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2026 Population Hearing Health Care Annual Conference

Improving Hearing Health for Indigenous, First Nations, and Rural Communities 


February 24-25th, 2026, Scottsdale, Arizona


Supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders of the National Institutes of Health Award Number R13DC020098



meet the conference program chair

Matthew Bush, MD

Dr. Matthew Bush is a nationally recognized physician-scientist and board-certified otolaryngologist at the University of Kentucky, where he serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. With dual degrees in medicine and research, Dr. Bush has dedicated his career to advancing hearing health equity, particularly in underserved and rural populations. His interdisciplinary research focuses on disparities in access to hearing health care, hearing loss interventions, and outcomes among rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Through NIH-funded studies and community-based initiatives, he has been instrumental in developing models to improve hearing health services for vulnerable populations. Dr. Bush will serve as the invited co-chair for the 2026 Population Hearing Health Care Conference, where he looks forward to contributing to this year’s theme: “Improving Hearing Health for Indigenous, First Nations, and Rural Communities.” He brings deep expertise in rural health disparities and a commitment to building inclusive, sustainable hearing care systems. 

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 Improving Hearing Health for Indigenous, First Nations, and Rural Communities


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Expert Speakers

Networking Opportunities

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Our conference features scientists from hearing science and diverse disciplines present cutting-edge population health research. Gain valuable insights to inform policy decisions and shape the future of population health and hearing care. 

Networking Opportunities

Networking Opportunities

Networking Opportunities

Connect with like-minded researchers and build lasting relationships. Our conference provides ample opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Cutting-Edge Topics

Networking Opportunities

Networking Opportunities

 Stay at the forefront of population hearing health with our conference's focus on the latest research and policy developments. Our sessions cover a wide range of topics, all aimed at improving hearing care at the population level 

Interactive Roundtables

Interactive Roundtables

Interactive Roundtables

Take a hands-on approach to learning with our interactive workshops, designed to provide practical skills and strategies for population health research. Our roundtables are led by experienced researchers and offer a unique learning experience.

Inspiring Keynotes

Interactive Roundtables

Interactive Roundtables

 Our keynote speakers include thought leaders, innovators, and individuals with lived experience, sharing their inspiring stories and insights to motivate and empower you. 

Career Development

Interactive Roundtables

Career Development

With tailored mentoring sessions and opportunities to network with leading experts, we're here to usher in the next generation of hearing health leaders and scientists. 

Agenda (Draft)

February 24th, 2026

Day 1 of the Population Hearing Health Care Annual Conference (subject to change)

Confernce Welcome

8:30 – 8:35 am

Conference Chairs: Kelly Reavis, PhD & Michelle Arnold, PhD

Conference Overview (Day 1)

8:35 – 8:40 am

Conference Program Chair: Matthew Bush, MD

Keynote Address

8:40 – 9:25 am

Speaker: Matthew Bush, MD

Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery 

University of Kentucky, USA

Topic:  Addressing Hearing Health Disparities in Rural Communities 

Mid-Career Scholar Invited Talk

9:25 - 10:40 am

Speakers: Julia Toman, MD and Zach Porterfield, MD PhD

(Toman) Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

(Porterfield) Center for Global Health and Inter-Disciplinary Research

University of South Florida, USA

Topic:  Screening for otitis media and hearing loss with primary care in South Africa 

Break

10:40 - 11:00 am

Invited Student Speaker

11:00 - 11:30 am

Speaker: Wid Alhassani, BS

University of South Florida, USA

Topic: Cholesteatoma recidivism and hearing outcomes in a district hospital in rural Western Cape 

Panel Discussion

11:30am - 12:15pm

Panel: Matthew Bush, MD; Julia Toman, MD; Zach Porterfield, MD PhD; Wid Alhassani, BS

Lunch

12:15 - 1:25pm

On your own

Welcome Back

1:25 - 1:30pm

Mid-Career Scholar Invited Talk

1:30 - 2:45pm

Speakers: Joshuaa Allison-Burbank, PhD, CCC-SLP and Natalie Pak, PhD, CCC-SLP

(Allison-Burbank) Center for Indigenous Health, John Hopkins University, USA

(Pak) Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of South Florida, USA

Topic: Language is Medicine on the Navajo Nation 

Break

2:45 - 3:00pm

Lived Experience

3:00 - 3:30pm

Lived Experience

3:30 - 4:00pm

Panel Discussion

4:00 - 5:00pm

Panel:  Joshuaa Allison-Burbank, PhD, CCC-SLP; Natalie Pak, PhD, CCC-SLP; Lived Experience Speakers


February 25th, 2026

Day 2 of the Population Hearing Health Care Annual Conference (subject to change)

Conference Overview (Day 2)

8:30 - 8:35am

Conference Program Chair: Matthew Bush, MD

Early Career Invited Speaker

8:40 - 9:10am

Speaker: Lilian Wairimu Mokoh, MMed

Department of Surgery, University of Nairobi, Kenya

Topic: Developing a National Ear and Hearing Care Program in Kenya 

Adrian Davis Award

9:10 - 9:15am

Conference Chair: Michelle Arnold, PhD AuD

Adrian Davis Lecture

9:15 - 10:00am

Awardee: Susan Emmett, MD MPH

Center for Hearing Health Access, University of Arkansas, USA

Topic: Reimagining Hearing Health Access in Rural Communities 

Methods Workshop

10:20-11:50am

Speakers: Clarice Meyers, AuD; De Wet Swanepoel, PhD

(Meyers) hearX Group

(Swanepoel) Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Topic: Measurement in resource-constrained settings 

Lunch

11:50am - 1:00pm

On your own

Invited Speaker

1:00 - 1:30pm

Speaker: To Be Confirmed (Australia — Livestream)

Topic: Hearing Health in Indigenous Australian Communities

Panel Discussion

1:30 - 2:15pm

Panel: Susan Emmett, MD MPH; Catherine McMahon, PhD; Clarice Meyers, AuD; Matthew Bush MD

Break

2:15 - 2:30pm

Poster Session

2:30 - 3:30pm

Round Table Session

3:30 - 4:50pm

Conference Wrap-up & Good Byes

4:50 - 5:00pm

Speakers: Mathew Bush, MD, Kelly Reavis, PhD MPH, Michelle Arnold, PhD AuD       

Supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders of the National Institutes of Health Award Number R13DC020098

Abstract Submissions open SEPTEMBER 15, 2025

General Abstract Submission - LATE BREAKING ABSTRACTS OPEN 12/15/2025

Submit your LATE-BREAKING abstract for the PopHHC Conference poster session to showcase innovative research and insights in population health and hearing care. Late Breaker Deadline: January 12th, 2026.

Abstract Submission

Student Abstract Submission and Travel Award - CLOSED

 **STUDENT TRAVEL AWARD** applications must include a 500-word abstract and a 500-word personal statement describing your motivation for attending the conference.  Abstracts in line with the conference theme are encouraged and will be prioritized. Abstract deadline: October 31st, 2025.

Location and Hotel Details

Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas

(Formerly: The Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas)


Conference will be held at:

Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas

EL Teatro Room Meeting Room

7200 N. Scottsdale Rd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85253  


Direct Booking Link:

https://book.passkey.com/e/51171026


Room rates are $259/night for a standard room. Rate does not include tax, gratuities, or breakfast.  The resort fee of $32 per room/per day is waived for PopHHC attendees. 


Our Sponsors

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Copyright © 2026 Population Hearing Health Care - All Rights Reserved.

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