Every year, the Academy asks colleagues, friends, and mentees to look around their professional circles and identify members who are deserving of recognition for outstanding service to audiology and the hearing sciences. The American Academy of Audiology is pleased to recognize the following award recipients for 2026, please join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations.
Each award recipient was asked to answer the question “What achievement are you most proud of?”
Watch the video compilation above to hear all their answers. More information can be found in their bios, where you can learn more about their professional journey and watch their individual videos.
Visit this page to learn more about Academy Honors and Awards.
Excellence in Audiology Award
Awarded to an individual with more than 10 years of experience who has demonstrated substantial achievements in two of the following areas: clinical excellence, teaching, or mentoring; research; service to the profession; and/or social media influence. Individuals must be a member of the American Academy of Audiology and have completed their AuD and/or PhD.
Michael Cevette, PhD
Dr. Cevette is a professor of audiology in the Department of Otolaryngology at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, where he has been a regarded clinician, educator, and researcher since 1987. Dr. Cevette is internationally recognized for his innovative work related to hearing and vestibular system, having received grant funding from prestigious organizations like NASA and the U.S. Air Force.
Douglas Beck, AuD
With a career spanning over four decades, Dr. Beck has made extraordinary and enduring contributions to every facet of the audiology profession. Dr. Beck has exemplified professional excellence as a clinician, educator, researcher, mentor, and leader. His passion for audiology is evident in the thousands of students and professionals he has influenced through teaching, mentorship, and public speaking.
James Jerger Career Award
Awarded to an individual with more than 20 years of experience who has demonstrated significant contributions to the field of audiology, with lasting impact in one of the following areas: outstanding clinical practice and/or patient care; teaching or mentoring; advocacy; research; humanitarianism; and/or exceptional service to the profession of audiology. This individual must have a history of being significantly involved with the Academy.
Pawel Jastreboff, PhD, ScD
Dr. Pawel Jastreboff’s accomplishments are broad and address both research and patient outcomes. He is best known for developing the Neurophysiological Model of Tinnitus and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT).The consensus of Dr. Jastrerboff’s nomination is that he is the foremost researcher furthering the understanding of the mechanisms of tinnitus, loudness hyperacusis, and misophonia, and the clinical management of these auditory disorders.
Marion Downs Pediatric Audiology Award
Awarded to an audiologist for exceptional contributions in pediatric audiology either as an educator or mentor, clinician, advocate, or scientist. This individual does not need to be a member of the American Academy of Audiology.
Sandra Gabbard, PhD
Dr. Sandra Gabbard is a distinguished pediatric audiologist, educator, and executive leader. Dr. Gabbard has dedicated her career to advancing early identification and intervention for children with hearing loss—carrying forward the legacy of her mentor, Dr. Marion Downs.
Outstanding Early Career Award
Awarded to an individual with less than 10 years of experience who has demonstrated substantial achievements in one of the following areas: clinical excellence, teaching or mentoring, research, service to the profession, or social media influence. Individuals must be a member of the American Academy of Audiology and have completed their AuD and/or PhD within their 10 years of experience.
Anna Jilla, AuD, PhD
Dr. Anna Jilla is an assistant professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a recognized leader in audiologic education, research, and service. She has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications, delivered over 50 national and international presentations, and conducted impactful research on hearing aid affordability, workforce sufficiency, and Medicaid access that has informed national hearing health policy. Dr. Jilla also contributes to the profession through leadership roles within the Academy, the AAA Foundation, and state and regional audiology organizations.
Laura Gaeta, PhD
Dr. Laura Gaeta is a transformative leader in audiology education, research, and service at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS). As founding faculty for CSUS’s AuD program, she built the curriculum, guided accreditation, and now serves as program director and department vice-chair. She has taught 16 courses, mentored 23 capstone projects, and earned CSUS’s Outstanding Teaching (2025) and Outstanding Research (2023) Awards.
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