Speakers

Dr Melanie Ferguson Head of Audiological Science, National Acoustic Laboratories

Dr Melanie Ferguson is the Head of Audiological Science at the National Acoustic Laboratories in Sydney, and has responsibility for the Adult Hearing Loss research area. Her research focus is on connected health, service delivery models and outcome measures. Prior to that she was an Associate Professor and Consultant Clinical Scientist (audiology) at the NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, UK. Her translational research programme focussed on e-health and self-management, listening and cognition, and listening devices. She has a long track record in audiology professional affairs, with leadership roles in the British Society of Audiology, British Academy of Audiology, and UK policy-making.

Valerie Smets Wholesale Area Manager for NSW and QLD, Widex

Valerie obtained a Masters in Audiology at KU Leuven University in Belgium and worked clinically in her home country, gaining experience in all aspects of hearing aid service provision. On arrival in Australia, she worked in a training and support role with GN Resound, before joining Widex Australia as Wholesale Area Manager for New South Wales/Queensland.