09-10, 08:00–08:30 (Europe/Istanbul), Hearing Aids 1
Children with minimal-to-mild hearing loss often present unique diagnostic and management challenges, yet timely intervention is critical for speech-language development and academic success. This session will provide an evidence-based framework for evaluating minimal hearing loss in pediatric patients, covering audiological monitoring, functional assessment tools, and classroom listening considerations.
The presentation will highlight when to recommend amplification, how to balance audiometric thresholds with functional listening needs, and how to involve families and educators in decision-making. Evidence on hearing aid benefits, real-ear verification strategies, and long-term outcomes will be discussed. Special attention will be given to borderline cases and fluctuating or progressive losses.
Prof. Dr. Günay Kırkım is a distinguished Turkish academic specializing in audiology and otorhinolaryngology. She currently serves as a professor in the Department of Medical Services and Techniques at the Vocational School of Health Services, Dokuz Eylül University, where she also leads the Audiometry Program.Dr. Kırkım's academic journey began with a pharmacy degree from Ege University in 1981. She pursued her master's studies in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Dokuz Eylül University, completing them in 1986. She earned her Ph.D. from Marmara University in 2003. She was appointed as an associate professor in audiology in 2010 and achieved full professorship in 2015.Throughout her career, Prof. Dr. Kırkım has made significant contributions to the field of audiology. She has authored over 270 scientific publications and has been cited more than 500 times, reflecting her influence in the academic community. Her research encompasses various areas, including central auditory changes associated with age-related hearing loss, cognitive function in Meniere's disease, and the effects of noise exposure on hearing function.
