Hayley Billington, Business Owner and Clinical Audiologist, Just Hearing, Derby, UK.
Members of the Association of Hearing Healthcare Professionals (AIHHP) came together from all over the country for two days of learning, networking, and celebration – not to mention for the 16th Golden Lobe Awards.
On the opening day, 23 audiology organisations, including hearing device manufacturers and charities, got to know each other and discussed industry challenges.
Notable exhibitors included Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, along with gold sponsors Phonak, Widex and Starkey.
The expo commenced with an executive and full members’ meeting, providing updates on AIHHP news and developments. Keynote speaker Jez Rose (left) then gave a thought-provoking speech on self-reflection for positive change.
Other speakers covered crucial topics such as HCA training, dementia patient interactions and innovative collaborations between universities and industry players, providing us all with food for thought about how we train our teams, engage with patients and grow our practices.
On Friday evening, it was time for the annual Golden Lobe Awards, with a country-and-western theme and a performance by the multi-talented Sarah Riches (whose day job is Senior Course Tutor at the Audiology Academy). We enjoyed a three-course meal as industry achievements in the hearing aid sector were recognised.
The awards acknowledged outstanding products and sales personnel as well as the unsung heroes in customer services, emphasising their invaluable contributions to the industry.
Saturday's highlights included a 'Question Time' session with senior executives from leading hearing aid manufacturers, addressing the latest industry developments.
Julie Dennis spoke on the importance of recognising menopause in the workplace, and Dr Angela Alexander gave a fascinating and inspiring presentation on auditory processing disorder.
As a delegate, the expo offered a comprehensive view of industry advancements, practical insights, and a chance to connect with like-minded professionals. AIHHP's commitment to fostering collaboration and acknowledging excellence in the field was evident throughout this engaging and informative event and I’m already looking forward to Nottingham, 29–30 November 2024!
