Celebrating Excellence in Hearing Healthcare

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Society’s most distinguished honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, is reserved for trailblazers whose unwavering commitment has shaped the future of hearing healthcare. This award celebrates individuals who, through decades of visionary leadership, groundbreaking innovation, or selfless service, have advanced the profession, uplifted countless lives, and set enduring standards of excellence for generations to come. 

Nomination & Selection

The honoree of this award is both nominated and chosen by a specially-organized selection committee.

Outstanding Professional Member Award

The Outstanding Professional Member Award honors an IHS professional member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing the values and mission of IHS. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals whose contributions have elevated the professional identity and status of IHS membership, strengthened mutual respect among hearing healthcare professionals, and ensured members’ continued eligibility as trusted providers with the hearing healthcare profession. 

Recipients of this award embody excellence by: 

• Promoting the highest standards in the hearing aid dispensing profession.
• Enhancing collaboration and respect across the hearing healthcare community.
• Educating the public about the vital role of hearing healthcare professionals. 

Nomination & Eligibility

Award nominations are open at the beginning of each year for IHS Members to provide their submissions. Both the nominator and nominee must have been members of IHS for a minimum of five (5) years.

Emerging Professional Award

The Emerging Professional Award recognizes the exceptional professional member who, within their first five years of practice, has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to advancing the role of hearing aid dispensing professional. Through participation in IHS and affiliate chapters, leadership, volunteering, or professional growth, the recipient exemplifies the values and mission of IHS while inspiring and engaging a broader audience. 

Nomination & Eligibility

Award nominations are open at the beginning of each year for IHS Members to provide their submissions. Nominators must have been a member of IHS for a minimum of five (5) years. Nominees must be a professional member of IHS that has been practicing for 5 years or less.

James P. Lovell Advocacy Award

The James P. Lovell Advocacy Award is named in honor of the former IHS Government Affairs Director who courageously defended the profession during the FDA’s consideration of regulatory changes for Hearing Aid Specialists in the 1990s. Because of James P. Lovell – and the ongoing efforts of those who follow in his footsteps – the profession continues to thrive, ensuring that Hearing Aid Specialists remain a vital part of hearing healthcare. 

Presented annually to an individual or organization, this award celebrates extraordinary achievements in advocacy that advance the interests of both the profession and the patients/clients it serves. Recipients embody the spirit of perseverance, leadership, and dedication by championing policies, initiatives, and public awareness efforts that protect and promote access to hearing healthcare. Through their work, they uphold IHS’ mission and honor the legacy of James. P. Lovell by ensuring that the voices of Hearing Aid Specialists and the hearing impaired are heard at every level. 

Nomination & Selection

Although preferred, nominees do not need to be IHS Members. 

Chapter of the Year Award

Bestowed annually upon an IHS Affiliate Chapter, the Chapter of the Year Award honors exceptional achievement and leadership in advancing both the profession and the hearing healthcare industry. This distinguished recognition celebrates chapters that demonstrate outstanding commitment to growth and impact through innovative development, effective advocacy, strategic public relations, and meaningful educational initiatives. By fostering collaboration, elevating professional standards, and engaging their communities, the honored chapter exemplifies the mission of IHS and sets the benchmark for excellence across the Society.

Nomination & Eligibility

The nominated IHS Affiliate Chapter must be active and in good standing. Nominators may be directly involved with the nominated chapter, which is encouraged, as those most familiar with the chapter are best positioned to highlight its achievements.