The American Academy of Audiology has announced the recipients of its 2026 Academy Honors and Awards, recognizing individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to audiology and the hearing sciences. Each year, the Academy invites colleagues, mentors, and peers to nominate professionals whose work reflects excellence in clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and service to the profession.
According to the Academy, the awards program highlights individuals whose achievements have advanced patient care, strengthened the profession, and contributed to the broader understanding of hearing and balance disorders.
As part of the recognition, award recipients were asked to reflect on the professional accomplishment they are most proud of, with their responses featured in a video compilation and individual profiles.
Excellence in Audiology Award
The Excellence in Audiology Award is presented to individuals with more than 10 years of experience who have demonstrated substantial achievements in multiple areas, including clinical excellence, education or mentoring, research, service to the profession, or social media influence.
Michael Cevette, PhD, was recognized for his longstanding contributions as a clinician, educator, and researcher. Dr. Cevette is a professor of audiology in the Department of Otolaryngology at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, where he has served since 1987. He is internationally recognized for his work on the auditory and vestibular systems and has received research funding from organizations including NASA and the U.S. Air Force.
Douglas Beck, AuD, was also named a recipient of the Excellence in Audiology Award. With a career spanning more than four decades, Dr. Beck has contributed extensively to clinical practice, education, research, mentorship, and professional leadership. His influence includes teaching and mentoring thousands of students and professionals, as well as delivering educational programs and public lectures throughout the field.
James Jerger Career Award
The James Jerger Career Award honors individuals with more than 20 years of experience who have made significant and lasting contributions to audiology, particularly through clinical care, research, advocacy, humanitarian efforts, or exceptional service to the profession.
Pawel Jastreboff, PhD, ScD, received the 2026 James Jerger Career Award in recognition of his foundational work in tinnitus research and clinical management. Dr. Jastreboff is best known for developing the Neurophysiological Model of Tinnitus and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT). His work has played a central role in advancing the understanding of tinnitus, loudness hyperacusis, and misophonia, as well as informing clinical approaches to these conditions.
Marion Downs Pediatric Audiology Award
The Marion Downs Pediatric Audiology Award recognizes exceptional contributions to pediatric audiology through education, clinical care, advocacy, or research.
Sandra Gabbard, PhD, was named the 2026 recipient of this award. Dr. Gabbard is a pediatric audiologist, educator, and executive leader who has dedicated her career to advancing early identification and intervention for children with hearing loss. Her work continues the legacy of her mentor, Dr. Marion Downs, a pioneer in pediatric audiology and newborn hearing screening.
Outstanding Early Career Award
The Outstanding Early Career Award honors individuals with fewer than 10 years of professional experience who have demonstrated substantial achievements in areas such as clinical practice, teaching, research, service, or professional engagement.
Anna Jilla, AuD, PhD, received the award for her leadership in education, research, and service. Dr. Jilla currently serves as the Jo Mayo Endowed Assistant Professor at Lamar University. Her research on hearing aid affordability, workforce sufficiency, and Medicaid accessibility has influenced national hearing health policy and has been cited in a congressional letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. She has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications and delivered over 50 presentations internationally.
Laura Gaeta, PhD, was also recognized with the Outstanding Early Career Award. Dr. Gaeta is a faculty member at California State University, Sacramento, where she played a central role in establishing the university’s Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program. As founding faculty, she developed the curriculum, guided accreditation, and currently serves as program director and department vice-chair. Her teaching and research efforts have been recognized with CSUS Outstanding Teaching and Outstanding Research Awards.
Celebrating Professional Excellence
The Academy noted that additional information about each award recipient, including professional biographies and individual video responses, is available through its Academy Honors and Awards program. The organization encourages members and the broader audiology community to celebrate the achievements of the 2026 honorees and their contributions to advancing hearing health care.
Source: AAA
