Summary:
The International Hearing Society (IHS) launched its “Help Hearing” campaign at the 2025 HOSA International Leadership Conference to raise awareness about the growing and meaningful hearing aid specialist profession.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Career Spotlight: IHS aims to spotlight the hearing aid specialist profession, which is in high demand and has been ranked a top job, especially for those seeking a healthcare career without a traditional college degree.
  2. Hands-on Engagement: At the HOSA conference, IHS offered interactive experiences like otoscopy demos and earmold impressions to inspire future healthcare professionals.
  3. Urgent Need: With hearing loss expected to affect over 700 million people by 2050, IHS is working to expand the workforce by recruiting and training more specialists.

The International Hearing Society (IHS) kicked off its “Help Hearing” campaign while serving as one of 171 exhibitors at the Health Occupations Students of America’s (HOSA’s) International Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, from June 18-20, 2025. “Help Hearing” is designed to grow awareness of the hearing aid specialist profession, which has been noted as a Top Job by U.S. News and World Report. 

The HOSA conference attracted more than 14,000 attendees, including teachers and students who are aspiring healthcare professionals. Students engaged in learning and competitions in a bustling expo hall where IHS provided an interactive exhibit experience that included live video otoscopy demonstrations and earmold impression making. Of particular note, Hearing Aid Specialist Blake Cordell, MBA, BC-HIS, and IHS Executive Director Alissa Parady, CAE, delivered a presentation about the hearing aid specialist profession. 

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Why should someone consider this career? Parady said, “The opportunities are vast; the demand for professionals is high, and it’s a great option for anyone who wants a meaningful healthcare career without the long college path.” The hearing aid specialist profession has made several U.S. News & World Report Top Jobs lists, including being the number one job without a college degree in 2024. 

While there are over 10,000 hearing aid specialists practicing worldwide, more than 500 million people are expected to have hearing loss requiring rehabilitation by 2030, with those numbers expected to increase to 711 million by 20502. IThrough the “Help Hearing” campaign, IHS is working to increase the accessibility of professionals available for those experiencing hearing loss by growing the pipeline of trainees.

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IHS is encouraging aspiring healthcare professionals or those looking for a career change to explore the meaningful work of hearing aid specialists. Their message is that helping people stay connected to their family, friends, and the world around them will not only change patients’ lives, but the lives of hearing aid specialists as well.

For more information about the International Hearing Society, visit IHSinfo.org.  

Featured image: IHS