About
The International Hearing Society (IHS) is the leading professional membership organization for Hearing Aid Specialists and hearing healthcare professionals. Founded over 75 years ago, IHS serves as the central hub for licensing preparation, continuing education (CE), industry advocacy, and professional community building. IHS offers a comprehensive e-Learning Portal with flexible, approved online courses and CE tracking tools, enabling practitioners to maintain compliance and advance their knowledge on their own schedule. The organization administers the International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals (ILE), sets industry competency standards, and maintains direct connections with licensing agencies across North America and internationally. Beyond education, IHS actively advocates on behalf of the profession at federal, state, provincial, and international levels—fighting for favorable payer policies and protecting patient access to quality hearing care. Members gain access to an extensive Resource Library, practice management tools, marketing resources, IHS Best Practices & Guidelines, and a Career Center. The annual IHS Conference & Expo brings the profession together for networking, policy discussions, and professional development. A dedicated mobile app (IHS 360) keeps members connected on the go. IHS also partners with major industry brands like Beltone and Miracle-Ear through specialized membership programs, and maintains a consumer-facing provider locator to help patients find qualified specialists.
Key Features
- Licensing & Exam Preparation: Structured pathways to become a licensed Hearing Aid Specialist, including the International Licensing Examination (ILE), prep resources, and connections to licensing agencies.
- e-Learning Portal & Continuing Education: Flexible, anytime access to approved online courses, CE tracking and management tools, and advanced education opportunities to maintain compliance and grow professionally.
- Professional Advocacy: Active advocacy at federal, state/provincial, international, and payer levels to protect the hearing healthcare profession and improve patient access to care.
- Annual Conference & Expo: A flagship annual event bringing hearing healthcare professionals together for education, networking, policy discussions, and industry insights.
- Practice Management & Business Resources: A rich library of tools covering insurance and managed care, marketing, IHS Best Practices & Guidelines, and a Career Center for professional development.
Use Cases
- A student seeking to become a licensed Hearing Aid Specialist uses IHS resources to prepare for and pass the International Licensing Examination (ILE).
- A practicing hearing healthcare professional accesses the IHS e-Learning Portal to complete required continuing education credits and maintain state licensure.
- A hearing healthcare business owner uses IHS practice management resources, marketing guides, and insurance/managed care tools to grow and optimize their practice.
- A hearing industry advocate leverages IHS's Action Center and policy statements to engage with lawmakers on federal and state hearing healthcare legislation.
- A new entrant to the hearing healthcare field joins IHS to connect with local chapters, attend the annual Conference & Expo, and tap into a national network of professionals.
Pros
- Comprehensive Education & CE: Offers a wide range of courses, exam prep, CE tracking, and an e-Learning Portal, making it easy for practitioners to stay current and compliant.
- Strong Industry Advocacy: IHS actively represents hearing healthcare professionals at all levels of government and with payers, giving members a collective voice on policy issues.
- Robust Member Community: Access to chapters, committees, a member directory, an annual conference, and brand partnership programs (Beltone, Miracle-Ear) fosters strong professional networking.
- Trusted Standards & Guidelines: IHS sets recognized Best Practices & Guidelines and administers the ILE, providing credibility and a clear professional benchmark for the field.
Cons
- Membership Fee Required: Full access to resources, the e-Learning Portal, and advocacy tools requires a paid membership, which may be a barrier for some new practitioners.
- Niche Industry Focus: IHS is specifically tailored to hearing healthcare professionals and Hearing Aid Specialists, limiting its relevance to those outside this specialty.
- Limited Self-Service for Non-Members: Non-members have access mainly to the provider locator and general information, with the majority of valuable content gated behind membership login.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the International Hearing Society for?
IHS is designed for Hearing Aid Specialists, hearing healthcare professionals, students entering the field, and businesses operating in the hearing healthcare industry.
What is the International Licensing Examination (ILE)?
The ILE is the International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals, administered by IHS to assess competency and support licensure for Hearing Aid Specialists across North America and internationally.
How can I earn continuing education (CE) through IHS?
IHS provides CE through its e-Learning Portal, courses, webinars, and its annual Conference & Expo. Members can track and manage their CE credits directly through the platform.
Does IHS offer resources for new hearing healthcare professionals?
Yes. IHS offers a dedicated 'Become a Hearing Aid Specialist' pathway with guidance on qualifications, distance learning courses, exam preparation, and licensing agency contacts.
What advocacy does IHS do on behalf of its members?
IHS advocates at the federal, state/provincial, international, and payer levels to protect the hearing healthcare profession, support favorable legislation, and improve patient access to hearing care services.
