Innovations that Make a Global Impact

Join the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) for the 2026 Fall Virtual Educational Summit, a dynamic half-day virtual event bringing together leading experts from around the world to explore the latest advancements in hearing conservation, occupational audiology, research, and hearing loss prevention.

Centered around this year's theme, "Innovations that Make a Global Impact," the Summit will showcase emerging ideas, global perspectives, and practical solutions that are shaping the future of hearing conservation across industries and communities.

Registration Rates

Group Registration

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What You'll Learn

Attendees can look forward to sessions exploring topics such as:

• Global hearing conservation initiatives and international collaboration
• Regulatory and standards updates
• Occupational hearing loss research and epidemiology
• Ethical considerations in hearing conservation practice
• Innovations in hearing protection and fit testing
• Supporting workers with hearing loss in high-noise environments
• Hearing conservation in the music industry
• Health literacy and hearing loss prevention
• Emerging technologies, including 3D-printed hearing protectors
• Career pathways and professional development in hearing conservation

The Summit will feature a combination of live presentations, interactive discussions, expert panels, and select prerecorded sessions with live Q&A, providing attendees with opportunities to engage directly with leading researchers and practitioners.

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Live Session Information 
1:00 PM ET
Welcome & Opening Remarks

1:05 PM – 2:05 PM
Creating a Global Echo: Bridging the Gap in Global Hearing Conservation

Clare Forshaw, MSc
Live Q&A with Chris Steel

Explore international approaches to hearing conservation, current global initiatives, and opportunities for advancing hearing loss prevention across industries.

2:10 PM – 2:40 PM
Raising the PAR: Global Regulatory Momentum in Hearing Protector Fit Testing

Laurie Wells, AuD and Cameron Fackler, PhD

An overview of worldwide regulatory developments and best practices shaping hearing protector fit testing.

2:45 PM – 3:45 PM

Ethical Considerations When Evaluating Recordable/Reportable Hearing Loss for Work Relatedness
Michael Hodgson, MD, MPH and Cassie Ford, MA, CCC-A, CPS/A

A practical discussion of ethics and decision-making surrounding occupational hearing loss determinations.

Break

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Prevalence of Ototoxic Chemical Exposure, Noise Exposure and Hearing Difficulty Among Workers in the United States
Elizabeth Masterson, PhD

The latest NIOSH research examining occupational noise and ototoxic chemical exposure.

4:33 PM – 5:30 PM
Setting the Global Stage: Updates in Hearing Loss Prevention for Live Music Settings

Frank Wartinger, AuD, Laura Sinnott, and AuD, Jos Mulder, PhD

An international panel discussing hearing conservation challenges and solutions within the music industry.

On-Demand Session Information

Exploring a Career in Hearing Conservation
Sarah Mouser, AuD

Career pathways, consulting, leadership, and professional development.

The Present State and Future Direction of Hearing Protector Standardization in Europe
Mark Telsnig, MSc

European standards and future regulatory developments.

Supporting Workers with Hearing Loss in High-Noise Environments
Rachel van Besouw, PhD

Supporting workers with hearing loss while maintaining workplace safety.

Health Literacy
Caton Harris, AuD, PhD

Understanding health literacy and improving communication in occupational hearing conservation.

Innovations in 3D Printing Hearing Protection and Fit Testing
Andrew Hayes, AuD and Kyle Shepard 

Digital scanning, 3D printing, and fit testing innovations.

Individualized Hearing Protector Fit Testing
Andy Merkley, AuD

Research and implementation of individualized fit testing. 

Why Attend?

• Learn from internationally recognized experts.
• Stay current on emerging research and best practices.
• Explore innovative technologies and global initiatives.
• Earn continuing education while expanding your professional network.
• Gain practical strategies you can apply immediately in your workplace.

We look forward to welcoming you this September for another outstanding NHCA educational experience.

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