Anna M. Jilla, AuD, PhD

Dr. Anna Jilla, AuD, PhD, is the 2026 recipient of the American Academy of Audiology’s Early-Career Audiologist Award. Dr. Jilla currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she began her higher education journey as a student. Since beginning her career, she has distinguished herself as a leader in audiologic education, research, and service.

Dr. Jilla’s research has had a significant impact on hearing health policy and practice. She has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications and delivered over 50 national and international presentations, including invited talks at the American Academy of Audiology and the American Geriatrics Society. Her pioneering work on hearing aid affordability, cost-benefit analyses, workforce sufficiency, and Medicaid accessibility has shaped national discussions on hearing healthcare. Her expertise has been cited in policy at the highest levels, including a Congressional letter to the FDA.

At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Dr. Jilla teaches several undergraduate and graduate courses annually and mentors a large cohort of PhD students in her research laboratory. She has built a strong reputation as a dedicated and inspiring educator, creating opportunities for public health-focused audiology research training and fostering the next generation of clinician-scientists.

Dr. Jilla has also provided exceptional service to the profession. She has served as Chair and now Co-Chair of the Academy’s Coding and Reimbursement Committee, in addition to contributing to several other Academy committees and serving as a trustee of the AAA Foundation. Her leadership has extended locally through board roles with the Texas Academy of Audiology and the Southeast Texas Regional Council on Aging and Disabilities, as well as in her current service to the Louisiana Academy of Audiology. Earlier in her career, she also contributed nationally as Vice President of the National Student Academy of Audiology Board of Directors.

Dr. Jilla’s accomplishments in education, research, and service reflect her unwavering dedication to advancing audiology practice and policy. The American Academy of Audiology is proud to recognize Dr. Anna Jilla as the 2026 recipient of the Early-Career Audiologist Award.