The American Academy of Audiology named an Indian-American associate professor at Lamar University in Texas as the 2016 class of the 'Jerger Future Leaders of Audiology'. Audiology is a branch of science that studies hearing, balance, and related disorder.

Vinaya Manchaiah is one of only a dozen individuals selected nationwide for the honor. Indian-origin Manchaiah holds a PhD in disability research from Linkoping University, Sweden. He also holds a number of degrees including an MBA from Swansea University, United Kingdom, MS in Audiology from the University of Southampton, Doctor of Audiology from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing from the University of Mysore, India.

Manchaiah is also the co-founder and director for strategic planning for the non-profit non-governmental organization Audiology India, for which he served as president from 2011 to 2015. The organization seeks to foster ear and hearing health care in India.

The American Academy of Audiology is the world's largest professional organisation of audiologists. The members look to provide hearing care services through education, research, and increased public awareness of hearing and balance disorders.

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Nandini