The hearing care industry is becoming increasingly divided as competitive pressures, consolidation, and alternative care models reshape private practice. This presentation explores how hearing aid clinics are either becoming more successful or struggling to survive based on the clinical and business models they choose to follow. Using current industry data, attendees will examine trends impacting private practices and the growing separation between high-quality, best-practice–driven clinics and low-cost, high-volume providers.

The course will distinguish evidence-based Clinical Best Practices from minimum hearing aid fitting standards by comparing established clinical guidelines and standards of care. Participants will be challenged to evaluate their own practice models and determine whether competing on quality and value or on price and volume best aligns with long-term clinic sustainability and patient outcomes.

This session helps audiology professionals strengthen their business foundations while enhancing the patient experience. Through practical, data-driven strategies, attendees will learn how to improve profitability, streamline operations, and build lasting patient loyalty. This session addresses key aspects of hearing aid dispensing practice, including patient consultation, office management, record-keeping practices, and service delivery models that support improved patient outcomes, as well as ethical considerations in patient communication and marketing.

Learn how to interpret key metrics like revenue per appointment, conversion rates, and no-show rates to make informed business decisions. Discover how small improvements in conversion and retention can drive meaningful financial gains, and identify the benchmarks that matter most for sustained success.

Explore efficient scheduling models and technology solutions that reduce administrative burden and support accurate documentation, patient follow-up, and coordinated care. Attendees will also learn how to create meaningful patient connections—through personalized touchpoints and the “Companion Effect”—that increase satisfaction and retention while maintaining ethical engagement practices.

Finally, examine growth opportunities beyond the traditional hearing test, including expanded services and membership-based care. Using a patient-centered approach, participants will leave with actionable strategies to build a compliant, efficient, and high-performing practice.

1. By the end of this session, participants will be able to recognize key milestones in a patient’s hearing loss progression where introducing implantable technology becomes relevant.
2. By the end of this session, participants will gain confidence in understanding the medical aspects of implantable hearing solutions to inform appropriate counseling for potential candidates.
3. By the end of this session, participants will be provided with clinical evidence and tools to increase awareness for overall hearing health with referring primary care physicians and ENTs.

This comprehensive course is designed for hearing healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of implantable solutions from a surgical standpoint. Dr. Varun Varadarjan will explore the various types of implantable devices, their clinical applications, and the surgical considerations involved in their implantation. Through case study discussions, the course will cover candidacy and outcomes along with addressing common questions from candidates and how hearing healthcare professionals can support patients in their care. Additionally, attendees will be provided with tools to increase awareness of overall hearing health when working with referring primary care physicians and ENTs. By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions regarding referrals for implantable solutions.

Participants will be able to list at least three assumptions hearing care providers make when fitting typical patient audiograms.

Participants will be able to recognize the processing limitations imposed by complex hearing loss.

Participants will be able to develop alternative fitting strategies for patients with atypical hearing loss.

There are assumptions and fitting decisions hearing care providers make when fitting amplification designed to address more typical patients. However, when fitting patients with more complex hearing loss those assumptions and fitting practices may become irrelevant. This course will review considerations and suggestions for amplification to achieve the best possible outcome for these patients.

Define and explain the lived experience of hearing loss and its influence on older adults.

Recognize the physical, emotional, and social dimensions affected by hearing impairment.

Describe strategies for empowering individuals to manage their hearing health and maintain social involvement.

Hearing loss is a widespread concern among older adults, deeply influencing their physical health, emotional well-being, and social participation. This session delves into the "lived experience" of hearing loss, emphasizing its progressive nature, emotional challenges, and adaptive coping strategies. Attendees will gain a holistic understanding of hearing loss, exploring its impact on communication, cognitive function, and social engagement. The course highlights approaches that empower individuals through education, personalized management, and the use of hearing aids and assistive listening technologies. Participants will also learn ways to promote positive aging by strengthening patient relationships, fostering resilience, and applying validated tools to evaluate auditory health and overall quality of life. Through evidence-based discussion, this program equips hearing care professionals with the insights and techniques needed to enhance the well-being of older adults living with hearing loss.

The presentation provides a quick overview of the International Hearing Society’s latest resources, initiatives, and updates for 2026.  Highlights include new educational programs, enhanced tools for trainees and trainers, practice management support, and updates in state, federal, and international advocacy efforts that protect and advance the hearing aid specialist profession. Attendees will also learn about professional development opportunities, including the Advanced Hearing Aid Professional (AHAP) program, the IHS Career Center, upcoming workshops, and updates from NBC-HIS on board certification.

As the leader in custom hearing aid technology, Starkey is the expert in hearing aid and earmold modification. Our Hearing Aid Modification courses are designed to improve patient satisfaction by increasing the hearing care professional’s ability and confidence in fitting and modifying custom hearing aids. Starkey’s goal is to make modifications as simple as possible, so participants can feel confident with their skills and the patient is pleased with the product and service they receive. This course will review some basic and advanced hearing aid modification techniques that can be utilized in clinic.