Schedule
yEARly Huddle - 2026
Hands On. Voices Up.
Learning by Doing. Advocating with Purpose
November 5–6 | Park Hotel, Madison
Day 1 – Thursday
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM – Breakfast - Registration & Networking
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM –Welcome and Orientation
Veronica H. Heide, Au.D., President – Opening remarks
Catherine Conely-Mink, Au.D. – Conference Chair
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM. Module A: Gabrielle Merchant, Au.D., Ph.D. – Advancing the Clinical Application of Wideband Tympanometry (1.5)
Guest speaker sponsored by e3 Diagnostics
Wideband Tympanometry (WBT) is an advanced, noninvasive diagnostic assessment technique that characterizes peripheral auditory system mechanics across a broad frequency range (e.g., 250–8000 Hz) at ambient pressure and/or as a function of ear-canal static pressure. By assessing auditory function across a wide range of frequencies, WBT can detect mechanical abnormalities that may not be evident with traditional single-frequency (226 Hz) tympanometry.
This presentation will describe the principles of WBT, explain and demonstrate measurement procedures, review its diagnostic applications across the lifespan, and discuss recent findings from my laboratory at Boys Town National Research Hospital demonstrating how WBT may improve the differential diagnosis of otitis media. The session will also include case studies and hands-on practice to support clinical implementation of these measurements.
10: 00 AM – 11:00 AM Module B: Hands-On Practicum in measuring and interpreting WBT - (1.0)
This practicum in WBT will provide case studies and hands-on practice to support clinical implementation of these measurements. Participants will complete WBT measurements using two different instruments. Discuss your findings, clinical implications, and recommendations based on the results.
11:00 AM – Noon Module C: Eric Hulse – Finding The Right Balance: Bedside and Diagnostic Vestibular Services for Your Clinic (1.0)
This presentation will discuss the implementation of practical bedside and diagnostic vestibular evaluations for any Audiology clinic. Relevant anatomy and physiology, evaluation details, and implementation strategies will be reviewed. Following the presentation, conference participants will be able to demo and practice with the relevant equipment used to assess vestibular function.
Noon – 1:00 PM Lunch and Networking
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Module D: Stephanie Czuhajewski, CAE, MPH - Advocacy for patients and our profession
Advancements in practitioner excellence, ethical standards, professional autonomy and sound business practices have been made over the past 30 years, yet licensure laws have not been updated to reflect these advancements. Modernization of audiology licensure laws is critical for audiologists to practice to the highest level of their training and education.
2:00 PM– 3:00 PM Module E: Meredy Hase, Au.D. & Gary Goyke
Wisconsin Legislative Update and Advocacy
This session will provide information about current legislative initiatives and how they directly impact clinical practice. Attendees will learn how to identify their WI State Senators and Assembly Representatives, how to address them in correspondence, and how to communicate in person on legislation that is important to the profession. Learn how individuals can make a difference as they advocate for their patients, their practices, and the profession.
“Taking the walk” across to the Capitol to connect with your representatives.
Walk to the Capitol
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Capitol Advocacy Walk
Guided tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol
Locate your State Senator and Representative offices
Deliver WAA advocacy packets
Meet legislative staff when available
Group photo in the Rotunda
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM – Module F: Finding Solutions – Catherine Conely, Au.D. & Veronica Heide, Au.D.
Technology keeps changing and meeting the needs of our patients with the most current and effective treatments is challenging. Attendees will explore rehabilitative options for three case studies including single-sided deafness, ski-slope hearing loss, and tinnitus. Attendees will visit manufacturers to explore their solutions for each case and be able to describe the features and benefits of the selected solution.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to compare manufacturer-specific rehabilitative solutions for patients with single-sided deafness, ski-slope hearing loss, tinnitus, and sound sensitivity, justify technology recommendations based on patient needs, and incorporate newly identified features and rehabilitation strategies into clinical practice.
Day 2 – Friday
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM– Breakfast & Networking & Exhibitors
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Module G: HOT for HAT: A Practical Take on Hearing Assistive Technology - Sara Neuman, Au.D. (1.5)
Lecture + Practicum – ALD Connection Lab
Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) is often underutilized as a tool to support individuals with hearing loss. When implemented correctly, it can make a substantial impact on quality of life for hearing aid and cochlear implant users in adverse listening environments, such as school, work, and many public spaces. This presentation will focus on foundational and recent research supporting use of remote microphone systems and other connectivity tools and introduce some important guidelines and considerations when selecting HAT for both practical and logistical reasons.
Following the presentation, a clinician-focused panel and hands-on session will allow audiologists to address real world situations and considerations in order to build confidence in recommending and supporting HAT use. Participants will leave with resources to support HAT recommendations and use in and out of the clinic.
BREAK
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM Module H: From Clinic to Classroom: What Every Audiologist Should Know About Educational Audiology - Christine Otte, Au.D. & Beth Larimer, Au.D.
Contrary to popular belief, Educational Audiologists do far more than conduct school hearing screenings. They play a critical role in ensuring that students with hearing loss have full access to communication, learning, and educational opportunities throughout the school day.
Attendees will learn how Educational Audiologists bridge the gap between medical hearing care and educational success by helping students hear, participate, and achieve in challenging learning environments. Participants will identify opportunities to coordinate care, improve technology management across settings, share meaningful clinical and educational information, and create a seamless support system for students with hearing loss.
Whether you work in a clinic, hospital, private practice, or school district, this presentation will provide valuable insights into how Educational Audiologists contribute to student success and how stronger partnerships can improve outcomes for the children and families we jointly serve.
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM Module I: The Genetics of Hearing Loss and Deafness - Elizabeth Kellom, MS - Genetics
Genetic testing is becoming a routine part of hearing loss evaluation and can provide information that influences medical care, prognosis, family counseling, and access to research or emerging therapies. This presentation will review common genetic causes of hearing loss, available testing options, and the role of the genetic counselor in supporting patients and families through the testing process. Through clinical examples, we will discuss when a genetics referral may be appropriate and how audiologists and genetic counselors can work together to improve patient care. The presentation will also highlight recent advances in gene-based therapies for hearing loss and what they may mean for the future of the field.
11:45 AM – 1:00 p.m. LUNCH
Lunch
Celebrating partnerships, community, and excellence in Wisconsin audiology
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Module J: Cochlear Implantation and Imaging - Hunter Elms, MD
Surgical techniques for cochlear implantation will be reviewed using video presentations and hands-on demonstration models. Anatomic and technical considerations for electrode selection will be reviewed. Anatomic variations and complications during implantation will be discussed, as will their impact on implant performance.
2:00 – 3:00 PM - Module K: Knowing your Worth - Marcia Dewey, Au.D. & Amy Dankwardt, Au.D.
Audiologist’s can benefit from Knowing their Value. This talk focuses on how audiologists can embrace their professional value, use the title of Doctor proudly, and unapologetically charge for their professional services and time. We will discuss the history of audiology and how this influences us today. Given that 88% of audiologists are women, this session will explore the challenges women may encounter and how these dynamics influence self-perception, as well as how their contributions are perceived by others. Participants will also gain practical strategies for effectively communicating the value of the profession to patients
3:00 – 3:45 PM | WAA Member Huddle: Shaping Our Future
Join fellow audiologists in small-group discussions facilitated by our Board, focused on the future of the Wisconsin Academy of Audiology. Share your ideas about advocacy, education, networking, and member engagement while helping guide the organization's priorities for the coming year.
Discussion Topics:
What did you find most valuable about this year's yEARly Huddle?
What educational opportunities would you like WAA to provide?
How can WAA better support audiologists across practice settings?
What advocacy issues should be our highest priorities?
How do you prefer to receive information and stay connected with colleagues?
What would make WAA membership even more valuable to you?
Each discussion group shares key ideas and recommendations. The WAA Board will summarize common themes and outline next steps for turning member feedback into action.
Closing Message
"Wisconsin Leading Wisconsin starts with Wisconsin audiologists leading together."
Your voice guides our WAA Board:
Membership needs assessment
Conference evaluation feedback
Strategic planning input
Advocacy priorities
Communication preferences