AuDacity 2023 — Conference Agenda

View the Conference Agenda
View the Speaker Bios
Keynote Speakers:

Frank Lin, M.D.
Frank R. Lin, M.D., Ph.D. is a Professor and the Director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. As an otologic surgeon & epidemiologist, Dr. Lin has translated his clinical experiences caring for patients with hearing loss into foundational public health research and federal policy in the U.S.

Victoria Sanchez, Au.D., Ph.D.
Victoria Sanchez, Au.D.,Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery within the Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida. She provides clinical services, teaches, and leads several research studies.

Nicholas Reed, Au.D.
Nicholas S. Reed, AuD PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with a joint appointment in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Audiology) at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He received his clinical doctorate in audiology from Towson University and completed his audiology clinical fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 — PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS | |
---|---|
08:00 AM - 02:45 PM | This audiology legal seminar will cover key legal topics that impact audiologists and audiology practices including regulatory requirements for practice, liability, licensure, contracting, financing, and employment. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speaker: Brandon Pauley, Esq. Utilizing HIS Extenders: Optimizing Efficiencies and Outcomes in the Audiology Practice This comprehensive course is designed to equip audiologists with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize hearing instrument specialists (HIS) as extenders in their practice, focusing on key clinical and business considerations. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Kristin Davis, Au.D., Marsha Henry, Tonya Muncy, NBC-HIS, Liz Rogers, Au.D., Kristen Weinbaum, Au.D. Clinical Workshop on Auditory Processing Disorders Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) remain at the forefront of audiological and educational discussions due to their intricate nature and profound impact on an individual's daily life, especially in communication and learning environments. This specialized training workshop is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of APD, its diagnostic criteria, and intervention strategies, using research and evidence-based clinical practices. This course will also discuss processes for incorporating APD services in an audiology practice. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: John Coverstone, Au.D., Gail Whitelaw, Ph.D. |
08:00 AM - 12:00 PM | AuDacity Student Track |
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | |
---|---|
09:00 AM - 10:00 AM | What’s WHO Got to Say About it? Many developing countries are experiencing an urgent need for hearing healthcare. They are faced with the task of providing hearing aids and services that are appropriate and affordable without the resources for training, services and finances. Hearing the Call (HTC) a 501C3, created by audiologists, has been providing hearing health care services worldwide since 2015. By applying World Health Organization’s (WHO) Guidelines for Hearing Aids and Services for Developing Countries and incorporating best practices and learnings, HTC has designed a model to systematically introduce or further develop hearing healthcare in areas of need. This course will describe a 3 Phase model looking at primary, secondary and tertiary health care systems and how audiologists can use their areas of expertise to fill in the gaps. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speaker: Nimet Adam, Au.D. |
12:45 PM - 01:15 PM | Student Humanitarian Initiative Panel The Entheos Student Humanitarian Program is a program designed to provide an opportunity for audiology students and their universities to participate in a highly structured, supervised humanitarian event (international, domestic, or local). These student humanitarian events are organized to provide a high level of “audiology best practices” with supervision and mentorship provided by Entheos Audiology Cooperative member audiologists. The humanitarian trips are provided by Hearing The Call, a 501C3 non profit organization. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Jane Baxter, Au.D., Rachel Appleton, Au.D., Chloe Lammers |
01:15 PM - 02:45 PM | Opening the Doors for Audiology Opportunities Worldwide There is an urgent need to provide hearing aids and services that are appropriate and affordable for developing countries considering the scarcity and resources of skills training, services and finances in most developing countries. The World Health Organization has developed guidelines on how to implement hearing healthcare services in developing countries. This course will discuss how audiologists can help build bridges to hearing healthcare around the world. Examples of countries where a nonprofit 501C3, Hearing The Call, has utilized their humanitarian model, based on WHO guidelines, to improve the lives of those people in those countries. Two special guests, Princess Kasune Zulu, Deputy Chief Whip from Zambia and First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Malawi, Kazombo Kamatcheni, will be present to share their role in improving access to hearing healthcare in their countries. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Nimet Adam, Au.D., Princess Kasume of Zambia, Deputy Speaker Madalitso Kazombo of Malawi |
01:15 PM - 02:45 PM | Things to Know before You Buy or Sell an Audiology Practice |
03:00 PM - 04:30 PM | Featured Keynote Session — Industry CEO Panel: Audiology Unstoppable The hearing healthcare industry and profession of audiology stand at the crossroads of rapid technological advancement and an ever-increasing global demand, driven in part by aging populations and a heightened awareness of auditory health. This panel discussion brings together global industry innovators with expertise across the hearing sector to provide their forward-looking perspective on the industry, the next wave of innovations, emerging market dynamics, and the evolving expectations of consumers—and the impact of those factors on the profession of audiology. Participants will be introduced to the latest breakthroughs in hearing technology, and predictions about how the convergence of AI, connectivity, and personalized medicine will redefine the hearing health landscape. Panelists will provide insight on the future of the profession and steps that audiologists must take today to create a successful tomorrow. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Moderator: Stephanie Czuhajewski, CAE, MPH Speakers: Randy Baldwin, MBA, Bill Brownie, Carsten Buhl, Sara Burdak, Au.D., Brian Maguire, Tom Tedeschi, Au.D. |
04:35 PM - 06:00 PM | Featured Keynote Session — Industry CEO Panel: It's Your Tomorrow, Right Now The hearing healthcare industry and profession of audiology stand at the crossroads of rapid technological advancement and an ever-increasing global demand, driven in part by aging populations and a heightened awareness of auditory health. This panel discussion brings together global industry innovators with expertise across the hearing sector to provide their forward-looking perspective on the industry, the next wave of innovations, emerging market dynamics, and the evolving expectations of consumers—and the impact of those factors on the profession of audiology. Participants will be introduced to the latest breakthroughs in hearing technology, and predictions about how the convergence of AI, connectivity, and personalized medicine will redefine the hearing health landscape. Panelists will provide insight on the future of the profession and steps that audiologists must take today to create a successful tomorrow. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Moderator: D’Anne Rudden, Au.D. Speakers: Danny Aronson, Adam Karp, Jason Mayer, Gary Rosenblum, Eric Timm |
06:00 PM - 07:30 PM | AuDacity Opening Reception in the Exhibit Hall |
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2023 | |
---|---|
07:00 AM - 08:00 AM | Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall |
08:00 AM - 08:30 AM | President's Address: Go Beyond Speaker: Dawn Heiman, Au.D. |
08:00 AM - 09:30 AM | Featured Keynote Session — ACHIEVE Study: An Overview of Outcomes This course will discuss preliminary findings from the ACHIEVE study, a multicentre, parallel-group, unmasked, randomised controlled trial of adults aged 70–84 years with untreated hearing loss and without substantial cognitive impairment that took place at four community study sites across the USA. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speaker: Frank Lin, M.D. |
09:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Break in the Exhibit Hall |
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Featured Keynote Session — ACHIEVE Study: Practical Implications for Audiologists This course will provide an overview of the clinical protocols used in the ACHIEVE research study and their practical application in the clinic. Panelists wil summarize ACHIEVE trial outcomes, discuss relevance to clinical practice, and provide recommendations for audiologists. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Nicholas Reed, Au.D., Victoria Sanchez, Au.D., Ph.D. |
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Lunch in the Exhibit Hall |
12:30 PM - 02:00 PM | Speech in Noise Inventories: In One Ear and… This session will provide an overview of various speech in noise tests, the best populations served for each one, and how audiologists can use speech in noise test result to create an individualized treatment plan for patients. Outcome measures that can be used to supplement speech in noise testing to determine treatment devices. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Victoria Sanchez, Au.D., Ph.D., Elizabeth Thompson, Au.D., Christine Ulinski, Au.D. Cognitive Screening: Somebody Check My Brain Following on the heels of research from John's Hopkins, dementia, cognition, and cognitive screenings are hot topics in audiology. Audiologists need guidance on our role in the cognitive screening process and how to best integrate this research into their daily clinical practice. This panel will discuss cognitive screening and how audiologists can ethically and successfully integrate tools and approaches for the benefit of these patients. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Jill Davis, Au.D., Lisa Gumina, Au.D., Laura Sherry, Au.D. Communication and Functional Needs Assessment Panel A Communication and Functional Needs Assessment (CNFA) is a procedure that has garnered recent interest in audiology circles. This service, which has roots as far back as the 1990s, can help an audiologist gain more information about the patient and their functional, communication, and auditory needs, desires, and goals. This panel discussion will discuss CNFAs, what they are, what they typically entail, and why they are valuable to the patient and the practice. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Natalie McKee, Au.D., Erica Person, Au.D., Alicia Spoor, Au.D. Falls Risk: Bedside Vestibular Assessments: Getting the Right Balance and Getting the Balance Right This panel discussion will focus on integrating vestibular screening and assessment into an audiology private practice. Panelists will discuss the potential scope and available options that can be provided both with and without extensive vestibular test equipment, including bedside evaluation, how to operationalize this within a practice, and the value of these service to your patients, referral sources, community and practice. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Jana Brown, Au.D., Danielle Dorner, Au.D., Sara Jagger, Au.D. |
02:00 PM - 02:30 PM | Break in the Exhibit Hall |
02:30 PM - 04:00 PM | Outcome Measures in Audiology: Keep'n It 'Real' Outcome measurement. Verification. Validation. These are catchwords commonly bantered about in audiology. But what do these words really mean to daily clinical practice? This presentation will focus on the utility and practical benefits of validation, verification, and outcome measurements and how they help both audiologists and their patients. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Laura Pratesi, Au.D., John Pumford, Au.D., Laura Sherry, Au.D. Auditory Rehabilitation: Hello, Hello Again The roots of the profession of audiology lie in auditory rehabilitation. In some ways though, we, as a profession, have lost sight of the need for the rehabilitation and counseling aspect of audiology. This panel will refocus on auditory rehabilitation and its invaluable role in patient satisfaction, outcomes, performance and patient/family centered care. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Ariel B. Fruendt, Au.D., Dusty Jessen, Au.D., Joe Montano, Ed.D. Tinnitus Evaluation and Care Planning: For Whom the Bell Tolls As we know, tinnitus effects approximately 25 million Americans, with 2 million experiencing debilitating tinnitus, yet there is still a need for audiologists to provide support to these individuals. This panel will discuss the patient centered delivery of evidence based tinnitus evaluation, treatment and counseling, both with and beyond a hearing aid, and how to expand access to care in a private practice setting. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Moderator: Jason Leyendecker, Au.D. Speaker: Sara Downs, Au.D., Tricia Scaglione, Au.D. Cochlear Implant Evaluation: I've Got the Power The indications for cochlear implantation have evolved significantly over the past decade. This panel discussion will discuss these cochlear implant candidacy changes, referral relationships, activation and programming considerations, and the long-term management of cochlear implants. Panelists who debunk the myths of cochlear implant programs in a private practice and share how others can successfully integrate implants into their practices. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Arun Joshi, Au.D., D’Anne Rudden, Au.D., Kayla Wilkins, Au.D. Auracast: Can I Get a Connection? This session will discuss the role of connectivity in improving the lifestyles of hearing impaired people in different environments, outline the shortcomings of today's patchwork of proprietary systems, showcase the differences between Bluetooh and LE Audio + Auracast, demonstrate how Auracast will greatly improve accessability in public places, and provide audiologists with information that they need to discuss Auracast with consumers. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speaker: Andrew Bellavia |
04:15 PM - 05:45 PM | ADA Member Business Meeting |
06:30 PM - 09:00 PM | AuDacity Reception and Dinner |
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023 | |
---|---|
07:00 AM - 08:00 AM | Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall |
08:00 AM - 09:30 AM | Using KPIs to Find Your Rhythm: We Got the Beat Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), measures of performance over time, provide owners and managers with critical information that they can use to evaluate practice operations and make important decisions to optimize clinical and business operations. This panel session will explore KPIs utilized in three different private practices, as well as the rationale, process, and measurement interval for each KPI. Panelists will also discuss their processes for measuring, analyzing, interpreting, and applying collected data to make ongoing adjustments and improvements to practice operations. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Moderator: Amyn Amlani, Ph.D. Speakers: Natalie McKee, Au.D., Eric Stevens, MBA, Kristen Weinbaum, Au.D. |
09:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Break in the Exhibit Hall |
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Business Financing Workshop Part I: I Need a Dollar "This course will help current and aspiring practice owners navigate the lending landscape and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about financing audiology practices. Expert panelists will discuss common capital needs and evaluate traditional and alternative lending options that can be employed to start or expand an audiology clinic. The loan determination process, factors that impact the lending decision, and actions that audiologists can take to improve loan approval odds will be discussed. Participants will gain insights into both traditional and alternative lending options, and real-world case studies will be used to highlight the pros and cons of different financing routes. At the conclusion of the course, participants will be better prepared to secure financing that aligns with their practice’s needs." Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speaker: Tom Ethen, Joshua Gutstein, JD, MBA, Stacy O'Brien, Au.D., Brandon Pauley, Esq., Alicia Spoor, Au.D. Audiology Managed Care Part 1: Why'd You Have to Go and Make Things So Complicated? This panel discussion with focus on the role of third-party networks in today’s hearing healthcare landscape. Leaders from the three most prominent hearing care plans, Amplifon Hearing Care, Tru-Hearing, and UHC Hearing will share insights why these programs have been created, the influence of consumers, the parent health plan and hearing aid manufacturers on the plans, their processes and the formulary options, and the how audiologists and audiology practices can successfully engage in these programs. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Moderator: Kim Cavitt, Au.D. Speakers: Patty Greene, MA, Carrie Meyer, Au.D., Laura Richardson, Au.D. Public Speaking Training: Here I Go It's My Shot, Feet Fail Me Not "This course will help individuals at all levels of proficiency enhance their oratory skills and command over verbal communication. From understanding the psychology of audiences to mastering the mechanics of delivery, participants will be guided through a transformative journey, enabling them to captivate listeners and convey their messages with precision and impact. Ideal for audiologists, students, and anyone looking to make their voice heard, this course bridges the gap between mere speaking and truly resonating." Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speaker: Annetta Wilson Recruiting and hiring clinical and administrative staff is among the greatest challenges facing practice owners. This course will explore obstacles to and real-world strategies for attracting talent into private practices. Panelists will share their personal experiences and offer candid perspectives on what has worked, what hasn’t worked, and why. Innovative approaches and tools that can be used to recruit the right people into the right positions will be discussed. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Carly Girard, Au.D., Karri Kiefat, MBA, Tress Montecalvo ENT/PT/SLP Audiology Practice Models: Ex's and Oh's! Interdisciplinary care teams reduce time to treatment and provide convenience for patients. Incorporating non-audiologist providers can also be lucrative for practices seeking to expand the number and types of services offered to patients. This panel session explores different employment/contracting models and mechanisms for incorporating otolaryngologists, physical therapists, and speech language pathologists into an audiology practice. Panelists will share their experiences integrating non-audiology services in small and large practices, and offer practical tips for audiologists considering similar approaches to care delivery. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Sal Gruttadoria, Au.D., Liz Rogers, Au.D., Meghanne Wetta, Au.D. |
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Lunch in the Exhibit Hall |
12:30 PM - 02:00 PM | Business Financing Workshop Part II: Money, Money, Money This course will help current and aspiring practice owners navigate the lending landscape and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about financing audiology practices. Expert panelists will discuss common capital needs and evaluate traditional and alternative lending options that can be employed to start or expand an audiology clinic. The loan determination process, factors that impact the lending decision, and actions that audiologists can take to improve loan approval odds will be discussed. Participants will gain insights into both traditional and alternative lending options, and real-world case studies will be used to highlight the pros and cons of different financing routes. At the conclusion of the course, participants will be better prepared to secure financing that aligns with their practice’s needs. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Tom Ethen, Joshua Gutstein, JD, MBA, Stacy O'Brien, Au.D., Brandon Pauley, Esq., Alicia Spoor, Au.D. Audiology Managed Care Part II: Know When to Hold 'Em, Know When to Fold 'Em Audiology participation in third-party networks (TPNs) has been controversial in audiology practices for decades. This panel discussion will discuss the pros and cons of TPN participation in audiology practice and how, it is possible, to make it a win-win for the hard of hearing and the provider. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Moderator: Kim Cavitt, Au.D. Speakers: Peter Kleckner, Au.D., Nikki Kopetzky, Au.D., Natalie McKee, Au.D. Media Training for Audiologists: Say What You Wanna Say In the rapidly evolving digital age, the ability to navigate and harness the potential of various media channels is imperative for both individuals and organizations. This media training class offers a comprehensive overview of the modern media landscape, emphasizing best practices for effective communication, presentation techniques, and crisis management. Participants will be introduced to the nuances of different platforms, gain insights into audience engagement, and develop the confidence to represent themselves or their organizations professionally and authentically. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speaker: Annetta Wilson Training and Retaining Clinical and Administrative Talent: We've Got to Hold on to What We've Got Developing and implementing strategies for training and retaining clinical and administrative staff is can be daunting. This course will explore obstacles to and real-world strategies that private practice owners are deploying to build employee loyalty, growth, and competency. Panelists will share their personal experiences and discuss their training and employee retention approaches. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speaker: Megan Lynch, SHRM-CP, Ram Nileshwar, Au.D., Jordan Strong, Au.D. Serving the Underserved: We Could Be Heroes Philanthropic and humanitarian audiologic care is offered in many places throughout the US. Unfortunately, there are still large numbers of hard of hearing individuals who do not have access to care. This presentation will illustrate two different audiology private practices who are providing audiologic care to underserved populations. They will share their tips in how these populations can be served by your team. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Sarah Curtis, Au.D., Judy Huch, Au.D. |
02:00 PM - 02:30 PM | Break in the Exhibit Hall |
02:30 PM - 03:55 PM | Challengers and Champions: Trials, Triumphs, and Lessons Learned Panel This presentation will allow for a discussion, amongst colleagues from various facets of audiology, on the past, present and future of audiology and private, independent practice. They will provide insight on how to avoid pitfalls, embrace change and explore opportunities. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Jane Baxter, Au.D., Audra Branham, Au.D, Victor Bray, Ph.D., Bryan Greenaway, Au.D., Alexandra Tarvin, Au.D. |
04:00 PM - 05:00 PM | Believe and Beyond: Building Your Personal Practice Roadmap |
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM | AuDacity Closing Reception |
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2023 | |
---|---|
08:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Operationalizing and Monetizing AuDACITY and Research Evidence Based Care Over the course of AuDACITY, presenters and panelists have discussed the patient centered, evidence based delivery of audiologic evaluation and treatment beyond the hearing aid. This course will offer a road map for operationalizing and monetizing the services discussed throughout the convention within an audiology practice. We will discuss the entire revenue cycle process, from scheduling to payment, as well as how manage care fits in. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Speakers: Kim Cavitt, Au.D. |