Audiology Unchained 2025 report: IAA conference

Independent Audiologists Australia’s flagship event, Audiology Unchained 2025 on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, brought together 116 delegates from across Australia, New Zealand, and as far as the USA and UK.

By Julie Watts, IAA executive officer

IAA executive officer Ms Julie Watts. Image: Julie Watts.

It was a privilege to host Independent Audiologists Australia (IAA)’s Audiology Unchained 2025 conference, with the event exceeding all expectations for professional development and collegial exchange.

The conference theme, Full scope: Real impact, captured the essence of independent audiology practice – embracing the full breadth of clinical expertise while making tangible contributions to patient outcomes and community wellbeing.

Attendees enjoyed an immersive two-day program at Mantra Mooloolaba Beach on 17 to 18 October 2025 which balanced rigorous clinical content with networking, mentorship, and celebration of professional achievement.

(From left) The IAA executive committee, Grant Collins,
Dr Signe Steers, Dr Greg Butcher, Dr Tegan Keogh, executive officer Julie Watts, vice president Dr Heidi Modrovich and president Rachel Gibson. Image: IAA.

International guest Mr Neel Raithatha from the UK – known to many as ‘The wax whisperer’ thanks to his online presence and advocacy in cerumenology – attended to showcase his “revolutionary WaxScope system”, and host pre and post-event training sessions. The WaxScope system is TGA-approved and distributed by event sponsor The ENT Store.

Instructional designer and program manager for A.T. Still University’s Post Professional Doctor of Audiology Program, Ms Melanie Gibson, from Arizona also attended and took the opportunity to connect with several ATSU alumni and current AuD students in attendance.

Keynote speaker Rachael Robertson, Australia’s first female Antarctic expedition leader. Image: IAA.

Depth and diversity

Friday’s lecture program opened with a powerful keynote from Ms Rachael Robertson, Australia’s first female Antarctic expedition leader and author of the book, Leading on the Edge. She delivered a standout address on leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

Drawing from her year leading 18 people through the Antarctic winter, Robertson’s message – “Respect trumps harmony” – resonated deeply with audiologists navigating professional and organisational challenges.

Her humour and honesty about isolation, leadership under pressure, and accountability earned enthusiastic accolades from delegates.

“Absolutely first class! Rachael is a wonderful presenter with a highly motivational message,” one delegate said.

“Sensational speaker! What a treat to be able to listen to such an inspirational story and woman,” another said.

A full day of presentations followed, spanning clinical innovation, research translation, and the human side of practice.

Mini Gupta discussed sound sensitivities. Image: IAA.

Key topics included hyperacusis and sound sensitivities, genetic testing in Ménière’s disease, the use of otoacoustic emissions in routine audiological practice, auditory processing, patient-centred care, and the role of artificial intelligence in audiology.

Saturday offered a full day of workshops, with delegates participating in practical, small-group sessions across two curated streams.

Topics included bedside vestibular testing, clinical APD testing, single-sided deafness pathways, hands-on WaxScope demonstrations, hearing protection, and infection control.

A members-only masterclass on billing and reimbursement rounded out the day, before the annual general meeting and networking drinks.

Hands-on learning and collaboration

The interactive workshop structure on day two proved to be one of the event’s greatest successes. Each session was designed to maximise practical learning, peer discussion, and equipment handling.

Delegates chose between Stream One, Full Scope Whole-Person Rehabilitation, or Stream Two, Full Scope Diagnostic and Implantable Pathways, completing a curated series of themed workshops and masterclasses.

Macquarie University Professor Harvey Dillon. Image: IAA.

Stand-out sessions included the Stream Two ENT panel where Dr Kristy Fraser-Kirk, Dr Brendan Perry and Dr Andrew Chang shared practical insights on audiologist-ENT collaboration.

Perth audiologist Dr Dayse Távora-Vieira’s playbook for decision-making in single-sided deafness was also a highlight, along with Dr Tegan Keogh’s clinical masterclass on auditory processing from testing to interpretation.

Psychologist Dr Jacqui Truter’s thoughtful Stream One discussion on mental health in the audiology clinic, covering everything from managing distressed patients to tackling clinician burnout, was also well received.

Audiologists enjoying the gala dinner, from left, Cristy Newall, Jonathan Galt, Emeritus Professor Philip Newall and Yazdaneh Galt. Image: IAA.

Expo and industry engagement

An energetic trade exhibition ran alongside both conference days, featuring displays from hearing aid manufacturers, service providers, and clinical support partners.

Platinum sponsor Cochlear showcased its Nucleus Nexa System. Gold sponsors were WSA, Phonak and MED-EL; silver sponsors included Starkey, A.T. Still University, The ENT Store, Pacific Ears, and Pengwen Bookkeeping.

Cochlear, Phonak, and WSA also contributed insights on new technologies and practice differentiation during day one’s presentation sessions.

From left, Elise Turner, Keith Chittleborough (with puppet Kevin Sanders Kettletown, author of the book Audiology Wow!) and Dr Brooke Hanby. Image: IAA.

A ‘creatives’ corner’ in the trade hall was a new addition, where IAA members showcased their non-audiology passion projects. Books by Melbourne audiologists Mr Keith Chittleborough and Ms Khatija Halabi and Tasmanian audiologist Dr Heidi Modrovich were on sale while Brisbane audiologist Ms Erin Seamer shared custom earrings.

With the trade hall open during all catering breaks, meaningful dialogue between delegates and exhibitors was continuous, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to supporting independent practice.

Friday night’s gala dinner at The Wharf Mooloolaba offered a spectacular waterfront setting for delegates to unwind.

Staff from A Better Ear in Queensland (from left) Stephanie Graham, Penelope Woods (with her lucky door prize), Damien Woods, and Amanda Ariotti. Image: IAA.

The ‘unchained dinner experience’ included an interactive lucky door prize with each table working together to unlock a set of keys. The winning key held by Queensland audiologist Mrs Penelope Woods unlocked a prize cage containing premium wine and a coveted golden ticket of free registration to a year’s worth of IAA events including Audiology Unchained in Canberra in October 2026.

Signature cocktails on arrival cheekily named the Ahpra-ol Spritz celebrated IAA’s long-fought win on national registration for audiologists. After dinner, guests admired the unchained ice sculpture, hit the dance floor, and posed in the 360° photo booth.

Connection beyond the lectern

More than just a professional conference, Audiology Unchained 2025 fostered genuine connection across the independent audiology community. Delegates described the event as rejuvenating and reinvigorating, offering space for reflection, exchange, and renewed pride in their professional identity.

Delegates enjoying the gala dinner. Image: IAA.

Their comments included:

“Literally one of the best conferences I’ve been to in the last 10 years.”

“The line-up of speakers and topics were spot on.”

“Terrific speakers, with interesting and clinically relevant topics.”

“I was very impressed with the IAA conference experience. All your speakers were brilliant, and the organisation was very impressive.”

“Loved the content, speakers and overall vibe!”

Delegates including, (second from left) Erica Caiuby, Clare Tamas, Julie Watts, and Dr Dayse Távora-Vieira (fifth from left.) Image: IAA.

With Audiology Unchained 2026 confirmed for Canberra on 23–24 October, IAA is already planning how to build on this year’s success. If 2025 was about unlocking ideas and breaking boundaries, 2026 promises to take that energy to a national stage.

Post-event registrations are available, with a curated package of recordings from the conference and workshops.

For membership or event information, visit independentaudiologists.net.au.

Toasting a successful event. Image: IAA.

Recognising excellence

The event also saw the launch of IAA’s inaugural Indy Awards. The awards were a defining moment for IAA, celebrating members who embody the association’s values of quality, integrity, and independence.

Above: (Top L-R then clockwise) IAA’s inaugural Indy Award winners, Nicole Eglinton, Seray Lim, Laura Drexler, Kat Penno, Phillippa Carter and Sara Patterson. Images: IAA.

Award recipients were:

•Community champion: Ms Seray Lim and Mrs Laura Drexler (joint winners)

•Flying start award: Ms Kathryn Penno

•Mentor of the year: Ms Philippa Carter

•Practice innovation: Ms Sara Patterson

•IAA values award: Ms Nicole Eglinton

•Service awards: 2024–2025 executive committee – Ms Rachel Gibson, Dr Heidi Modrovich, Mr Mo Helou, Dr Tegan Keogh, Dr Greg Butcher, Mr Grant Collins and Dr Signe Steers.

•Decade of service award: Mr Grant Collins

•Distinguished service award: Dr Louise Collingridge. Nobody has worked harder to achieve audiologist registration than my highly respected predecessor, IAA’s former CEO Dr Collingridge. It was an honour to present her with this award.