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Tribute to Australian audiology pioneer Dr Laurie Upfold OAM who has died

A dispatch from Hearing Practitioner Australia — filed

Smiling elderly man wearing a conference lanyard and gold OAM medal, seated at the Audiology Australia 2025 Conference exhibition floor.
✦ PlateSmiling elderly man wearing a conference lanyard and gold OAM medal, seated at the Audiology Australia 2025 Conference exhibition floor.

Australian audiology trailblazer Dr Laurie Upfold OAM at The Audiology Australia 2025 Conference in Adelaide. Image: Prime Creative Media. One of the founding fathers of audiology in Australia who helped build the profession, Dr Laurence ‘Laurie’ John Upfold OAM, has died, aged 92....

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✦ The floor

Discussion

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Clinical Takeaway

No actionable change — this is a tribute to a founding figure of Australian audiology and has no clinical practice implications.

Why It Matters

Dr Upfold's passing marks the loss of one of the architects of the Australian audiology profession, prompting reflection on the field's history and evolution.

Key Points
  1. 01Dr Laurence 'Laurie' Upfold OAM was a founding figure of audiology in Australia.
  2. 02He died in his 90s and was honoured at the Audiology Australia 2025 Conference in Adelaide.
  3. 03He held the OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia), reflecting his distinguished service.
  4. 04His passing was formally recognised by the national audiology professional body.
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