DENVER -- Audiology pioneer Marion Downs has been inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame for her tireless efforts to have the hearing of all newborn babies tested in hospitals around the United States and in other countries.

Downs, 92, was honored Thursday, March 9, during a banquet at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Other women recognized for their contributions to the state included business and civic leader Stephanie Allen; entertainer, author and social activist Judy Collins; phsychoanalyst, author and cantadora Clarissa Pinkola Estés, PhD; philanthropist Arlene Hirschfeld; community leader and Girl Scouts President Jean Jones; research scientist Susan Soloman, PhD; court reporter Vivien Spitz; community organizer and leader Fannie Lorber; and physician and women's suffrage leader Caroline Spencer, MD.

Thanks to Downs, hospitals in 34 U.S. states and several countries now require all babies to be screened for hearing loss. Downs believes the sooner children are screened, the better their chances for learning and communicating with others.

Downs recently published a new book, Shut up and Live! You Know How, an inspirational tome for people of all ages.

The Marion Downs Hearing Center at the Univeristy of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center is dedicated to providing services, resources, education and research to support the needs of individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing, their families and professionals working in the field of audiology.

To learn more, visit http://www.mariondownshearingcenter.com/mariondowns/content/index.asp?index=MarionDowns&title=Welcome