The Wave | July 2026 - Caslpo - College of audiologists and speech-language pathologists of Ontario

The Wave | July 2026 Issue

Welcome to The Wave!

Welcome to The Wave, CASLPO’s monthly e-newsletter for registrants! The Wave brings together all of the College's key updates into one easy-to-read format.

In This Issue:

Annual Registration Renewal Opens August 3

Annual Registration Renewal for the 2026–2027 registration year opens on August 3, 2026. All audiologists and speech-language pathologists must complete their renewal by October 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT to maintain their registration in good standing and avoid late fees.

You will receive an email with your official renewal notice and instructions when the renewal period opens. Please check your inbox, and your spam or junk folder, starting August 3.

Your Participation Matters

As part of the renewal process, CASLPO will once again invite registrants to complete a voluntary demographic questionnaire.

Since launching this initiative in 2022, the information collected has helped the College better understand the diversity of the professions, identify potential barriers, and support equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive regulation.

By participating, you help CASLPO:

Better understand the demographics of Ontario's audiology and speech-language pathology professions.
Identify and address potential inequities and barriers.
Inform the development of more inclusive policies, programs, and resources.

Protecting your privacy remains a priority. Responses are not stored on your registrant profile and are only reported in aggregate, anonymized form. Because responses are not carried over from previous years, we encourage you to participate each year.

Thank you for completing your renewal and contributing to this important initiative.

Renew on the Registrant Portal

Q&A: Talking to Patients About Hearing Loss and Cognitive Health

Patients don’t always come to their hearing assessment with questions about hearing alone. Many are also concerned about what hearing loss could mean for their long-term health and wellbeing, particularly their cognitive health. As research in this area continues to evolve and receives increased public attention, audiologists play an important role in helping patients understand the evidence and providing accurate, compassionate, and evidence-informed care.

Why are more patients asking about hearing loss and dementia?

Media coverage and public health messaging have increased awareness of the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive health. As a result, some patients arrive for their first hearing assessment worried that hearing loss means they are at risk of developing dementia or that they need hearing aids to prevent cognitive decline.

Why is this an important conversation?

Patients may already be feeling anxious about changes in their health before their appointment. News headlines, social media, and conversations with family and friends can shape their understanding of the research. These communications may lead to misconceptions. Taking a compassionate, patient-centred approach can help address patient’s concerns.

What should you know about the evidence?

Current research suggests there is an association between hearing loss and cognitive decline, but an association does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship. While studies continue to explore whether hearing loss management may influence cognitive outcomes, it is important to communicate the evidence accurately and avoid overstating the findings.

How can you support patients who are worried?

Consider the following strategies:

Acknowledge and validate the patient's concerns.
Use a trauma-informed approach where appropriate.
Explain the current evidence in clear, balanced language.
Discuss hearing loss management options based on the patient's individual needs.
Refer to or collaborate with other healthcare professionals when appropriate.
Ensure discussions remain within your knowledge, skill, and training and scope of practice.

What is the key takeaway?

Patients may come to you with questions and fears about the connection between hearing loss and cognitive health. By providing evidence-informed information with empathy and clarity, you can help patients better understand the research and make informed decisions about their hearing care.

Collaboration in Action at The Hub

CASLPO is proud to be part of HUB 601, a shared workspace that is helping shape the future of professional regulation in Ontario.

The Office of the Fairness Commissioner recently featured HUB 601 in its newsletter, recognizing it as an innovative model for collaboration among Ontario's health regulatory colleges.

Since January 2024, CASLPO has shared its workspace with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, the College of Denturists of Ontario, and the College of Dietitians of Ontario. The collaborative environment was created in response to the evolving nature of work and reflects a more flexible, efficient, and sustainable approach to supporting regulatory operations.

For CASLPO, the move to HUB 601 has delivered significant benefits. In addition to generating substantial cost savings compared with maintaining the College's previous office space, the shared model enables participating colleges to exchange ideas, share resources where appropriate, reduce duplication, and identify opportunities to modernize regulatory practices, all while maintaining their independent regulatory mandates.

HUB 601 also supports CASLPO's hybrid work environment by providing flexible meeting and collaboration space that enhances staff productivity and strengthens the College's ability to regulate in the public interest.

CASLPO is pleased to be part of this forward-thinking initiative and to see HUB 601 recognized as a blueprint for how collaboration and innovation can strengthen professional regulation in Ontario.

Read the Office of the Fairness Commissioner's article

CASLPO's 2025 Annual Report Now Available

The report provides an overview of the College's work over the past year to protect the public by regulating the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology in Ontario. It highlights key initiatives, achievements, and outcomes that support safe, ethical, and competent care.

Highlights from this year's report include:

Progress on key strategic initiatives
Governance updates, including Board and committee activities
Registration statistics and trends
Information on discipline matters
Quality Assurance and Practice Advice program updates
Public awareness and outreach initiatives
Financial performance and audited financial statements

The Annual Report includes a pie chart that shows how registrant fees are allocated across various mandatory college programs. We encourage you to read the report to learn more about the College's work and the progress made over the past year.

Read the 2025 Annual Report

Share Your Feedback on the Proposed Fees By-law Amendment by August 25th

There's still time to provide your feedback on CASLPO's proposed amendment to the Fees By-law.

The proposed change would allow the Board of Directors to approve annual fee adjustments of up to the yearly increase in the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI), when appropriate, to help support the College's long-term financial sustainability.

Note that annual increases are not automatic. These would only be implemented when the Board, after reviewing the College’s finances, determines that an increase is necessary to ensure the College can continue to meet its public protection mandate. Registration fees for the 2026–2027 renewal year will not change.

We encourage you to complete the anonymous survey and share your feedback before August 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Complete the survey and learn more

Save the Date: Upcoming Fall Education Session on Intimate Partner Violence

Mark your calendar for this free professional development opportunity on an important topic all registrants and other health care providers should know about. The session will be recorded and made available following the event. Registration details will be shared later this summer.

Understanding Intimate Partner Violence
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:30 p.m. EDT

CASLPO is collaborating with several Ontario health regulatory colleges to provide registrants with educational resources and learning opportunities on Intimate Partner Violence.

Join us for a free virtual panel featuring subject matter experts who will discuss how health care professionals can recognize, respond to, and support individuals experiencing intimate partner violence. The session will explore the role regulated health professionals can play in providing safe, compassionate, and trauma-informed care.

Stay tuned for registration information.

Recent Discipline Decisions

discipline decisions In keeping with CASLPO’s statutory mandate regarding protecting the public, the College proactively investigates all complaints and reports as well as addresses capacity concerns regarding its registrants. The College also administers disciplinary action when necessary, in matters involving allegations of professional misconduct or incompetence.

You can see the latest discipline decisions in the Discipline section of CASLPO website here.