Ryan McCreery, Ph.D., Appointed to Oberkotter Foundation Scientific Council for Childhood Hearing

Thursday, March 27, 2025

​​A new initiative bringing together global experts to deepen understanding of childhood hearing loss will include Ryan McCreery, Ph.D., Vice President of Research at Boys Town National Research Hospital.

Dr. McCreery has been appointed to the Scientific Council for Childhood Hearing by the Oberkotter Foundation, which is dedicated to analyzing the science of listening, language and literacy for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

“I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Oberkotter Foundation's Scientific Council for Childhood Hearing," said Dr. McCreery. “I am looking forward to supporting the Council's efforts to promote science and research that will improve the lives of children with hearing loss and their families."

The Scientific Council unites experts across a wide breadth of disciplines, including audiology, medicine, neuroscience, speech pathology, literacy, deaf education and public health.

“Science is the cornerstone of progress," said Jace Wolfe, Ph.D., CCC-A, Chair of the Scientific Council for Childhood Hearing and Senior Vice President of Innovation at the Oberkotter Foundation. “Through an extraordinary convergence of expertise, the Scientific Council for Childhood Hearing will ensure every insight we uncover and share is rooted in evidence and guided by collaboration. Together, we have the power to shape a future where every child thrives."

Translational research that changes the way America cares for children and families has long been the focus at Boys Town, which is internationally recognized as a leader in clinical and research programs focusing on childhood deafness, language development and related communication disorders.

“Dr. McCreery's appointment to the Scientific Council for Childhood Hearing is a testament not only to his significant scientific and professional contributions, but also to Boys Town's enduring commitment to audiology," said Jason Bruce, M.D., Executive Vice President of Health Care and Director of Boys Town National Research Hospital and Clinics. “Since the hospital's founding in 1977, we have been involved in groundbreaking research in the treatment and prevention of hearing loss and other communication disorders."

The Scientific Council's 14 esteemed members also represent the University of California, The University of Melbourne, Johns Hopkins University, University of Chicago, Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, the University of Iowa, The University of Akron, Hearts for Hearing, Hannover Medical School in Germany, Macquarie University in Australia, the University of Florida and the Oberkotter Foundation.

“I am inspired to see such a dynamic group of experts come together, each dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of audiological and language development," said Teresa Caraway, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, CEO of the Oberkotter Foundation. “Through thoughtful analysis, the Council will pave the way for transformative advancements in listening, language and literacy for children and families everywhere."

The Scientific Council is at the beginning stages of this initiative with the first meeting taking place in spring of 2025. For more information, visit the Scientific Council page on the Oberkotter Foundation's website. ​