Summary: Phonak U celebrated 20 years of inspiring the next generation of audiologists through immersive learning, hands-on experiences, and expert-led workshops, with a focus on empathetic leadership and inclusive patient care.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Phonak U offers audiology students opportunities to learn from field experts and develop both technical and professional skills, preparing them for diverse career paths in hearing healthcare.
  2. The event emphasizes holistic student development, focusing on leadership, inclusive care, and the future of audiology practice.
  3. With growing demand, Phonak U plans to expand next year to accommodate more students and continue its mission of providing accessible, impactful education.

From October 24th to October 26th, 2024, over 100 audiology students and Phonak staff gathered in the Chicagoland area to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Phonak University, better known as “Phonak U”—the annual event dedicated to inspiring the next generation of hearing care professionals. 

This year’s high-energy Phonak U provided students from across the country with immersive learning opportunities, including thought-provoking discussions on advancements in audiology, hands-on product demos, and workshops led by field experts. Central to the event were sessions on empathetic leadership, inclusive patient care, and navigating various career paths within hearing healthcare. 

Phonak U 2024 students participate in a session.

“Phonak U isn’t just about the latest technology. It’s about the holistic development of each student’s professional potential,” says Brandy Pouliot, AuD, Director of Audiology & Education at Phonak. “One of the reasons Phonak U is so popular is because we cut through the noise to focus on what is truly important to emerging clinicians in their careers. It’s inspiring to aid these students in their professional goals because they are the future of audiology and will be shaping the next generation of patient care.”

With a waitlist of over 150 students, the Phonak University team is looking to expand the program next year to reach even more future hearing care providers. 

For those who missed this year’s in-person event, Phonak U will be hosting a virtual “Welcome to Phonak” session on November 18th at 12pm EST. Students are also encouraged to join the Student AuDience network, to be in the loop for future events. 

About Phonak U

Since its founding two decades ago, Phonak U has been a cornerstone of Phonak’s commitment to ongoing education and professional development, offering students access to knowledge, tools, and mentors that empower them to launch successful audiology careers. Phonak U shows a commitment to inclusivity through its efforts to reduce financial and educational barriers, ensuring that audiology students at any level can participate. Held one weekend each year, students leave the event with a broader network of fellow emerging audiologists, valuable career insights, and strengthened connections with industry experts. 

Images: Phonak