AHAP Program

Professional Development Home

Become a Hearing Aid Specialist

Roadmap to Success

Licensing Board Contact List

Distance Learning Course

ILE Test Prep

Licensing Exam

Requirements for Success

Continuing Education Resources

Tinnitus Care Provider Program

Advanced Hearing Aid Professional Program

Course Approval

Advance to the Next Level In Your Journey as a Hearing Aid Professional!

About the Advanced Hearing Aid professional (AHAP) Program

The Advanced Hearing Aid Professional (AHAP) Program offers:

  • Flexible online education (just 2 to 4 hours per week)
  • Hands-on training in clinical skills
  • Personalized feedback from expert instructors
  • Networking and peer-to-peer learning
  • Reusable materials such as quick reference sheets, templates, etc.

Those who complete the program will earn the AHAP credential distinguishing their advancements among their patients and peers. You’ll be able to use this acronym after your name on your business cards, website, and more.  

Special enrollment for ACA credential holders open now!
The expedited program runs March to July 2026 and bestows
the AHAP credential upon graduation.

LEARN MORE

“Everything I learned in the AHAP Program was patient-centric and is applicable in my practice every day. My patients have a better experience at my clinic thanks to this program. I especially enjoyed the hands-on learning and connecting with the other participants. I recommend this program to any hearing aid specialist who wants to take their professional practice to the next level.”

– Usman Mirza, AHAP, BC-HIS, Licensed since 2018
Term Schedule

Check out the structure of the program designed to enhance your skillset.

LEARN MORE
About Enrollment

Are you eligible to enroll in the AHAP program?

LEARN MORE
Program Handbook

From policies to term details, everything you need to know about program can be found here.

DOWNLOAD

Meet Your Instructors

Click on each Module to learn more about the Instructors!

Term 1

Module 1
"Infection Control Protocols and Ethical Considerations"

Joseph Bartlett, ACA, BC-HIS

Headshot of Albert Turri

Joseph Bartlett

Joe Bartlett is the third-generation owner of Barlett's Hearing Aids with four offices in Northern California. Joe is passionate about customer service and patient satisfaction. He has been practicing for over 20 years, earning his National Board Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences in 2007 and Audioprosthologist designation in 2014.

Module 2
"Acoustics and Psychoacoustics: Enhancing Patient Communication and Professional Collaboration"

Albert Turri, AuD

Headshot of Albert Turri

Albert Turri

Dr. Al Turri is a Board Certified (ABA) audiologist and Director of Audiology at The Villages Health in The Villages, Florida. Dr. Turri earned his Masters Degree in Audiology from the University of South Florida and Doctorate in Audiology from Salus University School of Audiology.

Module 3
"Exploring Anatomy and Physiology: Anomalies, Referrals, and Communicating with Patients"

Aaron Shaw, BC-HIS

Headshot of Aaron Shaw

Aaron Shaw

Aaron Shaw is the Education and Licensing Supervisor for Elite Hearing Centers of America/Audionova, a role that he's held since 2022. With a previous background in medical imaging/radiology, Aaron brings vital technical expertise to the AHAP Program. He is based in Georgia.

Module 4
"Comorbidities and Amplification Management: Integrating Health Context in Hearing Care"

Aaron Shaw, BC-HIS

Headshot of Aaron Shaw

Aaron Shaw, BC-HIS

Aaron Shaw is the Education and Licensing Supervisor for Elite Hearing Centers of America/Audionova, a role that he's held since 2022. With a previous background in medical imaging/radiology, Aaron brings vital technical expertise to the AHAP Program. He is based in Georgia.

Module 5
"The Cognition-Audition Connection"

Albert Turri, AuD

Headshot of Albert Turri

Albert Turri, AuD

Dr. Al Turri is a Board Certified (ABA) audiologist and Director of Audiology at The Villages Health in The Villages, Florida. Dr. Turri earned his Masters Degree in Audiology from the University of South Florida and Doctorate in Audiology from Salus University School of Audiology.

Module 6
"Case History and Counseling Essentials: Protocols for Thorough Patient Assessment and Management"

Samantha Sikorski, ACA, CPCO, CDP

Headshot of Albert Turri

Samantha Sikorski, ACA, CPCO, CDP

Samantha Sikorski owns and operates a hearing aid practice with two locations in Northern Wisconsin. She is the Chair of IHS' Managed Care and Compliance Committee and a member of IHS' Education Committee. She also serves on the Wisconsin Speech and Hearing Examining Board.

Term 2

Module 7
"Elevating the Audiometric Evaluation: Masking, Speech Testing, and Tympanometry"

McKayla Wheeler, BC-HIS

Headshot of McKayla Wheeler

McKayla Wheeler, BC-HIS

McKayla Wheeler is the Director of Education and Clinical Support for ClearSound Hearing as well as Co-Founder and Owner of Rope Up, a hearing healthcare professional training company. Previously, she was a Clinical Instructor for the Ozarks Technical Community College Hearing Instrument Specialist program. She is based in Missouri.

Module 8
"From Ear Impressions to Custom Hearing Solutions: Techniques and Coupler Selections"

Rebecca Krouse, MsEd, BC-HIS

Headshot of Rebecca Krouse

Rebecca Krouse, MsEd, BC-HIS

Rebecca Krouse is a Co-Founder and Owner of Rope Up, a hearing healthcare professional training company. Previously, she was the Hearing instrument Specialist Program Director at Ozarks Technical Community College. She serves on IHS' Education Committee. She is based in Missouri.

Module 9
"Empowering Patients: ALDs, Hearing Aid Technology, and OTC Considerations"

Lynn Royer, BC-HIS

Headshot of Lynn Royer

Lynn Royer, BC-HIS

Lynn is a Hearing Care Provider at Sound Advice Hearing Doctors in Cape Girardeau, Missouri as well as Co-Founder and Owner of Rope Up, a hearing healthcare professional training company. Previously, she served as Clinical Faculty for the Ozarks Technical Community College Hearing Instrument Specialist program. She is based in Missouri.

Module 10
"Verification and Validation: Practical Applications and Interpretation"

Lynn Royer, BC-HIS

Headshot of Lynn Royer

Lynn Royer, BC-HIS

Lynn is a Hearing Care Provider at Sound Advice Hearing Doctors in Cape Girardeau, Missouri as well as Co-Founder and Owner of Rope Up, a hearing healthcare professional training company. Previously, she served as Clinical Faculty for the Ozarks Technical Community College Hearing Instrument Specialist program. She is based in Missouri.

Module 11
"Post-Fitting Management: Troubleshooting, Analysis, and Communication"

Rebecca Krouse, MsEd, BC-HIS

Headshot of Rebecca Krouse

Rebecca Krouse, MsEd, BC-HIS

Rebecca Krouse is a Co-Founder and Owner of Rope Up, a hearing healthcare professional training company. Previously, she was the Hearing instrument Specialist Program Director at Ozarks Technical Community College. She serves on IHS' Education Committee. She is based in Missouri.

Electives

Module 12
"Cerumen Management: Assessment, Intervention, and Referral"

Dr. Jeffrey Weingarten

Headshot of Jeffrey Weingarten

Dr. Jeffrey Weingarten

Dr. Jeffrey Weingarten is a board-certified otolaryngologist and Owner of Ear, Nose, & Throat Consultants in Southeast Michigan. He is a member and long-time instructor for the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.

Module 12B
"Financial Analysis and Practice Management for Hearing Aid Professionals"

Samantha Sikorski, ACA, CPCO, CDP

Headshot of Albert Turri

Samantha Sikorski, ACA, CPCO, CDP

Samantha Sikorski owns and operates a hearing aid practice with two locations in Northern Wisconsin. She is the Chair of IHS' Managed Care and Compliance Committee and a member of IHS' Education Committee. She also serves on the Wisconsin Speech and Hearing Examining Board.

Program Structure

The standard AHAP program consists of two terms that are virtual/online and a Hands-On Workshop conducted in-person.

Term 1

Self-paced online learning with feedback from instructors, optional live sessions, and peer engagement.

    All enrolled learners will complete the same modules.

    Runs from November 3, 2025 to February 28, 2026

    Term 2

    Self-paced online learning with feedback from instructors, optional live sessions, and peer engagement.

    Learners will complete mostly the same modules, but will have a choice of an elective.

    Runs from March 1 to July 31, 2026

    Hands-On Workshop

    Some of the topics covered require hands-on instruction and practice to fully master the skills, such as ear impressions and cerumen management.

    July 18-22, 2026

    Location will be at or near the IHS World Headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA. Additional sessions will be added if required based on enrollment. Learners should confirm they will be available to travel those dates prior to enrolling.

    The ACA → AHAP expedited pathway consists of
    one term of required online course content and a Hands-On Workshop conducted in-person

    Online Content

    Self-paced online learning with feedback from instructors, optional live sessions, and peer engagement. The expedited path exempts ACA credential holders from certain modules based on previous learning.

      The required modules are: 1, 4, 5, 10, and an elective of your choice (Practice Management or Cerumen Management)

      Runs from March 1 to July 31, 2026

       

      Hands-On Workshop

      Some of the topics covered require hands-on instruction and practice to fully master the skills, such as ear impressions and cerumen management.

      July 18-22, 2026

      Location will be at or near the IHS World Headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA. Additional sessions will be added if required based on enrollment. Learners should confirm they will be available to travel those dates prior to enrolling.

      Eligibility

      To be eligible to enroll in the AHAP Program, learners must be a fully licensed/registered/certified hearing aid professional. The license must be good standing in their jurisdiction and remain active throughout the program. Licensure will be verified by IHS staff.     

      While not required, it is suggested that learners have two or more years of full-time, licensed, clinical experience in hearing aid fitting and dispensing prior to enrolling.   

      Only current ACA credential holders are eligible to enroll in the ACA → AHAP expedited pathway. These individuals must be all other program requirements (i.e., active license).

      Enrollment

      To enroll, you can pay in full or in installments. To pay in full, click the Enrollment button below. To pay in installments, call IHS at 734-522-7200 to set that up. Once you’ve enrolled, IHS staff will reach out to you to verify your license before the program begins. 

      ACA → AHAP expedited pathway prospective students must call IHS to enroll so that your existing ACA credential can be verified. Students may pay in full or in installment payments.

       

      COMPLETE ENROLLMENT

      Continuing Education

      A minimum of 82 CE credits will be awarded to individuals who complete the program. Note: learners do not have to take or pass the final assessment to earn the CE credits. The CE Credit will be awarded accordingly following the completion of each module. All required learning activities must be completed in order for the CE Credit to be issued. Depending on program activities, more than 82 CE Credits may be issued at IHS’ sole determination. Individuals who choose to complete both Module 12 options will earn additional CE Credits.  

      Tuition

      IHS Members enjoy a reduced rate for the AHAP Program. As an IHS member you will have access to business resources, services and discounts, representation by our advocacy team, marketing resources, networking at events, and of course EDUCATION. 

      Not an IHS Member? Learn more about joining the only international association dedicated to protecting, representing, and promoting the interests of hearing aid specialists and the hearing healthcare profession. Your potential discount on the AHAP program is $1,000 – 1,200 based on your enrollment selections. Learn more about becoming a member!

      all prices are in USD.

      IHS Member Pricing

      Non-Member Pricing

      Base Program

      Includes Modules 1-11 and choice of Module 12A or 12B

      		 $4299 $5299

      ACA → AHAP Expedited Pathway

      		 $1699 $2199
      Additional elective fee (optional) $499 $699

       

       

      COMPLETE ENROLLMENT