Industry News
Kate Dekok
We are pleased to announce Kate Dekok as our new Vice President of Sales for Oticon.
Since joining Oticon in 2021, Kate has played a key role in strengthening how we support hearing care professionals across the country. She is known for building thoughtful sales strategies, fostering strong partnerships, and helping clinics grow in ways that are both practical and patient-focused.
In her new role, Kate will continue to support the growth of the Oticon brand by building on the trust and momentum she has helped establish over the years. She brings deep experience working closely with clinicians and clinic owners- listening to their needs, supporting their teams, and helping them navigate real-world challenges in a rapidly evolving hearing care landscape.
As we look ahead, our focus remains on providing you with consistent, high-quality support and meaningful partnership
Lisa Hiller
We’re pleased to share the promotion of Lisa Hiller to Director of Audiology at Demant Canada. Lisa has been a valued part of Demant Canada for 15 years and throughout her tenure, has served in a variety of roles—including sales, audiology support, and training—always with a strong focus on supporting fellow hearing care professionals. Her deep clinical expertise, practical insights, and commitment to advancing audiology have made her a trusted partner to many of you. As Manager of Audiology Training, she established herself as a respected voice with customers, delivering education and guidance that directly supports clinical excellence and patient outcomes. Her consistent contributions, dedication to the profession, and meaningful impact across our organization continue to shape not only our work, but the broader audiology community we are proud to serve. We look forward to Lisa's vision in shaping and delivering our audiology message nationwide.
Dorothy Hoyt
We are happy to announce that Dorothy Hoyt has stepped into the role of Senior Marketing Manager at Demant Canada, and we’re thrilled to have her leading this next chapter of our marketing efforts.
With more than 15 years of experience in the hearing industry, Dorothy brings a rare and valuable blend of clinical knowledge and marketing expertise.
She began her career as a clinical audiologist, working in both British Columbia and Ontario, where she gained firsthand insight into the daily realities of hearing care professionals and their clinics.
Over the past two years, Dorothy has led product marketing initiatives at Demant Canada, playing a key role in supporting customers through major product launches.
In her new role, Dorothy will lead the marketing team in creating impactful resources and experiences that empower hearing care professionals to deliver exceptional patient care while supporting clinic growth.
Please join us in congratulating Dorothy on her new role—we’re excited for what’s ahead.
A Canadian Audiology tradition continues!
Seminars on Audition is back for its 32nd year on May 1-2, 2026.
New this year:
- in-person and remote attendance options on Friday, May 1
- optional in-person / hands-on Masterclasses on Saturday, May 2
- held at Elborn College, Western University, London, ON
The NCA is also hosting a two-day Seminars on Vestibular on May 8-9, 2026.Join us for hands-on clinical training of BPPV assessment and repositioning maneuvers, as well as core bedside vestibular testing.
Registration opens on March 30, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. Spaces are limited … sign up early!
For more information, including registration links, see NCA’s Seminars website - https://www.uwo.ca/nca/education/seminars/index.html
National Centre for Audiology
Press Release
Amplifon To Acquire Gn Hearing: Creating A Global Integrated Leader In Audiology
https://uwo.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_248pBh2ksnfWYPc
Press Release
On World Hearing Day, Hearing Research International Launches to Accelerate the Future of Hearing Health and Deaf Studies
(Toronto, Canada – March 3, 2026) - On World Hearing Day, Hearing Research International officially launches as an international research foundation dedicated to advancing innovative, life- changing research in Hearing Health and Deaf Studies, positioning this work on the world stage and investing in the future of Hearing Health and Deaf Studies to improve lives.
Building on five years of impact, the foundation is designed to strengthen research leadership, inform systems and policy, and advance equity for Deaf and hard of hearing communities through collaboration and evidence-driven innovation.
Formerly known as CHS Global Partnerships for Research & Innovation, Hearing Research International reflects a deliberate evolution—from a successful partnership-based initiative to a global foundation with increased clarity, scale, and influence. Its mandate is clear: to act as a catalyst for collaboration and to help shape research priorities that deliver meaningful, long-term societal impact.
World Hearing Day underscores the growing global burden of hearing loss and the urgent need for research that informs policy, practice, and care. Against this backdrop, Hearing Research International advances with a renewed commitment to research that strengthens prevention, access, communication, and participation across the lifespan, while centering the language, culture, rights, and lived experiences of Deaf communities.
Impact to Date
Since 2022, the foundation has awarded more than $1.46 million in research grants, supporting innovative work that advances accessibility, communication equity, social participation, and hearing health outcomes. This growing body of research provides a strong platform for expanded international collaboration and deeper influence across research, policy, and practice.
What’s Next
Hearing Research International is deepening its focus on global collaboration and research leadership, anchored in two core research streams:
- Hearing Health - advancing research that improves prevention, care, access, and outcomes across the lifespan
- Deaf Studies - supporting research grounded in language, culture, rights, and lived experience
Canadian researchers remain central to this ecosystem through continued Catalyst grants and expanded leadership opportunities enabled by new international funding pathways.
Why It Matters
Research in Hearing Health and Deaf Studies has the power to transform systems, inform policy, and improve quality of life. By investing in the future of Hearing Health and Deaf Studies on the world stage, Hearing Research International is designed to deliver generational impact: supporting researchers, strengthening evidence-based practice, and advancing equity for Deaf and hard of hearing communities now and into the future.
“This evolution is more than a name change—it’s a statement of purpose,” said Julia N. Dumanian, President & CEO of Canadian Hearing Services. “Hearing Research International exists to accelerate research that improves hearing health, advances Deaf Studies, and strengthens equity worldwide. By catalyzing collaboration and innovation, we are shaping evidence that informs systems, empowers communities, and improves lives for generations to come.”
The launch aligns with growing global momentum to recognize hearing loss as a public health priority, while advancing inclusive, equity-driven research that reflects the voices and experiences of Deaf communities. This global imperative is reinforced in the World Report on Hearing, published by the World Health Organization, which calls for strengthened research, collaboration, and system-level innovation to address the rising burden of hearing loss worldwide.
With its new name and expanded mandate, Hearing Research International will continue to work with researchers, institutions, policymakers, and communities around the world to advance knowledge, inform practice, and drive lasting change.
To learn more, visit hearingresearchinternational.com.
About Hearing Research International: Investing in the Future
Hearing Research International is an international research foundation advancing innovative, life- changing research in Hearing Health and Deaf Studies. It shapes a global research agenda and champions collaboration that drives meaningful societal change for Deaf and hard of hearing communities, investing in the future and delivering generational impact on the world stage.
Media Contact:
Lisa Flowers
Marketing and Communications Email: lflowers@chs.ca
Phone: (647) 327-1344
Juliette Sterkins TEDx talk
https://centerforhearingaccess.org/tedx/
Envoy Medical: https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/287997
Envoy Medical (NASDAQ: COCH) has completed enrollment in its U.S. pivotal clinical trial evaluating the investigational fully implanted Acclaim® cochlear implant, becoming the first cochlear implant company to reach this milestone.
The study successfully implanted 56 patients. The final two procedures were performed by Dr. Patrick Antonelli at the University of Florida, who became the second leading enroller in the trial with 11 of the 56 implants.
The study will now move into follow-up and data collection before results are analyzed and submitted to the FDA as part of a Premarket Approval application.
More information can be found at: Envoy Medical just hit a key milestone — the first three patients in its pivotal trial for a fully implanted cochlear implant have reached 12-month follow-up, which represents the study’s primary endpoint.