HHP/CA Blog

HHP/CA 2026 Annual Conference Returns to Beautiful Lake Tahoe! We’re excited to invite you to the HHP/CA 2026 Annual Conference on May 1–2, 2026, at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe in beautiful South Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Join colleagues from across California for two days of outstanding continuing education, networking, and practical strategies to strengthen your practice. Featured Speaker Motivational keynote speaker Dr. Cliff Olson, AuD, will present his popular session: “Increase your Help Rate even if you are more expensive than your competition.” Obtain all of your required CEs in one weekend! Courses are submitted for CE approval through SLPAHADB and IHS. Register today and secure your spot!

Register

IHS Visits Capitol Hill

Key Issues Discussed Advocates focused on several priority topics, including: Expanding access for veterans through the VA Community Care Program (IHS supported H.R. 3088) Increasing Congressional input from small business owners (IHS supported H.R. 6855) Addressing challenges with hearing aid packaging following the implementation of Reese's Law Highlighting the significance of IHS' upcoming 75th anniversary and its long-standing role in hearing health care IHS President Michael Andreozzi, BS, BC-HIS emphasized the impact of showing up in person. "Standing beneath the Capitol dome and advocating together brings our mission to life," he said. The 2026 Hill Day was a success, reinforcing IHS' effectiveness in representing members' voices. Members will have another opportunity to participate during the IHS 2026 Conference & Expo in Washington, D.C., which will include an additional Hill Day.

Visit IHS Website

We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the HHP/CA 2026 Annual Conference – your premier event for continuing education, networking, and advancing the hearing healthcare profession in California!

Event Details:

• HHP/CA 2026 Annual Conference
• May 1-2, 2026
• Harrah's Lake Tahoe
• Lake Tahoe, NV

This year's conference returns to the stunning Harrah's Lake Tahoe, offering breathtaking lake and mountain views, top-tier education sessions, and valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues, exhibitors, and industry leaders. All events will be held at Harrah's Lake Tahoe for your convenience.

Conference Highlights

Motivational Keynote Speaker: Dr. Cliff Olson, AuD – plus an additional session from Dr. Olson!

View Video

• More speakers and session details coming soon – check back at the conference page for updates: https://hhpca.org/events/2026-conference/2026-conference-sessions
• Courses submitted for CE approval to the Speech Language, Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (SLPAHADB) and the International Hearing Society (IHS). Select sessions may qualify for professional development credit for audiologists as required by SLPAHADB.
• 2026 Call for Sessions is open – if you're interested in presenting, submit your proposal today!

Register Today

Hotel Reservations

Book your stay early at the special HHP/CA group rates (subject to availability):

• Executive/Premium Guest Room at Harrah's Lake Tahoe: Rates start at $73–$169/night (plus $20 resort fee + taxes), varying by date (April 30–May 2, 2026).
• Romulus Tower (Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe): Rates start at $119–$219/night (plus fees/taxes). Self-parking is complimentary for hotel guests. Access meeting space via underground tunnel or a short walk.
• Reservation Deadline: March 31, 2026 (after this date, rates are space-available only). Call 800-455-4770 and mention the HHP/CA group rate to book. Check-in: 4:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM. Cancellations require at least 5 days' notice to avoid fees.

Book Your Rooms

   

Why Attend?

As California's leading association for hearing instrument specialists (founded in 1950!), HHP/CA delivers high-quality continuing education, business resources, and advocacy tailored to your needs. Members enjoy substantial savings on registration – this is the event designed with you in mind.

Action Steps:

1. Register now for the conference: Visit https://hhpca.org/events/2026-conference
2. Secure your hotel room before March 31 to guarantee the group rate.
3. Watch for updates on speakers, agenda, exhibitors, and more!

Questions? Contact Becky Denhalter, Executive Director, at hhpca@hhpca.org or 916-444-3568 x118.

We can't wait to see you in beautiful Lake Tahoe for education, inspiration, and connection. Mark your calendars and register today – spots fill up fast!

---

---

It's IHS Renewal Season - Don't Miss Your Final Chance!

As we settle into the new year, it’s the perfect time to renew your connection with the IHS community. Your 2025 IHS membership expired on December 31, and the grace period is ending soon—so renew now to avoid any lapse in benefits.

Your support has fueled important advancements in our profession, amplified the impact of Hearing Aid Specialists, and helped launch valuable resources like the Career Center and AHAP. Let’s keep that momentum going!

Renew today to stay connected, stay supported, and stay part of a thriving community dedicated to hearing health.

Renew Today!

---

Now Accepting Applications - IHS Practice Management Committee

We are excited to share an important development within our organization: the Managed Care & Compliance Committee (MCCC) is transitioning into the newly expanded Practice Management Committee (PMC). This evolution reflects our ongoing commitment to providing meaningful, practice‑enhancing support to our members.

The PMC will take a broader and more versatile approach to addressing the real-world challenges clinicians face. Its work will focus on creating resources that help members build, strengthen, and grow their practices – whether navigating economic pressures, adopting managed care strategies, or maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations. By considering the unique needs of different geographic areas and patient populations, the committee aims to deliver practical, relevant guidance for all members.

This is more than a name change; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of practice management in our community. Current MCCC members have been invited to continue their service, and we’re now seeking new volunteers to bring fresh perspectives and exciting ideas.

Volunteer applications are open through February 25 - apply here!

---

Get Paid: Billing & Coding Workshop this February

Ensuring accurate, compliant billing is essential for every hearing aid practice, and this winter, members have an opportunity to strengthen those skills with Get Paid: Billing & Coding for the Hearing Aid Practice, a hands-on workshop held February 27–March 1, 2026, at IHS World Headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Led by Samantha Sikorski, ACA, CDP, CPCO – one of the nation’s most respected experts in hearing care compliance and managed care – the training offers structured, practical instruction designed to improve processes, reduce errors, and increase revenue. Samantha has educated thousands across IHS conferences, state chapters, and national webinars, and attendees benefit from her real-world approach.

Participants will return with tools, templates, checklists, and a clear action plan they can implement immediately. The program also includes 20 contact hours, access to online course materials, and a follow‑up coaching session with Samantha to support continued progress.

With only 20 seats available, this winter workshop is an ideal opportunity to invest in your team before the busy patient season begins.

Reserve your space now!

---

NBC-HIS 2026 Pilot Test: Special Opportunity for Board Certification

NBC-HIS is offering a limited-time opportunity to pursue board certification through its 2026 Pilot Test, designed to help evaluate future National Competency Exam (NCE) content while providing candidates a pathway to certification.

Eligible participants can take advantage of a reduced exam fee of $150 by entering Promo Code: NBC150 at checkout.

Key Dates

• Application Opens: February 1
• Testing Window: February–July 31
• Results: Provided immediately upon exam completion

Pilot Test candidates will take the NCE, which includes additional beta questions used for exam development. Free study tools, including the Candidate Self-Study Guide and Candidate Handbook, are available on the Exam Resources page.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a current dispensing license/certificate (where applicable) and have 2 years of full-time dispensing experience within the past 5 years.

Apply online or contact info@nbc-his.com for assistance.

---

Ontario Hearing Instruments Specialist Advocacy Success: "Temporary" Authorizer Status Removed

After more than two years of dedicated advocacy and hundreds of meetings with government officials, Hearing Instrument Specialists in Ontario are celebrating a major regulatory victory.

As of March 2nd, the Ministry of Health will officially end the “temporary” authorizer designation under the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), fully restoring HIS professionals as permanent hearing aid authorizers.

This milestone marks the conclusion of a period of uncertainty that began in early 2024, when the Ministry initially moved to eliminate HIS authorizer status altogether. The temporary designation that followed offered only short-term reassurance and left many practitioners and patients concerned about the future of accessible hearing care in the province.

The reinstatement of permanent authorizer status reaffirms the long-standing expertise, professionalism, and essential role of Hearing Instrument Specialists in Ontario’s hearing health system. It brings renewed stability to clinics, strengthens patient confidence, and ensures continuity of service across the province.

This achievement reflects the persistence, unity, and hard work of the Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario (AHIP) and the Ontario HIS community in general – an accomplishment truly worth celebrating.

---

IHS members now have access to the October - November - December edition of The Hearing Professional magazine (member login required). Delve into this issue to learn more about the latest developments in hearing healthcare research, the new IHS Career Center, the Southeast Territorial IHS Governor, John Davis, BC-HIS, managed care conundrums, and so much more!

Visit IHS Website

Dues Renewal Notices Are Going Out

We truly value your membership and the impact you make within our association. As your renewal approaches, we want to take a moment to express how important your continued participation is—not only to us, but to the strength and future of our entire community.

Your membership helps us advance the goals of the association, support the hearing healthcare industry, and provide meaningful resources and advocacy for professionals like you. We sincerely hope you will renew and remain an essential part of the work we’re doing together.

If you have any questions about the renewal process or if there's anything we can do to support you, please reach out. We appreciate you and look forward to another year of partnership.

Contact Us

---

HHP/CA 2026 Annual Conference - Attendee Registration Opening Soon!

Mark your calendars for our 2026 Annual Conference on May 1-2, 2026, at the stunning Harrah’s Lake Tahoe in beautiful Lake Tahoe!

We're thrilled to announce that we've secured incredible group rates at two fantastic hotels: these are some of the best deals you'll find for this prime location, especially during the spring season!

• Harrah’s Lake Tahoe (Executive or Premium Guest Room):
  As low as $73/night on Thursday, $136 on Friday, and $169 on Saturday (plus $20/night resort fee and taxes).
• Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe (Romulus Tower):
  Starting at $119/night on Thursday, $195 on Friday, and $219 on Saturday (plus $20/night resort fee and taxes).

Plus, self-parking is complimentary for all hotel guests: another great perk!

These special rates won't last forever: book by March 31, 2026, to guarantee availability. Simply call 800-455-4770 and mention the HHP/CA group rate.

Don't miss this opportunity to combine professional development with a relaxing getaway at unbeatable prices. We can't wait to see you in Lake Tahoe!

Book Your Room     Visit our Website

---

HHP/CA 2026 Annual Conference - Exhibitor Prospectus - Sponsorships Available

Register to Exhibit or Sponsor

---

Call for Sessions: Shape the 2026 HHP/CA Annual Conference in Beautiful Lake Tahoe!

Exciting opportunities await! The Call for Sessions is now open for our 2026 Annual Conference, set for May 1-2, 2026, at the stunning Harrah's Lake Tahoe in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. This is your chance to share your expertise, contribute to the profession, and help create an outstanding educational experience for your colleagues.

We're looking for dynamic, informative sessions focused on direct, related, or indirect patient/client care. Whether you're proposing a solo presentation or a panel discussion, we want to hear from you!

Submission Deadline: December 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM – don't delay, submit today!

To submit your session proposal, complete our easy online submission form linked here. You'll receive a confirmation copy via email – if you don't, your submission may not have gone through, so please double-check.

Submit a Session

---

---

Federal Policy Insights: What's Next for IHS?
LIVE Webinar – December 18, 2025 | 12:00 PM ET

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to understand how recent federal developments will shape hearing health policy in 2026 and beyond. This session will give you the tools to stay informed and actively support IHS advocacy efforts.

What You’ll Learn:

• Impact of the recent shutdown on Congressional actions
• Strategic outlook for 2026 leading up to mid-term elections
• Updates on the Veterans Hearing Health Expansion Act (HR 3088)
• How YOU can help move key legislation forward
• Other emerging policies that could influence hearing health care

Why Attend?

• Gain insider knowledge on federal legislative processes
• Earn 1.0 CE credit and access the recording on-demand
• Enjoy FREE access for IHS Professional Members (50% discount for other members)

Register Now for the Webinar

---

Exciting News! The IHS Career Center is Now Live!

We're thrilled to introduce the brand-new IHS Career Center, your go-to destination for career opportunities in the hearing healthcare field. Whether you're a PCC, Hearing Aid Specialist, Trainer, Manager, or Billing Expert, this platform is designed with YOU in mind.

Hiring? Now's the perfect time to post your open positions! With customizable add-ons, you can expand your reach while staying in control of your budget and distribution.

We're eager to hear your feedback and see how the IHS Career Center supports your professional journey. Check it out today and help spread the word!

Check out the career center today!

---

IHS members now have access to the October - November - December edition of The Hearing Professional magazine (member login required). Delve into this issue to learn more about the latest developments in hearing healthcare research, the new IHS Career Center, the Southeast Territorial IHS Governor, John Davis, BC-HIS, managed care conundrums, and so much more!

Visit IHS Website

---

Save the Date - HHP/CA 2026 Annual Conference

May 1-2, 2026
Harrah's Lake Tahoe
More information coming soon!

---

Legislative Update: AB 224 Chaptered – Major Step Forward for Hearing Health Coverage in California's Essential Health Benefits

We're thrilled to report a landmark victory for accessible hearing care in California! On October 13, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 224 into law (Chapter 680, Statutes of 2025). This bill, authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta and Senator Caroline Menjivar, mandates a comprehensive review and update of California's essential health benefits benchmark plan – a critical move that directly impacts hearing aid coverage for millions of Californians.

Why This Matters to You and Your Patients
Under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), California's health insurance plans must cover essential health benefits (EHBs) based on a state-specific benchmark plan. Since 2014, this benchmark has been frozen on the outdated Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Small Group HMO 30 – meaning hearing aids have not been consistently covered as an EHB for adults in individual and small group markets.

AB 224 changes that by:

• Expressing legislative intent to review and establish a new benchmark plan for the 2027 plan year.
• Requiring the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) and Department of Insurance to submit recommendations to the Legislature by July 1, 2026.
• Ensuring approval by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the updated plan, effective January 1, 2027.

This update paves the way for hearing aids to be included as a standard EHB, aligning California with 19 other states that already mandate adult hearing aid coverage. For your practice, this means:

• Expanded patient access to life-changing hearing devices without high out-of-pocket costs.
• Increased demand for audiology services as barriers fall.
• Equity in care – finally closing the gap for adult patients who currently face coverage denials.

What's Next? How You Can Stay Involved

• Monitor Progress: Watch for DMHC/Insurance Dept. public hearings in 2026.
• Prepare Your Practice: Audit current billing processes and train staff on upcoming EHB changes.

For the full bill text, visit the California Legislative Information website.

---

Exciting News! The IHS Career Center is Now Live! 

We're thrilled to introduce the brand-new IHS Career Center, your go-to destination for career opportunities in the hearing healthcare field. Whether you're a PCC, Hearing Aid Specialist, Trainer, Manager, or Billing Expert, this platform is designed with YOU in mind.

Hiring? Now's the perfect time to post your open positions! Take advantage of introductory pricing through October 10th, get start for just $199. With customizable add-ons, you can expand your reach while staying in control of your budget and distribution.

We're eager to hear your feedback and see how the IHS Career Center supports your professional journey. Check it out today and help spread the word!

Check out the career center today!

---

Bipartisan Support Grows for Veterans' Hearing Health! 

Big news! Representative Hillary Scholten (D-MI) has joined Representative Tom Barrett (R-MI) as a cosponsor of H.R. 3088 -- the Veterans Hearing Health Expansion Act.

With backing from both parties, the chances of including Hearing Aid Specialists in the VA's Community Care program are stronger than ever.

This is a major win for veterans and a testament to the power of bipartisan collaboration. At IHS, we believe hearing health is a universal issue, and we're committed to pushing H.R, 3088 forward with support from both sides of the aisle.

Your voice matters. Advocacy is how change happens, and we need passionate individuals like you to help shape the future of hearing health and beyond.

Get involved with IHS advocacy efforts and be part of the movement.

Save the Date - HHP/CA 2026 Annual Conference

May 1-2, 2026
Location information coming soon

---

Revolutionizing Hearing Healthcare: Harnessing AI for Personalized Patient Communication and Advanced Care

As leaders in hearing healthcare, you understand the profound impact that untreated hearing loss can have on a patient’s quality of life. To better serve our patients, doctors, and caregivers, we encourage you to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to craft compelling, personalized letters that motivate patients to pursue hearing aids. Integrating AI into your communication strategy, alongside the use of cutting-edge hearing aid technology and adherence to best practices, can transform patient outcomes and strengthen long-term care.

Advantages of Using AI for Patient, Doctor, and Caregiver Communications

• Personalized and Persuasive Messaging: AI can analyze patient data to create tailored letters that address individual concerns, lifestyles, and hearing needs. By highlighting how hearing aids can improve daily interactions, emotional well-being, and cognitive health, these letters resonate more deeply, encouraging patients to take action.
• Efficiency and Consistency: AI streamlines the process of drafting professional, empathetic, and clear communications. This saves time for your practice while ensuring consistent messaging that aligns with evidence-based recommendations, fostering trust among patients, doctors, and caregivers.
• Enhanced Engagement: AI-generated letters can incorporate motivational language and educational content, empowering patients to understand the benefits of hearing aids. For doctors and caregivers, AI can craft letters that emphasize collaboration, ensuring they are informed about treatment plans and the importance of hearing health.
• Data-Driven Insights: AI tools can integrate insights from patient histories or demographics to highlight the urgency of addressing hearing loss, such as its links to social isolation or cognitive decline, making letters more compelling and actionable.

The Role of Advanced Technology in Hearing Aids
The latest hearing aid technologies—featuring directional microphones, noise reduction algorithms, and connectivity to smartphones—offer patients unparalleled sound clarity and convenience. By emphasizing these advancements in AI-crafted letters, you can demonstrate how modern hearing aids seamlessly integrate into patients’ lives, improving communication and independence. Highlighting specific features, such as real-time sound processing or telehealth compatibility, reassures patients that they are investing in solutions designed for their long-term well-being

Commitment to Long-Term Quality Care
Adhering to best practices is the cornerstone of exceptional hearing healthcare. Providers who follow evidence-based protocols—such as comprehensive hearing assessments, personalized fittings, and ongoing follow-up care—ensure optimal outcomes for patients. In your letters, AI can help articulate your commitment to these standards, reinforcing trust and encouraging patients to choose providers who prioritize quality. By combining AI-driven communication with best-in-class technology and care, you position your practice as a leader in transforming lives through better hearing.

Call to Action
We urge you to explore AI tools for crafting impactful letters that inspire patients, engage doctors, and inform caregivers. By combining these communications with the best hearing aid technology and unwavering dedication to best practices, you can motivate more individuals to address their hearing loss and experience the life-changing benefits of improved hearing.

Thank you for your commitment to advancing hearing healthcare. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.

---

Toby Hill, ACA, BC-HIS, Elected IHS Treasurer

On August 5, Pacific Coast Territory Governor Toby Hill, ACA, BC-HIS, of Brentwood, California, was elected by the IHS Board of Governors to fill the Treasurer vacancy on the IHS Board of Governors. He will complete the term that began January 1, 2025, and extends through December 31, 2025. As Treasurer, Hill is charged with overseeing the financials of the Society, serving on the IHS Investment Committee, as well as participating on the IHS Executive Committee, which is comprised of the elected officers of IHS. Owner of Contra Costa Hearing, Hill joined IHS in 2009, served in leadership of chapter Hearing Healthcare Providers/California, and in 2022 joined the IHS Board as Governor. You can learn more about Hill in his feature in The Hearing Professional magazine January-February-March 2024 edition, page 38.

---

Positive Outlook on AB-224 and its Potential Impact on Hearing Aid Coverage

HHP/CA is pleased to provide a positive opinion regarding Assembly Bill 224 (2025-2026), "Health care coverage: essential health benefits," and its potential to significantly improve hearing aid coverage for Californians. While the bill's primary focus is on clarifying and potentially expanding the broader scope of essential health benefits (EHBs), our analysis indicates promising developments for our profession and the patients we serve.

As you know, access to comprehensive hearing healthcare, including hearing aids, has historically been a challenging area within the EHB framework. However, AB-224's emphasis on mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, and, crucially, access to preventive care, creates a strong foundation for advocating for more robust hearing aid coverage.

Key Positive Implications for Hearing Aid Dispensing Members:

• Potential for Broader Inclusion in EHBs: AB-224's overall goal of expanding and clarifying EHBs presents a significant opportunity to advocate for hearing aids and related services to be explicitly included or more comprehensively covered within the EHB definition. The bill's focus on a holistic approach to health, recognizing the interconnectedness of various health conditions, strengthens the argument for hearing loss treatment as an essential component of overall well-being.
• Alignment with Preventive Care: The bill's stress on preventive care aligns perfectly with early intervention for hearing loss. By framing hearing evaluations and, when necessary, hearing aids as a preventive measure against cognitive decline, social isolation, and mental health issues, we can leverage AB-224's language to champion broader coverage.
• Reduced Out-of-Pocket Costs for Patients: Should AB-224 lead to more explicit and comprehensive hearing aid coverage within EHBs, it would significantly reduce the financial burden on patients, making essential hearing healthcare more accessible to a wider population. This could lead to increased demand for your services.
• Strengthened Advocacy Position: The legislative dialogue surrounding AB-224 provides an excellent platform for HHP/CA to continue its vital advocacy work. We are actively engaging with lawmakers to highlight the critical role of hearing healthcare in overall health and to ensure that the spirit of comprehensive care within AB-224 extends to hearing aids.

HHP/CA believes that AB-224 represents a step forward in ensuring that all Californians have access to the healthcare services they need. We remain committed to working diligently to ensure that this legislation, as it evolves, directly benefits our members and the hearing-impaired community.

We will continue to monitor the progress of AB-224 closely and provide updates as they become available. We encourage all members to stay informed and lend their support to our advocacy efforts.

Thank you for your continued support of our advocacy efforts. Your engagement is invaluable and directly enables HHP/CA to effectively champion the needs of our profession and the patients we serve.

Sincerely,
The HHP/CA Advocacy Committee

---

---

Be Part of the Excitement - Support the 2025 IHS Auction!

We’re gearing up for another unforgettable IHS Auction, and we’d love to have your continued support! Fill out the 2025 IHS Auction Form and be sure to have items shipped to IHS.

Why your support matters: The hearing aid dispensing profession is facing pivotal changes. IHS is actively advocating on critical issues, including:

• expanding the role of Hearing Aid Specialists in the Veterans’ Affairs,
• codifying the FDA OTC Final Rule at the state level, and
• ensuring fair managed care participation and compliance.

These efforts directly impact your business and the future of our profession. Your auction donation helps IHS continue this vital work with strength and strategy.

Auction Form

---

Register Now!

Registration is now open for the 2025 IHS Conference & Expo -- September 18th - 20th, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Visit www.ihsinfo.org/conference to learn more and sign up for conference communications.

Visit IHS Website

---

Thank you to our 2025 HHP/CA Conference Sponsors!

GOLD SPONSORS

      

SILVER SPONSORS

        

BRONZE SPONSOR

On August 4, Attorney General Bonta issued a consumer alert on hearing aids sold online and over-the-counter.  He stated in part, “While hearing aids sold online or over-the-counter may appear to be more cost-effective than traditional hearing aids, they may not properly address your particular hearing loss needs or may be outright scams. As you explore your options, know your rights, beware of false claims, and exercise caution if you choose to purchase from an unlicensed seller.”

The content of the full press release is available at https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-issues-consumer-alert-hearing-aids-sold-online-or-over

HHP/CA initiated efforts on this matter by contacting Paul Sanchez, Executive Officer, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (SLPA HADB).  It’s through HHP/CA’s efforts and the joint interest by SLPA HADB, the Attorney General, and other organizations to protect consumers that resulted in this much needed alert.