The International Hearing Society has unveiled its 2023 IHS Award Winners who exhibited excellence in several categories. The 2023 awardees will be recognized at the IHS Awards Gala on Sept. 30, 2023, held during the 71st Annual IHS Convention & Expo in Palm Springs, California. 

“I am so proud to share the names of these compassionate and dedicated winners who exemplify the best of IHS,” says IHS President Patrick Kochanowski, BS, ACA, BC-HIS. “Their determination to uplift the profession both by their fine example and their selfless efforts to advocate are not only commendable but are worthy of celebration. On behalf of the IHS Board of Governors, I extend a hearty congratulations to these tremendous individuals and chapter.”

Their contributions to hearing healthcare will be detailed at an Awards Gala in September.

The 2023 IHS Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Roberta Miller, senior director of Dispenser Relations at Beltone, in acknowledgment of her 60 years of dedicated service and leadership with IHS partner, Beltone.

Further reading: Honoring Roberta Miller, the Mother of Beltone

The James P. Lovell Advocacy Award will be awarded to Amanda Bonner, BC-HIS, of Beltone Hearing Aid Center, in Huntington, West Virginia. The Lovell Award is given annually to the member or organization that has accomplished extraordinary achievements in advocating for the deaf.

The IHS Emerging Professional Award will be awarded to Desirae Martocci of Hear Well Center, in Aberdeen, New Jersey. This award is given to an IHS member who has been licensed for less than five years and, during that time, has expanded the role of hearing aid dispensing professional through IHS/chapter participation, leadership, volunteering, and/or professional growth, thereby representing and promoting the mission of IHS to a larger audience.

The IHS Outstanding Professional Member Award winner is Teresa Robinson, MS, ACA, BC-HIS, of Miracle-Ear, in Colonial Heights, Virginia. This award is presented annually to an IHS member who has made significant contributions to the advancement of the International Hearing Society’s values and goals, including advancing and enhancing the professional identity and status of IHS membership; advancing mutual respect among hearing healthcare professionals, to assure IHS members’ eligibility as providers in the hearing care delivery system; advancing professional qualifications and standards in the hearing aid dispensing field; and educating the public about the profession’s role in hearing loss identification and hearing healthcare delivery.

The IHS Chapter of the Year Award is being awarded to Louisiana Society of Hearing Aid Specialists (LSHAS). This award recognizes IHS’ highest achieving chapter that has made the most significant contributions to both the profession and the industry through chapter development, advocacy, public relations, meetings, and education initiatives.

Finally, the Hearing Review Professional Leadership Award IHS President-Elect Michael Andreozzi, BS, BC-HIS, will also receive an award at the IHS Awards Gala this year—The Hearing Review Professional Leadership Award for his success in the industry and advancement of the Hearing Aid Specialist profession. This honor is awarded by The Hearing Review magazine to a tremendous ‘change maker’ in the hearing healthcare profession each year.

“I congratulate all our 2023 IHS award winners and nominees,” says IHS Executive Director Alissa Parady. “These individuals embody the palpable spirit of IHS in their devotion to the Hearing Aid Specialist profession and compassion in helping more individuals hear and communicate better. I hope IHS members will join us in celebrating these exemplary professionals in Palm Springs in September.”

Featured image: Roberta Miller (pictured), senior director of Dispenser Relations at Beltone, will be recognized at the IHS Awards Gala this September. Photo: Beltone