HearTECH Hub

Presenters: Dan Scarfe, LLB, and Shahrzad Cohen, AuD., CH-TM, CBIS

CEUs: 0.05

Thursday, April 23, 12:15-12:45 pm

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; Adam Fitzsimmons, VP/GM Sales Independent Channel, Oticon USA; 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.