Loud and Clear: Why Hearing Care is Key to Tackling Demographic Change in Europe took place on 8 April 2024 at the European Parliament, Brussels.
The event brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders for a meaningful discussion on hearing care and demographic change—a topic that is growing in urgency as Europe’s population continues to age. MEP Andras Kulja MD opened the event with reflections on the role of technology in an ageing Europe. The conversations throughout the event underscored a vital truth: hearing care is not just a health issue—it is a social and economic one. From the personal impact on quality of life to the broader implications for healthcare systems and workforce participation, integrated hearing care must be part of our policy priorities.
We heard powerful insights from researchers, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, and Members of the European Parliament. There was strong consensus on the need for early screening, access to innovative hearing solutions, and awareness campaigns to break down stigma and promote inclusion.
Dr. Stefan Zimmer, the Chairman of the Board of Bundesverband der Hörsysteme-Industrie e.V. (BVHI) and the Secretary General of EHIMA, highlighted the impact of hearing care on health, workforce retention and productivity. He shared compelling data on hearing loss across Europe. Nearly 60 million Europeans live with hearing loss today — and yet, early intervention remains underutilized. Untreated hearing loss impacts not just individuals, but also healthcare systems, workforce productivity, and economies. For more key statistics read the joint AEA, EFHOH, EHIMA report here.
The President of EHIMA and CEO of Sonova Group, Arnd Kaldowski, in his keynote speech explored the important role that technology and innovation plays in improving the quality of life for individuals experiencing hearing loss in Europe. Questioning the role that policymakers, healthcare providers and industry on the whole must play in ensuring technology is accessible to all, Arnd Kaldowski’s insights are incredibly important.
The Head of Government Affairs for Sonova Group, Giorgio Rizzello, chaired a panel discussion between Inmaculada Placencia Porrero, Véronique Rohaert, Peter Aksel Villadsen, Maren Stropahl and Oliver Bisazza, focused on the idea that technology may be the “missing piece” in equality and inclusion discussions. The panel discussed policies that should be put in place to make technology more easily available, as well as blockers in the process of improving access and equity in Europe.
Inmaculada Placencia Porrero contributed to the panel by bringing over 30 years of international expertise in disability policy to advocate for inclusive, rights-based approaches in line with the UNCRPD. She stressed that disability policies should be designed to serve society as a whole, with a primary focus on ensuring that persons with disabilities can fully enjoy their rights and enhance their socio-economic inclusion and well-being.
Peter Aksel Villadsen, Senior Vice President at GN Group, shared with the panellists his insights on the importance of innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and global partnerships in advancing hearing health. Drawing from his experience in both the pharmaceutical and hearing aid industries, he emphasized the value of aligning industry, academia, and public policy to drive meaningful progress in accessibility and hearing care solutions.
Dr. Maren Stropahl, an auditory neuroscientist and Director for Holistic Hearing Care in the research and development department at Sonova Group, brought a science-driven perspective to the panel, highlighting the connection between hearing loss, cognitive health, and healthy aging. With her background in auditory neuroscience and digital health, she emphasized the importance of translating research into practical hearing care solutions that address the full spectrum of benefits for individuals, particularly in the context of aging populations.
Oliver Bisazza, CEO of MedTech Europe, contributed to the panel by offering a policy and industry-wide perspective on the role of medical technology in addressing global healthcare challenges. Drawing on his leadership at MedTech Europe and extensive experience in regulatory policy, he emphasized the need for supportive frameworks that enable innovation and ensure the full value of medical technologies is recognized across health systems and societies.
A sincere thank you to all speakers and participants who contributed to such a forward-looking and collaborative atmosphere. Thank you to MEP Andras Kulja MD for hosting today’s important discussion and championing the role of innovation and hearing care in Europe’s public health future.
Arnd Kaldowski – CEO of Sonova AG and President of the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA).
Søren Nielsen – President & CEO Demant A/S
Oliver Bisazza – CEO of MedTech Europe
