Bio

Dr. Barbara Weinstein is celebrated as a global leader in audiology whose pioneering work in geriatric audiology has revolutionized how hearing loss is understood, assessed, and managed in older adults. Her profound contributions across research, education, and advocacy have profoundly shaped the field and make her an exemplary recipient of the 2025 Honors of the Academy.

Dr. Weinstein’s career is marked by transformative achievements, including her development of the widely used Hearing Handicap Inventory (HHI), which has become a cornerstone in assessing the psychosocial impacts of hearing loss. Her groundbreaking research has illuminated the connections between age-related hearing loss, social isolation, and cognitive decline, providing critical insights into improving the quality of life for older adults.

As a professor and founding executive officer of the AuD Program at the Graduate Center, CUNY, Dr. Weinstein has mentored countless students and professionals, ensuring that the next generation of audiologists are equipped to meet the evolving needs of the field. Her leadership extends to the development of curricula emphasizing health literacy and patient-centered care, reflecting her deep commitment to improving accessibility and outcomes in audiological services.

Dr. Weinstein has been a trusted voice in addressing the challenges and opportunities brought by over-the-counter hearing aids, telehealth, and other innovations. Her contributions to international forums, including presentations on hearing loss and dementia, have underscored her role as an advocate for interdisciplinary approaches to hearing-health care.

Through her career, Dr Weinstein worked on hundreds of peer-reviewed publications, is the author of five textbook chapters, including two editions of the textbook Geriatric Audiology, and has been the recipient of numerous, well-deserved awards including the Louis Di Carlo Award for Clinical Achievement and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Columbia University. Dr. Weinstein’s impact on the profession is unparalleled. Her legacy continues to inspire advancements in audiology and promote the integration of hearing health into broader discussions of aging and public health.

The American Academy of Audiology is proud to honor Dr. Barbara Weinstein for her extraordinary contributions and enduring influence on the field of audiology.