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:
- Register now for the conference: Visit https://hhpca.org/events/2026-conference
- Secure your hotel room before March 31 to guarantee the group rate.
- 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
