FARMINGTON HILLS, MICHIGAN – The International Hearing Society (IHS), a global association representing hearing healthcare professionals, has announced its 2024 IHS Award Winners, recognized for their exceptional contributions to the field. The recipients will be honored at the “Night at the Races” event on September 14th during the 2024 IHS Conference & Expo in Louisville, Kentucky.
IHS President Patrick Kochanowski, BS, ACA, BC-HIS, expressed his pride in the awardees, stating, “The 2024 IHS Award Winners exemplify dedication to and compassion for those experiencing hearing loss. On behalf of the IHS Board of Governors, I congratulate these outstanding individuals and chapters on their pursuit of excellence. I am incredibly humbled to be counted amongst them.”
Lifetime Achievement Award:
The prestigious 2024 IHS Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to John Beall, ACA, whose career has been marked by significant leadership roles, including Vice President and President of the Pennsylvania Hearing Aid Alliance and Secretary of the IHS Board of Governors.
Beall was also the first franchisee and a respected leader for IHS partner Miracle-Ear. His enduring commitment to hearing healthcare has inspired many to follow in his footsteps.
James P. Lovell Advocacy Award:
Todd Beyer, ACA, BC-HIS, owner of The Hearing House LLC in Marshfield, Wisconsin, will receive the James P. Lovell Advocacy Award for his extraordinary efforts in advocating for individuals with hearing impairments.
Emerging Professional Award:
Abigayle Senff of Rochester, Minnesota, will be recognized with the IHS Emerging Professional Award. This honor is bestowed upon an IHS member who has been licensed for less than five years and has significantly expanded the role of hearing aid dispensing professionals through leadership, volunteerism, and professional growth.
Outstanding Professional Member Award:
Leslie Holden, BC-HIS, of Winnipeg, Canada, will receive the IHS Outstanding Professional Member Award for her substantial contributions to advancing the values and goals of IHS. This award highlights her efforts to enhance the professional identity and status of IHS membership and to educate the public about the role of hearing healthcare professionals.
Chapter of the Year Award:
The Wisconsin Alliance of Hearing Professionals has been named the IHS Chapter of the Year, recognized for their significant contributions to the profession and industry through development, advocacy, public relations, meetings, and educational initiatives.
The Hearing Review Professional Leadership Award:
IHS President Patrick Kochanowski, BS, ACA, BC-HIS, will also be honored at the event with The Hearing Review Professional Leadership Award. This accolade, awarded by The Hearing Review magazine, recognizes his success in the industry and his efforts to advance the profession of Hearing Aid Specialists. Roy Felts, publisher of The Hearing Review, commented, “Patrick has been a champion of education and advocacy throughout his career, serving as a role model for others in the field.”
“The devotion of our 2024 IHS award winners to the Hearing Aid Specialist profession and their compassion in helping individuals hear and communicate better is an inspiration. I encourage IHS members to join us in celebrating these exemplary professionals in Louisville this September.”
–IHS Executive Director, Alissa Parady
For more details on the award winners and their achievements, readers can explore the October-November-December 2024 edition of The Hearing Professional magazine. Attendees of the Night at the Races event will also have the opportunity to meet many of the awardees in person.
About the International Hearing Society:
The International Hearing Society (IHS) represents hearing healthcare professionals globally, including hearing aid specialists. Founded in 1951, IHS is dedicated to advancing hearing healthcare and the professionals within the field. For more information, visit www.ihsinfo.org.
Source: IHS
