The 41st annual event will gather hearing health professionals, manufacturers, and advocates to discuss the latest in hearing assistive technology and advocacy from June 10–12, 2026.
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) will host its 41st annual convention in Louisville, Kentucky, June 10–12, 2026. The HLAA 2026 event serves as a platform for hearing health professionals, assistive device manufacturers, and accessibility advocates to explore current trends in hearing assistive technology, education, and advocacy.
According to the HLAA, more than 50 million people in the US have some degree of hearing loss, with many others at risk. The convention aims to connect various sides of the hearing health sector, including industry representatives, researchers, consumers, and regulators.
Technological Integration and Accessibility
A central focus of the 2026 meeting is communication access and the implementation of assistive listening systems. The HLAA plans to provide real-time captioning for every plenary session and workshop. Additionally, all meeting rooms will be equipped with hearing loops to support assistive listening.
The convention will also feature Auracast broadcast audio, based on next-generation Bluetooth LE Audio. This technology will be available in all workshop rooms. Sign language interpretation (ASL) will be provided during plenary sessions and is available for educational workshops upon advance request.
Research and Professional Education
The program includes the HLAA Research Symposium, which is supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The symposium and General Sessions are designed to provide attendees with information on the latest scientific developments and clinical narratives within the hearing health community.
An interactive exhibit hall will feature product demonstrations from manufacturers, allowing professionals and consumers to interact with new tools and resources. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with community leaders and advocates who are working toward greater communication access at national and local levels.
About HLAA
Established in 1979, the HLAA is a consumer organization representing people with hearing loss in the US. The organization provides programs and support through more than 120 chapters and hosts Walk4Hearing events in 20 cities to increase awareness and access to hearing healthcare treatment. Dan Reiner serves as the director of communications and marketing for the organization.
Featured image: A diverse group of attendees is seated and watching the keynote speaker at the HLAA 2025 Convention. Photo: HLAA
