Celebrating Audiology and Community in San Antonio

I have mentioned before that I live in (and love) Minnesota. Events in my adopted home state over the last few weeks have made me think long and hard about the importance and fragility of community. As audiologists we know that social connections are critical to our patients. The use of hearing aids to improve communication has been confirmed to have a positive impact on depression and cognitive decline in older adults. We also know that children with or without hearing loss have improved speech and language development and better academic performance when a strong community supports them. Diverse relationships with family, peers, and teachers foster qualities like empathy, self-regulation, and cooperation. These social-emotional skills are critical for all of us, personally and professionally.

AAA 2026 is a fantastic opportunity for audiologists to reconnect with each other and reestablish our sense of community. With the ongoing specialization within audiology, it is so easy to become fragmented and siloed. When we all face challenges with state and federal funding, reimbursement, and policy changes threatening our degree status, audiologists truly need and deserve the chance to remember that we are part of something bigger. Private practice, ENT, university, educational system, VA – regardless of your practice setting or area of specialty, we all have a singular goal – to reconnect our patients to sound and to their communities.

The Program Committee has done an outstanding job with AAA 2026. There is a full roster of educational programs from Learning Labs, Featured Sessions and Grand Rounds to Learning Modules, Mini Modules and Research Podiums. The Beyond the Booth series helps audiologists learn more about the “soft skills” critical to patient care. For ABA credential holders, there is a link to Tier 1 and Ethics coursework at AAA 2026 elsewhere in this newsletter. The Audiology Assistant Track is back with even more options for these important practice professionals. There are plenty of options for networking at a wide variety of Networking Meet Ups. Please do not miss the ABA Meet and Greet on Thursday, 23 April 26 at 2 pm, where we will be showcasing our full and updated portfolio of certificates and certification options. Finally, there are opportunities every day to socialize, celebrate, and explore the unique history of San Antonio.

AAA 2026 will be here soon. I hope you will join us to learn, share, and most importantly, to remember why each of us chose to be a part of this amazing community of inspiring and dedicated professionals. See y’all in San Antonio!

Carrie Meyer, AuD, DFAAA
American Board of Audiology Certified