Bio

Dr. Patricia Stelmachowicz is posthumously honored with the 2025 Honors of the Academy for her groundbreaking contributions to pediatric audiology and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children with hearing loss. Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Stelmachowicz dedicated herself to advancing audiological care through pioneering research, clinical excellence, and impactful mentorship.

As director of audiological services at Boys Town National Research Hospital for over 30 years, she revolutionized pediatric audiology by addressing critical challenges in early hearing detection and intervention. Her research on amplification strategies for infants and young children set a benchmark in clinical practice, ensuring that children worldwide receive timely and effective hearing care. Her extensive body of work, including over 80 peer-reviewed publications, continues to inform best practices in the field.

Dr. Stelmachowicz was also a passionate educator and mentor, training the next generation of audiologists and researchers. Her ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical solutions earned her widespread respect and recognition. Among her many honors, she was the recipient of the American Academy of Audiology’s 2004 Research Achievement Award, and served in numerous leadership roles within professional organizations, shaping policies that improved outcomes for children with hearing impairments.

The American Academy of Audiology is proud to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Patricia Stelmachowicz, whose profound impact on audiology will resonate for generations to come.