We’ve gathered some great hearing loss events to prepare for in 2026.
Attending a hearing event, conference, or gathering can be a fun and meaningful way to meet new people, share hearing loss experiences and developments, and learn about hearing loss or communication strategies. There are a variety of conferences to choose from, ranging from more social to academic. In this blog, we’ve gathered a few of our top recommendations for 2026 hearing loss events you may want to attend.
HLAA 2026 Convention
The HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America) Convention is one of the premier organizations for hearing loss awareness, gathering resources, and organizing local chapters for community. The 2026 convention will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, in June. It will host hearing experts, panels, discussions, opportunities for community involvement, and much more. Reservations with an early bird special rate open in January of 2026, so don’t wait if you’re interested in attending this event.
Walk4Hearing
The Walk4Hearing events, hosted by the HLAA, are a series of walks for hearing awareness in many cities across the United States. This is an excellent event to attend, as chances are there is one close to you during the year! The schedule for 2026 can be located here. This is a fun way to bring friends or family along or meet new people during your walk. You can also help volunteer if that’s more your style.
ASHA
The yearly ASHA conference (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) can be a beneficial way to learn about recent advancements in hearing technology, stay up-to-date on best practices, and get continuing education credits for attendees in the hearing loss profession. The unique aspect of this conference is that you can attend virtually, so travel is not necessary. If you want to attend in person, the 2026 event is going to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana. More information for attendees can be found here.
National Association of the Deaf
The NAD is hosting its biennial conference in San Francisco, California. This event will be June 30th-July 5th, and boasts a wide variety of events, like the kickoff board meeting, opening ceremonies, a cultural extravaganza, the college bowl championship event, and hosts many exhibits, lectures, and workshops you can choose to attend. The NAD is a pillar of the hearing loss community, and you can register to become a yearlong member, too.
ALDAcon
The Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA) hosts a yearly convention known as ALDAcon, which will be held in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 2026. This year’s event schedule has not been released yet, but you can find that information here as soon as it becomes available. ALDAcon is a lively, bright event for attendees of all ages; from a karaoke night and celebratory meals together to workshops, trainings, and community-building events, you’re sure to have a fabulous time. This is a fantastic event to attend if you’re looking to make friends, learn strategies that work for others in the hearing loss community, and participate in workshops and group events.
IHS
The IHS, or International Hearing Society, will host their 2026 conference in Washington, D.C., in August. This conference mainly targets hearing aid professionals and offers the latest advancements in hearing aid technology, a range of qualified speakers and expert panels, and sponsors or exhibitors with new devices. If you’re interested in learning more about hearing aids or finding an event that can help you understand the benefits or advancements in technology, this one may be for you.
AAA
The American Academy of Audiology (AAA) has a yearly convention that, in 2026, will be held in San Antonio, Texas. They have early bird specials until March, so be sure to register in advance of the conference, held at the end of April. There are keynote speakers, classes on best practices, and more.
No matter which events you plan on attending, researching, or are interested in, there is a large and thriving community around hearing loss, communication, and technology. Try looking into a few of these options or see if there is a state or local agency that is hosting a conference in your area. You may meet some new friends or talk with some leading professionals in the field. And be sure to keep an eye out for the CapTel team and say hi! Find even more informative CapTel blogs here.
