AAA 2026 Preview: Student Programming You Won’t Want to Miss

By Jeremiah Hauser and Jane Zankman

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at AAA 2026! As we gear up for the 2026 convention, we could not be more excited to spotlight this year’s student-focused educational sessions! Our SAA Programs Committee has poured countless hours of creativity, collaboration, and dedication into building something truly special for you.

Our goal this year: we want you to leave the conference energized, confident, and more passionate than ever about audiology. Whether you’re still exploring the breadth of the profession or already passionate about a specific niche, there is something here for you.

Topics

We’re diving into topics that reflect the diversity and innovation within audiology, including:

• Music Audiology
• Genetics and Hearing Loss at Every Age
• Supporting Our Patients: Understanding Neurodivergence & the LEND Program
• Unique and Complex Case Studies
• Panel Discussions with International Audiologists
• Forensic, Military, Intraoperative Monitoring, Educational and Other Audiology Specialties

Highlights

This year, we’re thrilled to bring back one of our most popular events, the Externship Panel, where you’ll hear directly from students and early-career professionals about their real-world experiences, lessons learned, and advice for navigating the next steps in your journey.

We’re especially excited to host an in-person “quiz bowl” style event! This interactive session is designed to help you prepare for the Praxis by reviewing key concepts, sharing best practices, giving you practical tips to boost your confidence and success, as well as working with groups trying to answer the most questions written by peers and professionals.

Plus, don’t miss our Virtual CI Surgery session where Cochlear will walk us through the surgical implant process step-by-step, giving you a rare inside look at what happens in the operating room with detailed commentary. We’d like to thank Cochlear for their participation in this session and their overall sponsorship of the Student Education Series.

SAA Conference

Finally, we encourage you to register for the SAA Conference on Wednesday April 22, beginning at noon. This year’s conference is generously sponsored by Starkey. The first 200 students to register will have their registration fee waived.

Stay tuned for more announcements and detailed session highlights. And head on over to the online conference planner to start curating your personalized schedule.

We cannot wait to see you there, learn alongside you, and continue shaping the future of audiology together.

Let’s make AAA 2026 one to remember!