75th Anniversary - International Hearing Society (IHS)

For 75 years, the International Hearing Society (IHS) has been at the forefront of advancing hearing care and empowering hearing healthcare professionals worldwide. As we celebrate this milestone throughout 2026, we honor the generations who have shaped our legacy and look forward to a future of service, connections, innovation, and advocacy. Under the theme “Uniting Generations. Advancing Hearing Care.”, we invite you to join us in a year-long journey of reflection, engagement, and progress. Together, we will amplify our impact through four pillars: Advocacy, Relationships, Communication, and Education.

Be part of the celebration—share your story or historical artifacts, participate in events, and help us shape the next chapter of hearing care.

Share Your Story or Historical Artifacts

Letter written and signed by U.S. President Ronald Reagan sent on September 22, 1982. Letter is on The White House letterhead with attention to Floyd E. Loupot, President of the National Hearing Aid Society, and reads "I take great pleasure in extending my warm greetings to all those agtered for the National Hearing Aid Society's thirty-first Annual Convention. This event helps bring deserved attention to those whose training and skills provide greatly needed treatment, service, and assistance to our citizens who are deaf or hearing impaired. Through your efforts, many handicapped people attain higher levels of achievement and improved quality of life faciliated by your professional expertise and devoted concern. You have my best wishes for a succesful and productive convention." — In 1982, U.S. President Ronald Reagan wrote to the attendees of the 31st Annual Convention expressing best wishes for a successful event. He was a proponent of hearing healthcare as an early adopter of ITC customized hearing aids.

Advocacy

IHS has fought for representation of Hearing Aid Specialists throughout history and continues to champion policies that safeguard the hearing care profession and guarantee individuals have access to high-quality services through their provider of choice. Through advocacy and action, we strive to protect professional standards, expand care availability, and ensure hearing health remains a priority for all.

Relationships

IHS celebrates the connections that unite generations of hearing healthcare professionals and the patients they serve. Through shared experiences, mentorship, and collaborations, we connect people, organizations, and partners to inspire service, innovation, and growth, and ensure the continued advancement of hearing care for communities worldwide.

board of governors cutting the ribbon at the opening event to the IHS World Headquarters — IHS celebrated the official grand opening of its newly remodeled world headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, on April 30, 2024

Audecibel cover issue right before rebranding to The Hearing Professional. — In 2001, IHS *The Audecibel* Magazine renamed to what is now *The Hearing Professional* Magazine

Communication

IHS has connected thousands of professionals, organizations, and partners through its history, and promotes and facilitates dialogue and connection within our community by sharing insights, updates, and opportunities that matter most. Through clear, consistent communication, we strengthen trust, foster collaboration, and ensure every member feels informed, connected, and empowered to advance hearing care.

Education

IHS honors the evolving role of education in developing new professionals through the development and introduction of new training programs throughout the years, driving personal growth and excellence in hearing care. By fostering continuous learning and sharing knowledge, we empower hearing care providers to innovate, adapt, and deliver the highest standard of care for every patient.

old photo from the first institute meeting — 1974 first meeting of what is now known as the International Institute of Hearing Instrument Studies (IIHIS) Committee

IHS 2026 Conference & Expo — Where voices unite and hearing leads. August 12–15, Washington, D.C.

Celebrate with Us

The fabric of IHS and this anniversary year will be woven throughout the IHS 2026 Conference & Expo, where we will honor those who have led the profession, engage in lifelong learning, grow in our friendships and peer relationships, and advocate for the profession through the hosting of a historic Capitol Hill Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.

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