In Memoriam: Shlomo Silman

Shlomo Silman, PhD, CCC-A, passed away on November 25, 2024, at the age of 91. He held esteemed academic and clinical roles, including serving as chief of audiology at the East Orange NJ Veterans Administration and as a professor at Brooklyn College and the CUNY Graduate Center until his retirement in 2022. He was a pioneering researcher, publishing nearly 90 peer-reviewed articles and co-inventing the widely used EarPopper device for treating middle-ear effusion.

Dr. Silman’s groundbreaking contributions to audiology included identifying auditory deprivation from lack of amplification, which transformed hearing aid practices. His work earned him numerous honors, including the American Academy of Audiology Research Achievement Award and a National Tibbetts Award for his innovation. Dr. Silman authored foundational texts in audiology, conducted internationally funded research, and was celebrated for his humanitarian efforts. His legacy lives on through his scientific achievements, teaching, and impact on the field of hearing science.

Dr. Silman earned his undergraduate degree from Hebrew University, his master’s degree from Columbia University, and his PhD from New York University. He is survived by his wife, Carol Silverman, PhD, MPH, three children (Menashe, Avi, and Benny), and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.