Celebrating Excellence in Pediatric Audiology: Jace Wolfe Receives Marion Downs Award

Recognizing Excellence in Pediatric Audiology

Philadelphia, March 27, 2025 – An inspiring figure in the realm of pediatric audiology, Dr. Jace Wolfe, Senior Vice President of Innovation at the Oberkotter Foundation, has officially been awarded the prestigious 2025 Marion Downs Award for Excellence in Pediatric Audiology by the American Academy of Audiology. This esteemed accolade was presented during the Academy's annual conference, which hosts the largest gathering of hearing and balance healthcare professionals across the globe.

Dr. Wolfe's impact on pediatric audiology has been profound, where his extensive research, teaching, and clinical service have elevated the standard of care for children with hearing challenges. His commitment to delivering coordinated audiology services and Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) interventions has transformed the experiences of countless families and children around the world.

Having come on board at the Oberkotter Foundation in 2023, Dr. Wolfe took charge as the Senior Vice President of Innovation, where he spearheads initiatives aimed at enhancing the science of hearing loss. His goals are centered on translating sound scientific research into practices that promote optimal cognitive and literacy outcomes for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. With the Foundation's mission to ensure that these children reach their full potential through LSL, Dr. Wolfe's leadership has become indispensable.

Dr. Teresa H. Caraway, CEO of the Oberkotter Foundation, stated, "Dr. Wolfe's dedication to family-centered pediatric audiology is a beacon of inspiration. His life's work ensures that every child has access to sound— which we know is vital for their development during early childhood." This recognition is not merely a personal achievement for Dr. Wolfe but a significant endorsement of his unwavering dedication and impactful contributions to the field.

Before his role at the Oberkotter Foundation, Dr. Wolfe accrued two decades of experience advocating for families and guiding teams of audiology specialists. His efforts in creating collaborations across the industry aimed to push the boundaries of hearing technology and practices for both young patients and adults alike have been commendable.

Also recently announced from the Oberkotter Foundation is the development of the Scientific Council for Childhood Hearing, an initiative that aims to scrutinize the science behind listening, language, and literacy specifically tailored for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, with Dr. Wolfe as its Council Chair.

"Receiving this award is an incredible honor, and I feel humbled to be recognized alongside past recipients and industry giants like Marion Downs," remarked Dr. Wolfe. "My colleagues and I are committed to ensuring that children with hearing loss access the tools they need for successful outcomes, and every day I grow increasingly excited about the future of pediatric audiology."

About the Oberkotter Foundation

The organization serves as a linchpin for families seeking to empower their children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Foundation's vision is to secure quality access to audiological and LSL services, ensuring that these children can develop essential skills in listening, speech, and literacy. Since its establishment in 1985, over $500 million has been allocated towards enhancing outcomes for children with hearing impairments and their families through innovative funding and support.

For additional insights on the Oberkotter Foundation and its ongoing initiatives, please visit oberkotterfoundation.org.