Kenny, with their 4 week old baby boy, Aiden, newly
identified with a bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss walked
in late to the seminar. Jane stopped her talk, walked over to them,
introduced herself, took the baby and held him while she talked. At the
break, she chatted with the Kenny's - making them feel welcome,
assured, and less fearful. She requested to have lunch, in a casual
setting, with all parents attending. In doing this, she planted the
seeds for support among the parents. A much needed aspect of pediatric
hearing loss.
In March 2008, we held a "Parents Only" day for parents and families of
children with hearing loss. We chose speakers who were known for their
rapport and skill in working with parents and families - Jane Madell
being at the top of that list. We had over 75 parents attend the free
all day seminar. Jane sat down with small and large groups of parents
and made them each feel that their concern was THE most important
aspect of pediatric hearing loss to her. She answered their questions
fully, gave each of them her full attention, shared new information
about Auditory-Neuropathy and bilateral cochlear implants, and offered
solutions and options for each family who requested help. Families left
her session armed with accurate information, hope, and enthusiasm about
the future of spoken language for their child/children - because of
Jane.
I am honored that Jane Madell considers me a colleague. She is a very
accomplished, yet accessible professional. She is never too busy to
answer questions, share information, and motivate others to be their
very best when working with children with hearing loss and their
families. I am blessed to know her as a friend and colleague.
Becky Crow Clem, MA, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
Education Coordinator for Rehab Services
Cook Children's Medical Center
Fort Worth, Texas
December 27, 2009
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I am a deaf mother
with a deaf son. I was first introduced to Jane Madell when I needed
audiological and speech services for my young deaf son. He had been
through plenty of evaluations as I am a professional serving deaf
persons and know where to get services. Jane Madell was the one who
engaged his attention, his interest, his motivation, and reinforced his
desire to maintain his life-long relationship with her, a relationship
that has lasted over 30 years. To this day he trusts her wholeheartedly
to provide solid, knowledgeable advice regarding the best amplification
approaches for him. At times he even commuted from out of town in order
to benefit from her wise guidance.
As for myself, once I saw the quality Jane projected in serving my son,
I determined to avail myself of her services as well. I only wish there
were multiple clones of her to assist others as she has assisted me and
my son. Throughout the years, we have remained professional colleagues
as I am a psychologist by training. Rest assured that psychologists
have exacting standards and she has met mine.
Irene W. Leigh, Ph.D.
Parent, Psychologist, Professor
Chair, Department of Psychology
Gallaudet University
December 26,2009
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Jane Madell, PhD is an internationally recognized authority on audiology care for children. I have used her textbooks and other writings for years to educate Audiology Doctoral students, and interestingly, they report they can hear her "voice" in her writings. They are right: her description of evidence-based practices merges with her unwavering respect for children and families, and therefore unknowingly teaches my students far more than she or they realize. Thank goodness! If any field needs to express heart as well as science, it's pediatric audiology. I am so grateful she has channeled her boundless energy into family-centered audiology care.
Kris English, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
The University of Akron
December 25, 2009
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I have worked in the field of cochlear implants as an audiologist for over 24 years. During most of this time I have had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Jane Madell. When I have a difficult case, or want confirmation on management of a child, I know that I can depend on Dr. Madell to provide the assistance I need. She is truly an expert in our field! When she speaks, others listen! Her experience, coupled with her compassion for not only the work she does, but the families she works with, provide an insight that is invaluable. Dr. Madell gladly, and enthusiastically, shares her knowledge with others. She has challenged me to be the best I can be in my work. I love attending meetings with her, and having the opportunity to “pick her brain.” Together, we have explored many issues – and I am more knowledgeable because of this! Thank you, Jane, for all of you that you have shared with me!
Jan Gilden, M.A.,
CCC-A
Executive Director, Houston Ear Research Foundation
December 24, 2009
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Dr. Jane Madell has
worked with my daughter Hannah for over seven years. She has treated my
daughter with the utmost care and diligence ever since Hannah was an
infant. Hannah is severely disabled, and among her many disabilities is
a moderate hearing impairment. She is non-verbal and has almost no fine
motor skills. Her head control is poor. Her array of impairments has
made testing of any kind extremely challenging for even the most
skilled practitioner.
Dr. Madell’s skill and experience have been evident at every turn. I
can say with confidence that few have understand my daughter’s
complicated disability as well as Jane. Over the years Jane transformed
from one of Hannah’s many physicians to a vocal advocate on her behalf.
She took pleasure in every success we shared with her, and she took
care to make sure Hannah was well equipped to be successful in her
school setting. She is much more than just another professional in
Hannah’s life.
Tracy
December 23, 2009
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I have had the
pleasure of knowing Jane Madell for nearly forty years, and during that
time she has never ceased to amaze me. Whatever she does - she does
well!
She is much more than a skilled audiologist; she is a master
audiologist who has raised her skills to an art. Her passion for her
work, her knowledge, and her dedication to the children that she helps
and their families, are evident each day. Jane's drive is infectious,
she brings excellence everywhere she goes, but it is difficult to keep
up with her. She is always ahead of the game - from introducing new
earmolds being designed in Australia, to determining the best method
for mapping a cochlear implant. As a result, I know that I can always
get an answer or explanation when I call Jane with a question about
hearing, and I can always confidently send children to her and say to
their parents, "Don't worry, Dr Madell will be able to tell us what
needs to be done."
Jane Madell has helped to mold the field of pediatric audiology in the
United States; she has much more to do.
Frances Santore,
M.A. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
December 23, 2009
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My daughter, Maddy
was 2 months old the first time we took her to Dr. Madell. At 11 months
she was diagnosed with a moderate hearing loss - and she has been a
patient of Dr. Madell's ever since. Maddy is now 10.
She is mainstreamed in school and is doing very well - all thanks to
Dr. Madell's guidance, knowledge and especially because she cares so
much about her patients. Dr. Madell is much more than an audiologist
who tests children's hearing. She has helped us navigate through a lot
of red tape with our county's CSE and CPSE programs as well as with our
school board. I honestly don't know what we would have done without
her. Dr. Madell taught us about the importance of language and hearing
therapy and she taught us how to be the best possible advocates for our
daughter. She put together and has monitored all of Maddy's
outside/private therapies, and has helped all of Maddy's teachers
better teach a hearing impaired student.
I feel lucky to have Dr. Madell in our lives.
Marjory Blinderman
December 22, 2009
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During my 35 years of leading departments and divisions of otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), I have had the opportunity to work with a lot of talented healthcare professionals who take care of people with hearing disorders. Dr. Jane Madell is unquestionably one of the best in this field. I was able to work closely with her for approximately 10 years and to observe her tremendous skill, dedication to the highest standards of concerned and ethical patient care, and her fabulous rapport with the families of so many children. She is also a superb teacher and administrator whose efforts improved the lives of thousands of patients through her work with many other professionals.
Frank Lucente, MD
Vice Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Professor of Otolaryngology
SUNY-Downstate Medical Center.
December 22, 2009
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Jane Madell is an
outstanding pediatric audiologist; it is an honor to work with her. Dr.
Madell’s impressive curriculum vita speaks for itself. Dr. Madell has a
long career of ongoing and high quality contributions to the research,
teaching and service community. She is viewed with respect and
admiration by her colleagues, students and patients. Her unique line of
research focuses on the behavioral audiologic diagnosis, technological
management, and auditory intervention of infants and children with
hearing loss. Dr. Madell keeps audiologists focused on functional,
measurable outcomes of audiologic treatment of infants and children
with hearing loss; she exemplifies evidence-based practice at its best.
I have observed and participated in Dr. Madell’s lectures at
professional meetings. Her presentations are organized, clear,
data-based, and typically feature a research to practice format.
Dr. Madell truly cares about her patients. Her competence is amplified
by empathy and compassion for the children and their families, and she
will often go the extra mile to provide high quality service. In
addition, Dr. Madell unselfishly shares her knowledge with colleagues
and families.
Dr. Madell will be a valuable resource for any family, school and
intervention program who seek consultation and in-services regarding
the audiologic diagnosis and management of infants and children with
hearing loss. She has been a tireless advocate for the opportunity of
listening and spoken language development and offers cutting-edge
strategies for technological and habilitative management.
In Short, Dr. Madell's years of research and practice have allowed her
to accumulate a wealth of experience, and I highly recommend her
consultation services.
Carol Flexer, Ph.D.,
CCC-A; LSLS Cert. AVT
Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Audiology
The University of Akron
December 22, 2009
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Jane and I “grew up” together as professionals in the field of hearing loss. My passion led me along the path of psychology and her passion led her along the path of audiology. Fortunately, years ago, our paths crossed and we have been connected ever since. I consider Jane to be one of the most wonderful professional gifts in my life. I am a great supporter of Jane’s and admire her talent, compassion, intellect and strength. She has been and continues to be a great advocate for children, parents, and families as well as serving as a model researcher. As a teacher she is unparalleled, setting a high standard for those who train with her. Jane has enhanced the field of audiology in general, and with regard to issues related to children’s hearing losses, she is a true pioneer. Among the first to believe and practice that every child who has a hearing loss can be taught to utilize their hearing in order to speak, Jane has written and lectured prolifically. She continues to inform all of us in the field of the possibilities for children in the world of hearing. She and her colleagues have had great success and we in the field marvel at her reach. When Cochlear Implants first became available for children she was among the first to explore the incredible range of possibilities for young children. Always encouraging and supportive of both families and children Jane is a guide in the truest sense of the word. Her years of experience coupled with her current knowledge and fresh outlook allow her clients and their families to grow and learn because they know they are in the most competent hands. Her optimistic, can do attitude is contagious. Any who are fortunate enough to work with her benefit from her professionalism as well as her brilliance.
Dale V. Atkins,
Ph.D. Psychologist, Author, Lecturer.
Specialty: Families, Children, Adults who are dealing with Hearing Loss
December 22, 2009
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Jane will always be a special person in our lives. When my two boys were each diagnosed with severe to profound hearing losses, it was Jane who provided guidance for my husband and me. She explained how important auditory training process was, introduced us to an array of useful technologies, and showed us how to advocate for our children, providing us with nothing but the best advice. Jane has always been an efficient, devoted, and caring audiologist to us for almost 20 years. Her selfless and kind nature has truly made a difference in the lives of many.
Randi Spinowitz
December 21, 2009
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Today my daughter is
packing to spend a semester abroad. She is currently a junior at
Barnard College, Columbia University. She would not be doing this if it
were not for Jane Madell.
Laura was diagnosed with a hearing loss at age 3. She had been
medically worked up several times and we were told she would never live
in the hearing world. We still decided to try to make her oral. We had
marginal success. Laura had been seen by numerous ENTs, audiologists,
speech therapists and teachers of the hearing impaired. Everyone worked
together and we had a pretty good team.
Then when Laura was 8 years old we went to see Dr. Madell. Her
knowledge was far beyond anyone we had encountered. After leaving
Jane's office the very first time, Laura went to her dance class. That
evening the instructor called and asked what happened to Laura, she was
a different person. She responded to the music as if she had woken up
from the dead. We also noticed similar responses.
Dr. Madell is responsible for giving Laura access to her mind, the
greatest gift of all. Without her my entire family's lives would have
been so different, so much more difficult. Not only did she enhance
Laura's hearing but made adjustments to the game plan according to her
age, moods and self image. From the first day I met Jane, I felt I had
met someone who was going to lead us down the right path and she did.
Heather Friedman
December 21,2009
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Our daughter Marly was 2 when she was diagnosed with hearing loss in both ears. We were highly recommended to Dr. Jane Madell. From the moment we met her she put both my husband and I at ease that Marly would always have the ability to hear. Not only has she treated us with the warmth we needed to get through such a sensitive time, she also educated us and continues to educate us on the right path we need to take for my daughter's hearing. She has truly been a miracle to us.
Lori and Rob Fisher
December 21, 2009
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Our son, Andrew, has
been under the care of Jane Madell, Ph.D. since being diagnosed hearing
impaired in 2004. In that time, we have relied heavily on Dr. Madell to
guide us through the complex process of managing Andrew’s hearing
impairment, including fitting him for bi- lateral hearing aids and,
eventually, a cochlear implant.
We have, at every step of this process, felt as though we had true
partner in Andrew’s care in Doctor Madell. Jane treats Andrew as though
he were her own child. She is caring, understanding, patient, stern
when warranted, and above all loving toward our son. She has a depth of
expertise and a true passion for her profession. But, more than that,
Jane has embraced us, both literally and figuratively, as though we
were family. Her impassioned approach to our case has brought us great
confidence and comfort since the beginning of Andrew’s care. In short,
we could not have asked for a better practitioner in Jane Madell.
Jennifer and David
Hoffman
December 21, 2009
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