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Amplification and Assistive Devices (AAD)

HS302 - Bridging Research, Technology, and Care in Modern Hearing Health I Sponsored by the Hearing Industries Association

Friday, April 24, 2026
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM CST
Location: HearTECH Hub, Expo Halls 1 & 2, Street Level
Earn 0.1 CEUs
Hub
Instructional Level: Intermediate

    Moderator(s)

  • Thomas A. Powers, PhD

    Founder
    Powers Consulting, LLC
    Ohio University
    Oxford, New Jersey

    Disclosure(s): Financial - Hearing Industries Assn.: Consultant (Ongoing); Nonfinancial - No nonfinancial relationships to disclose

    • Presenter(s)

  • Dave A. Fabry, PhD (he/him/his)

    Chief Hearing Health Officer
    Starkey
    University of Minnesota
    Eden Prairie, Minnesota

    Disclosure(s): Financial - Starkey: Employment (Ongoing); Nonfinancial - No nonfinancial relationships to disclose

  • Jason Galster, PhD

    Vice President of Clinical Research
    Sonova Group
    Aurora, Illinois

    Disclosure(s): Financial - Sonova: Employment (Ongoing); Nonfinancial - No nonfinancial relationships to disclose

  • Virginia Ramachandran, AuD, PhD (she/her/hers)

    Vice President of Audiology
    Oticon, Inc.
    Plymouth, Michigan

    Disclosure(s): Financial - Oticon Inc: Employment (Ongoing); Plural Publishing, Inc: Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing), Royalties (Ongoing); Nonfinancial - Member of the technical and regulatory committee, Hearing Industries Association

  • Laurel Christensen, PhD

    Chief Audiology Officer
    GN Hearing
    Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Disclosure(s): Financial - GN Hearing AS: Employment (Ongoing), Intellectual Property/Patents (Ongoing), Stockholder/Ownership Interest (excluding diversified mutual funds) (Ongoing); Nonfinancial - No nonfinancial relationships to disclose

  • EB

    Eric Branda, AuD, PhD

    Head Audiology and Research
    WS Audiology

    Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Abstract: This panel discussion will bring together audiologists from leading hearing aid companies for a shared, lively conversation on the collective challenges and opportunities shaping hearing health. The discussion will emphasize how industry, providers, and partners work together to support effective hearing loss solutions and the services that surround them. Panelists will draw on their experience to discuss how evidence, consumer needs, and technological advances inform coordinated approaches to both product development and service delivery.

Moderated by Dr. Thomas Powers, PhD, the session will lean into an engaging, interactive exchange that brings candid perspectives, thoughtful debate, and real-world examples to the table. The conversation will explore collaboration, how research makes its way into practical, scalable applications, and shared priorities for advancing adoption of hearing technology and care. Designed to spark dialogue, this panel will offer a dynamic setting for shared learning, fresh ideas, and meaningful engagement.

Learning Objectives:

  • Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the forces impacting the delivery of hearing aids and hearing health care.
  • Upon completion, participants will be able to discuss how evidence-based research and evidence-based practice can be integrated to drive patient success.
  • Upon completion, participants will be able to integrate insights from panelists to improve consumer experience with hearing aids.