Summary: The International Hearing Society (IHS) 2024 Conference & Expo in Louisville, Kentucky featured key discussions on managed care and new hearing technologies, along with multiple networking and professional development opportunities.
Takeaways:
- A leadership panel with executives from top hearing care companies highlighted industry trends, including managed care and Apple’s upcoming AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid technology.
- IHS President Patrick Kochanowski received The Hearing Review Professional Leadership Award for his contributions to the industry, while other milestone members and professionals were also recognized.
- The event offered up to 14.5 continuing education credits and featured a live auction benefiting IHS advocacy efforts.
The International Hearing Society (IHS) 2024 Conference & Expo, held Sept. 12-14, 2024 in Louisville, Ky., featured record numbers, with attendance up 20% and sponsor engagement up 25% over last year’s participation. The Kentucky Derby-themed event offered attendees a chance to earn up to 14.5 continuing education credits while experiencing multiple networking and professional development opportunities. The Hearing Aid Association of Kentucky held their annual meeting alongside the IHS event and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear warmly welcomed attendees in a video address.
The event kicked off with a Bluegrass Bash opening party on Thursday evening and concluded with Saturday’s A Night at the Races, where attendees cheered on their favorite horses to win one of several races, shown by the Kentucky Derby Museum. Participants also participated in a live auction for several high-end hearing aids where proceeds went to benefit IHS’ advocacy efforts.
IHS Award Ceremony
IHS also highlighted members who achieved milestone membership anniversaries and awarded four outstanding professionals and an IHS chapter with recognition for their exemplary contributions to the profession. Additionally, IHS President Patrick Kochanowski, BS, ACA, BC-HIS, received The Hearing Review Professional Leadership Award for his success in the industry and advancement of the hearing aid specialist profession. This honor is awarded by The Hearing Review magazine to a tremendous “change maker” in the hearing healthcare profession each year.
An industry leadership panel drew an assembly who gathered to hear insights on the hot topics of managed care and Apple’s to-be-released AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid technology, along with other tech trends and business ideas. Top-tier executives joined from Amplifon, Beltone, Oticon, Signia, Starkey, Unitron, Widex, and H-5 Group. On the expo floor, attendees experienced show specials from 53 exhibitors.
Podcast: Patrick Kochanowski: Being an Agent for Change in Hearing Care
IHS volunteers were recognized for their contributions throughout the year during the Annual IHS Membership Meeting. IHS President Kochanowski installed 2025-26 IHS President Michael Andreozzi, BS, BC-HIS, to the next term of office with the passing of the gavel. Andreozzi, whose term will begin on Jan. 1, 2025, expressed gratitude and hope for a bright future for IHS. Other 2025 IHS officers were announced at the meeting: Leanne Polhill, BA, BC-HIS, as president-elect; Wayne Morris, BC-HIS, as treasurer; and Leslie Holden, BC-HIS, as secretary. Members approved a by-laws change regarding inactive membership applications.
The 2025 IHS Conference & Expo will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the JW Mariott, during September 18-20. Registration will open in 2025.
Featured image: An industry leadership panel drew an assembly who gathered to hear insights on the hot topics of managed care and Apple’s to-be-released AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid technology, along with other tech trends and business ideas. Photo: IHS
