In Loving Memory of Bernadette Fulton

With great sadness we announce the passing of Bernadette Fulton, our esteemed alumnus, colleague, and friend, whose contributions have immeasurably improved the lives of those with severe and profound hearing loss.

^{Image: Bernadette Fulton.}

Beginning her journey with a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from Monash University, she quickly followed her calling into audiology, earning a Graduate Diploma from Melbourne University. Her thirst for knowledge was evident in her pursuit of further education, earning degrees in Philosophy and Visual Art, which enriched her perspective and approach in her professional field.

Spanning over four decades, her career took her from foundational roles as Chief Audiologist at LaTrobe Regional Hospital to more specialized positions where she pioneered research and development in audiology. At Dynamic Hearing Pty Ltd in Australia, she excelled first as a Research and Clinical Audiologist and later as a Principal Audiologist. In 2011 she moved overseas to Switzerland to join Bernafon HQ and lead the Audiology Team.

In 2015, she joined Phonak in the role of Audiology Manager for Severe and Profound Hearing Loss. In this role, she championed the development and implementation of innovative features and products that have become benchmarks in the industry. Her work significantly raised awareness and expanded knowledge within Phonak, contributing to the development of solutions that address the unique needs of those with severe and profound hearing loss.

One of Bernadette’s greatest achievements was the development and publication of Guidelines for Best Practice in the Audiological Management of Adults with Severe and Profound Hearing Loss. She collaborated with industry experts from around the globe to ensure these guidelines met the highest standards of excellence and utility.

As we remember Bernadette, we are reminded of her unwavering dedication and her profound impact on the field of audiology. Bernadette was more than just a colleague; she was a mentor, a leader, and a friend whose legacy will continue to influence the field for years to come. She will be dearly missed but her visionary work will endure, a testament to her remarkable life and career.

^{Image: A photo of Bernadette gathering with her Global Audiology team in HQ Phonak.}