Conference Schedule
Thursday, October 22nd, 2026
Blended Track (All Attendees)
- 9:00 - 11:00 am
- Keynote Speaker: Donna Smiley, PhD
- 11:00 - 11:15 am : BREAK
The Future Sounds Different: A Crystal Ball View of Audiology
What will the profession of audiology look like in the next decade? In 20 years? In 30 years? As healthcare, technology, consumer expectations, and workforce dynamics rapidly evolve, audiologists are being called to reimagine not only how care is delivered, but how the profession defines its value and influence. In this forward-looking keynote, participants will peer into the “crystal ball” of audiology to explore emerging trends that are shaping the future of hearing and balance care. Blending insight, inspiration, and practical perspective, this presentation will encourage audiologists to embrace adaptability, advocate for the profession’s future, and lead confidently through change. Whether you are an established clinician, educator, researcher, or emerging professional, this session offers a compelling look at what lies ahead—and how today’s decisions will shape tomorrow’s soundscape. The future sounds different. The question is, are we ready to hear it?
Learning Objectives:
As a result of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify some of the key trends shaping the future of audiology
- Describe how healthcare and technology are changing audiology practice
- Develop strategies to lead and innovate within the profession
Financial: I am a salaried employee of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
The North Carolina Audiology Association is approved by the American Academy of Audiology to offer Academy CEUs for this activity. The program is worth a maximum of 0.20 CEUs. Academy approval of this continuing education activity is based on course content only and does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedure, or adherence of the event to the Academy's Code of Ethics. Any views that are presented are those of the presenter/CE Provider and not necessarily of the American Academy of Audiology.
- 11:15 - 12:15 am
- Jennifer J. Wright McDougal, PhD, LCMHC, CRC
- 12:15 - 1:30pm : Lunch & Business Meeting (NCAA Members ONLY)
Motivational Interviewing in Communication Sciences Clinical Practice
Communication sciences and disorders (CSD) professionals regularly work with clients who face complex behavioral, emotional, and psychosocial challenges. Even with strong clinical expertise, clinicians often encounter client resistance, ambivalence, or low motivation, and traditional advice-giving or directive strategies may not be effective in these situations. Motivational Interviewing (MI), an evidence-based counseling method developed by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick (2023), offers a structured yet flexible way to elicit clients’ own motivation for change and strengthen their engagement in the therapeutic process. This workshop introduces the core principles of MI, highlights key concepts such as change talk, and demonstrates practical communication strategies that audiologists can apply directly to clinical interactions.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the foundational principles and spirit of motivational interviewing.
- Identify and differentiate between core motivational interviewing skills
- Identify and differentiate examples of change talk and sustain talk within clinical interactions
- Apply motivational interviewing skills to audiological case scenarios to enhance skill building
Disclosures:
The North Carolina Audiology Association is approved by the American Academy of Audiology to offer Academy CEUs for this activity. The program is worth a maximum of 0.10 CEUs. Academy approval of this continuing education activity is based on course content only and does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedure, or adherence of the event to the Academy's Code of Ethics. Any views that are presented are those of the presenter/CE Provider and not necessarily of the American Academy of Audiology.
- 1:30 - 2:30 pm
- Melissa Segal, LCSW
Strengthening Our Teams
Great teams don't happen by accident; they are built, intentionally and consistently, by leaders who understand that the foundation of high performance is human connection. In this dynamic session, we will explore what it actually takes to strengthen a team: namely, the everyday behaviors that build trust, unlock potential, and create a culture in which people genuinely want to show up and contribute.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, audiologists will be able to:
- Identify the core elements of a high-performing, human-centered team
- Practice at least two concrete leadership behaviors
- Analyze their own current behaviors to identify specific strengths to build on
Disclosures: None
The North Carolina Audiology Association is approved by the American Academy of Audiology to offer Academy CEUs for this activity. The program is worth a maximum of 0.10 CEUs. Academy approval of this continuing education activity is based on course content only and does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedure, or adherence of the event to the Academy's Code of Ethics. Any views that are presented are those of the presenter/CE Provider and not necessarily of the American Academy of Audiology.
- 2:30 - 3:30 pm
- Tony Solaria, PhD (NCAA Lobbyist)
- 3:30 - 3:45 pm: BREAK
Talk to the Policy Makers: The 2026-2027 Legislative Session and The Audiology Agenda
Join your colleagues to hear a group of key legislative policy makers discuss the NCAA 2026-2027 legislative agenda and provide insights into what audiologists can expect from the legislative session. There will be time for audience participation, so come prepared to ask these policy makers about their commitment to furthering the profession of audiology.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, audiologists will be able to:
- Explain how actions by the General Assembly can impact the practice of Audiology.
- Describe recent updates in audiology legislation and explain the complexities of the legislative process.
- Explain why advocacy is an essential professional responsibility for audiologists.
- Apply basic advocacy strategies to common professional scenarios.
Disclosures:
Financial - Mr. Solari is a paid lobbyists representing the North Carolina Audiology Association.
Non-financial - Mr. Solari has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
The North Carolina Audiology Association is approved by the American Academy of Audiology to offer Academy CEUs for this activity. The program is worth a maximum of 0.10 CEUs. Academy approval of this continuing education activity is based on course content only and does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedure, or adherence of the event to the Academy's Code of Ethics. Any views that are presented are those of the presenter/CE Provider and not necessarily of the American Academy of Audiology.
- 3:45 - 4:45pm
-
- Speaker: Jennifer Butler, AuD
Caring for Children with Congenital Hearing Loss in the Era of Gene Therapy: The Audiologist's Role in Counseling, Diagnosis, and Clinical Care
Genetic evaluation is an integral component of the clinical assessment of pediatric hearing loss, providing critical information to families through: (1) identification of syndromic and non-syndromic causes of hearing loss, (2) improved understanding and empowerment regarding a child’s diagnosis, and (3) determination of eligibility for emerging clinical trials and gene therapy approaches. In this presentation, we will review an approach to the clinical evaluation of pediatric hearing loss that incorporates genetic testing and discuss the impact of a genetic diagnosis on patient-centered care, including potential candidacy for gene therapy.
We will then explore current gene therapy approaches for pediatric hearing loss and highlight the evolving role of the audiologist in patient evaluation, counseling, and clinical monitoring. At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will better understand how identifying the genetic etiology of hearing loss can guide individualized clinical care and prepare audiologists to support children and families in the era of precision medicine and gene therapy. This presentation will also highlight the importance of standardized audiologic assessment and monitoring protocols, including behavioral and electrophysiologic measures and monitoring progress in speech-language development in evaluating treatment outcomes for children undergoing gene therapy.
Learning objectives:
- Describe the importance of genetic evaluation in the diagnosis and management of pediatric hearing loss.
- Identify current gene therapy approaches for pediatric hearing loss and understand key considerations for patient evaluation, candidacy, and clinical monitoring.
- Define the evolving role of the audiologist in gene therapy care, including the importance of standardized audiologic assessments, electrophysiologic measures, and monitoring progress in speech-language development in evaluating treatment outcomes for children undergoing gene therapy.
Disclosures: Dr. Butler is employed by Boston Children’s Hospital. She serves as associated study staff on Phase I/II OTOF gene therapy clinical trials sponsored by Akouos/Eli Lilly and Decibel/Regeneron, led by Principal Investigator Dr. Eliot Shearer, MD, PhD. She participated as a Medical Advisory Board member for Regeneron at the AAA Conference in San Antonio, Texas. She served as invited faculty for Decera Clinical Education through an educational grant supported by Lilly.
The North Carolina Audiology Association is approved by the American Academy of Audiology to offer Academy CEUs for this activity. The program is worth a maximum of 0.10 CEUs. Academy approval of this continuing education activity is based on course content only and does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedure, or adherence of the event to the Academy's Code of Ethics. Any views that are presented are those of the presenter/CE Provider and not necessarily of the American Academy of Audiology.
- 4:45 - 5:30 pm: Student Poster Presentations
- 6:00 pm: NCAA Happy Hour location TBD
Friday, October 23rd, 2026
Track A:Adult Focus & Track B:Pediatric Focus
While NCAA has created outstanding offerings tailored to special clinical populations, attendees are welcome and encouraged to consider sessions in both tracks.
- Track A 9:00 - 11:00 am
- Speaker: Sherri Smith, PhD, CCC-A
Implementation of the NASEM Recommended Minimum Core Set of Hearing Health Outcomes for Adults
Description This presentation will describe the importance of assessing outcomes of hearing interventions and the background and selection of the minimum core set of outcomes recommended by the National Academies of Science Engineering and Medicine (NASEM). Implementation of the core set of outcomes in clinical practice will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, audiologists will be able to:
- describe the importance of assessing outcomes of hearing interventions
- summarize the NASEM study on the recommended core set of hearing outcomes for adults
- describe how to implement the core set in clinical practice
Disclosures: Dr. Smith is a salaried employee of Duke University, and served as a committee member on the NASEM study on Measuring Meaningful Outcomes for Adult Hearing Health Interventions.
The North Carolina Audiology Association is approved by the American Academy of Audiology to offer Academy CEUs for this activity. The program is worth a maximum of 0.20 CEUs. Academy approval of this continuing education activity is based on course content only and does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedure, or adherence of the event to the Academy's Code of Ethics. Any views that are presented are those of the presenter/CE Provider and not necessarily of the American Academy of Audiology.
Track B 9:00 - 11:00 am
-
- Speaker: Elizabeth Walker, PhD, CCC-A/SLP
Optimizing Outcomes for Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing:
A 17-Year Longitudinal Study
Many children with hearing loss receive early intervention for hearing loss. Even with this early intervention, however, CHL are at risk for delays and it is critical to understand the source of those delays. The aim of this presentation is to describe results from a longitudinal study that followed early-identified CHL from preschool through high school. Our findings suggest that in CHL, particularly those children with mild to moderate hearing loss, higher levels of aided auditory access are associated with faster growth in language skills and age-appropriate achievement through elementary school and secondary grades. Consistent auditory access with well-fit hearing aids contributes to positive outcomes for CHL.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, audiologists will be able to:
- Describe how cumulative auditory experience affects outcomes in children who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Identify best practices in management of children with mild or moderate hearing loss
- List strengths and vulnerabilities in language skills for school age children who are deaf or hard of hearing
Disclosures: I receive a salary from the University of Iowa. I receive external grant funding from the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Education. I received an honorarium and travel compensation from the North Carolina Academy of Audiology.
The North Carolina Audiology Association is approved by the American Academy of Audiology to offer Academy CEUs for this activity. The program is worth a maximum of 0.20 CEUs. Academy approval of this continuing education activity is based on course content only and does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedure, or adherence of the event to the Academy's Code of Ethics. Any views that are presented are those of the presenter/CE Provider and not necessarily of the American Academy of Audiology.
Track A 11:15 - 12:15 pm
-
- Speaker: Margaret Dillon, AuD, PhD
Today's cochlear implant candidates and recipients retain more residual acoustic hearing than ever before, creating new opportunities to improve patient outcomes. This session will examine the role of preserved acoustic hearing in speech perception and real-world listening, review the evidence linking residual hearing to clinical outcomes, and discuss fitting strategies that optimize the use of acoustic hearing within the cochlear implant system to maximize patient benefit.
Learning Objectives:
- List the new candidacy criteria for cochlear implantation
- Discuss methods to individualize the filter frequencies for a cochlear implant map
- List the effect of acoustic hearing on spatial hearing outcomes
Disclosures: Research grant provided to the university from MED-EL Corporation. Course faculty for the Institute for Cochlear Implant Training Surgical and Audiology courses.
The North Carolina Audiology Association is approved by the American Academy of Audiology to offer Academy CEUs for this activity. The program is worth a maximum of 0.10 CEUs. Academy approval of this continuing education activity is based on course content only and does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedure, or adherence of the event to the Academy's Code of Ethics. Any views that are presented are those of the presenter/CE Provider and not necessarily of the American Academy of Audiology.
- Track B 11:15 - 12:15 pm
- Speaker: Natalie Giduz, LCSW, MSW
- 12:15 - 1:00 pm: LUNCH
Whole Family Care in Pediatric Audiology
This session will explore trauma and barriers to audiological care from a family-centered framework. Participants will gain knowledge about what questions to ask and resources to provide.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, audiologists will be able to:
- Participants will be able to explain how understanding the family context can inform practice
- Participants will be able to describe two ways how a patient’s trauma can an impact an appointment
- Participants will understand how to access patient resources to address transportation barriers and social support
Financial: Natalie Giduz is a paid employee of the University of North Carolina of Chapel Hill
The North Carolina Audiology Association is approved by the American Academy of Audiology to offer Academy CEUs for this activity. The program is worth a maximum of 0.10 CEUs. Academy approval of this continuing education activity is based on course content only and does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedure, or adherence of the event to the Academy's Code of Ethics. Any views that are presented are those of the presenter/CE Provider and not necessarily of the American Academy of Audiology.
Track A & B Combined
- 1:00 - 2:30 pm
- Speaker: Sherri Smith, PhD, AuD, CCC-A
- Speaker: Lauren Leclerc, AuD
- Speaker: Jeff Fischer, PhD
- 2:30 pm: CLOSING REMARKS
Grand Rounds
Sherri Smith, PhD, AuD, CCC-A: Audiology Assistants in North Carolina
Lauren Leclerc, AuD: Student Supervision
Jeff Fischer, PhD: Strengthening Our State Through Stronger Patient Connections
Learning Objectives:
Disclosures:
| The North Carolina Audiology Association is approved by the American Academy of Audiology to offer Academy CEUs for this activity. The program is worth a maximum of 1.05 CEUs. Academy approval of this continuing education activity is based on course content only and does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedure, or adherence of the event to the Academy's Code of Ethics. Any views that are presented are those of the presenter/CE Provider and not necessarily of the American Academy of Audiology.
Conference Cancellation Policy In the event that the conference needs to be canceled or rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances, a full refund will be issued to the registrants or the fee can be applied to the rescheduled date/time of the event. Registrants will be notified via email as well as social media in the event of cancellation. If the conference is rescheduled, registrants will have the opportunity to apply their registration fees to the newly scheduled date. If the rescheduled date/time is not convenient for the registrant or in the event the conference is not rescheduled, a full refund will be issued. Refunds are sent by check to the registrant’s mailing address in 2-3 weeks following cancellation. Conference Complaints Policy Should an attendee be unsatisfied with accommodations, education material, or any other aspect of the annual conference, a complaint should be sent via email to [email protected] or can be communicated in person to a member of the executive board or conference chair. Any and all complaints submitted will be reviewed by the conference committee and forwarded to the executive board as deemed appropriate. The leadership team aims to resolve all complaints as quickly as possible and to the satisfaction of the attendee. Complaints can also be noted in the annual conference feedback form to be addressed for the following year’s events. Conference Fee Refund Policy Refund/registration cancellation request is due in writing 40 days before the scheduled start of the conference for a full refund. If a refund/registration cancellation is requested within 40 days of the event, the participant will be refunded the registration fee, less the cost of food provided at the conference. All requests should be sent via email to [email protected]. Refunds will be issued as a check sent to the registrant’s mailing address within 2-3 weeks. Satisfactory Completion Requirement Statement To receive continuing education credit each participant must submit a completed feedback form with the correct attendance code per lecture. Feedback form will be provided either on paper or electronically the day of the conference and are to be returned within 48 hours of the course completion. |
The North Carolina Audiology Association is approved by the American Academy of Audiology to offer Academy CEUs for this activity. The program is worth a maximum of 1.05 CEUs. Academy approval of this continuing education activity is based on course content only and does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedure, or adherence of the event to the Academy's Code of Ethics. Any views that are presented are those of the presenter/CE Provider and not necessarily of the American Academy of Audiology.
North Carolina Audiology Association Intellectual Property Policy for Presenters/Speakers
The North Carolina Audiology Association (NCAA) takes matters of intellectual property seriously. To this end, this document will outlines policy for intellectual property related to the speakers/presenters who participate in courses that are approved for CEUs. For the purposes of this policy, the “Presentation” shall be defined as the spoken or non-verbal communications of the speaker to the attendees during the course of a CEU-approved session. “Materials” shall be defined as the powerpoint presentation, handouts, or other written or digital materials provided by the speaker.
It is NCAA policy that:
- That no part of the Presentation or Materials infringes upon any copyright or other intellectual property right of any third party;
- If any part of the Presentation or Materials involve the performance or reproduction of any pre-existing work, that the speaker is the owner of the copyright, or have obtained permission. Further, NCAA may offer and provide the Presentation and any related Materials, solely in connection with the Convention and its promotion, and with the permission of speaker. Speakers’ permission to share and provide these materials for the membership is assumed by remitting digital Materials to NCAA in relation to the conference;
- The Presentation and Materials contain nothing libelous, slanderous, injurious or untrue;
- NCAA is granted a perpetual, irrevocable, non-exclusive royalty free license for NCAA to use and host the Presentation (solely restricted to live/in-person during Convention) and Materials solely in relation with Convention. If Materials are provided to NCAA by the speaker for dissemination to the membership, these Materials are assumed to be covered under this policy point. NCAA agrees to not directly distribute the provided materials to non-members, and/or those who have not paid to attend the conference either in person in digitally. NCAA is not held responsible for the actions third parties who may unknowingly, illegally or accidentally share Materials to non-members, or non-attendees;
- That the speaker has full power and authority, free of any rights of any nature whatsoever by any person, to enter into and abide this Agreement and to grant the license to NCAA in this Agreement. If not, the speaker shall notify NCAA at least 5 months prior to the date of the conference;
- By agreeing to present at the NCAA Conference as an invited speaker, the speaker does grant permission to be photographed and or partially videoed and that the photographs or video be published the in NCAA publications, NCAA-related public media, or NCAA digital media. NCAA may make reference to the appearance of the speaker and may make photographs or partial videos available to mass media outlets for purposes of promoting NCAA and/or the speaker within the context of audiology awareness or any pertinent audiology-related issues;
- That I shall indemnify and hold harmless NCAA and its agents, board members, employees, affiliates, successors, assignees and licensees from and against any claim, damage, liability, expense or loss, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs associated therewith, or with the enforcement of this indemnity, arising from any claim asserted against NCAA by any person or entity, arising from my actual or alleged breach of any of their representations and warranties in this Agreement or arising from the Presentation or Materials.
