The HearTECH Hub is your go-to destination from Wednesday afternoon through Friday—packed with engaging education, dynamic presentations, and unique learning opportunities. Explore the latest product displays, connect in our vibrant social space, and spark meaningful conversations with colleagues, members, and representatives from our Hub sponsors. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired!
Earn up to 1.2 CEUs in the Expo Hall.
Thank You to Our HearTECH Hub Sponsors
HearTECH Hub Education
Wednesday, April 22
Presenter: Sarah Hunkele, AuD, Oticon, Inc.
CEUs: 0.05
Wednesday, April 22, 4:15-4:45 pm
Even with the coolest hearing aid technology people are probably not going to come in for care without some significant difficulty. We have all had conversations about what really matters to patients and their families. The therapeutic effects of having those conversations are worth every penny that patients are investing in their hearing care. This session explores techniques to help support professionals in counseling patients towards a strong recommendation.
Presenter: Chynna Frana, AuD, Senior Audiology and Product Trainer, GN Group
CEUs: 0.05
Wednesday, April 22, 5:00-5:30 pm
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into hearing aid noise reduction represents a significant advancement in real-world sound processing. Deep neural networks (DNNs) enable hearing aids to analyze and manage complex acoustic environments in ways that are not possible with traditional, non-AI approaches. This session will explain the fundamentals of AI and deep learning as applied to hearing aid noise reduction and compare methods with previous-generation signal processing strategies. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how DNN-based noise reduction functions and its implications for improving listening experiences in everyday noisy environments.
Thursday, April 23
Presenters: Anna Jilla, AuD, PhD; Patricia Gaffney, AuD, MPH; Susan Von Dollen, AuD; Kristie Trester, AuD
CEUs: 0.05
Thursday, April 23, 1:00-1:30 pm
CPT coding is challenging yet critical for audiology practice success. This interactive discussion offers a judgment-free space to address your real-world coding questions. Panelists will discuss fundamental concepts and complex scenarios based on attendee questions. Whether you are a new practitioner building confidence or a seasoned audiologist seeking clarity, this candid discussion prioritizes your concerns over traditional lecture format. Bring your questions—from basic to complex—and gain actionable insights you can immediately apply to your practice.
Presenter: Dave A. Fabry, PhD, Chief Hearing Health Officer, Starkey
CEUs: 0.05
Thursday, April 23, 2:15-2:45 pm
Today’s hearing aid patients are less stigmatized about the use of hearing aids, but have higher expectations regarding sound quality, performance in noise, and connectivity than with previous generations. To date, modern hearing aids have used machine learning and deep neural networks (DNN) to monitor and reduce background noise, but Starkey’s Omega AI is the first product to simultaneously monitor and adapt noise management settings, spatial awareness AND directional microphones. This session will provide an overview of the benefits, including data from clinical research studies and patient testimonials.
Presenter: Dana Helmink, AuD, Senior Clinical Product Specialist, Widex USA
CEUs: 0.05
Thursday, April 23, 3:00-3:30 pm
Why do technically "good" fittings still fail? Nearly 40% of patients have strong, non-negotiable sound preferences that cannot be predicted by the audiogram or lifestyle alone. When clinical recommendations don't align with how patients prefer sound to be delivered, satisfaction and adoption can suffer. Emerging research shows that matching hearing aid sound design to individual preferences may significantly improve outcomes. This course explores the science behind sound preference, examines distinct sound designs, and introduces practical tools clinicians can use to identify and apply patient preferences during the fitting process.
Presenters: Alaina Bassett, AuD, PhD; Anna Jilla, AuD, PhD
CEUs: 0.05
Thursday, April 23, 3:45-4:15 pm
Many audiology students and new professionals feel underprepared for the business side of audiologic practice. This targeted foundational session covers coding and reimbursement essentials for vestibular assessment and management. Attendees will learn how CPT and ICD codes work together to document medical necessity, review vestibular diagnostic codes, as well as explore coding and coverage for vestibular rehabilitation procedures. This presentation will provide practical knowledge and resources to support future clinical work.
Moderator: Bridget Dobyan, Executive Director, Hearing Industries Association
Panelists: Brandon Sawalich, President & CEO, Starkey; Mikkel Knudsen, President, ReSound NA; Nicholai Dessypris, President, Sonova North America; Ty Lee, President, Demant North America; Mike O’Neil, President, WSA Wholesale US; Patti Trautwein, AuD, VP of Market Access and Clinical Affairs, Cochlear
CEUs: 0.1
Thursday, April 23, 4:45-5:45 pm
As the U.S. population with hearing loss continues to grow, the hearing health landscape is evolving to meet expanding needs. More individuals are recognizing hearing care as an essential part of overall health and wellbeing, creating new opportunities and responsibilities for the hearing health community. Sustaining and strengthening this momentum requires strong collaboration between hearing aid manufacturers and audiologists to support consumers, drive innovation, and advance the profession within an increasingly complex healthcare and policy environment.
During the Future Forecast session, hearing industry leaders will share insights into innovations in hearing technology, efforts to reduce stigma and improve patient adoption, and the growth and long-term success of hearing care and audiology. Positioned at the intersection of care and public policy, the discussion will explore perspectives on how the evolving regulatory and policy landscape influences access, reimbursement, and care delivery models while offering a forward-looking perspective on what the future may hold. Panelists will also highlight opportunities for collaboration across the broader healthcare system and how technology and services work together to improve the lives of the millions of individuals with hearing loss.
Friday, April 24
Presenter: Kevin D. Seitz-Paquette, AuD, Sr Director of Audiology Insights, Sonova
CEUs: 0.05
Friday, April 24, 9:30-10:00 am
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous in hearing healthcare, yet it can still feel complex—especially in hearing aids. This session will clarify how AI can guide hearing aid design, classify listening environments, and activate features that support better hearing. We’ll share how Phonak thoughtfully applies AI in several meaningful ways, supported by evidence of real-world benefit. We’ll also highlight, in a gentle way, how Phonak’s use of AI offers unique advantages compared to other solutions. Join us to gain a clearer, more confident understanding of AI in modern hearing care.
More Information Coming Soon!
CEUs: 0.1
Friday, April 24, 10:15-11:15 am
Presenters: Emily J. Venskytis, AuD; Carrie Meyer, AuD; Maggie L. Kettler, AuD; Sarah McAlexander, AuD
CEUs: 0.05
Friday, April 24, 11:30 am-12:00 pm
In January 2026, the Academy launched Sound Practice, a podcast series for audiologists seeking to bridge the gap between research and real-world practice. Episodes feature thought leaders who unpack the clinical implications of cutting-edge studies and strategic initiatives. Designed to empower professionals across all career stages, this podcast amplifies the value of audiology by translating evidence into action, spotlighting innovation, and elevating the voices shaping the future of hearing health. Be part of the live recording of a podcast episode at AAA 2026 as the hosts interview guest Carrie Meyer, AuD, Chair of the American Board of Audiology, about the current development of a General Audiology Board Certification and its significance for amplifying the value of the profession and audiologists.
