Thousands of audiology professionals are expected to descend on Nuremberg, Germany, this month for the world’s biggest congress on hearing technology and care.
The 67th International Congress of Hearing Aid Acousticians, an annual event that has been growing in size in recent years, will bring the latest innovations to the huge audience. The congress is organised by the European Union of Hearing Aid Acousticians (EUHA), a body that offers advanced training at the highest professional level and devises industry-wide benchmarks for quality and safety in hearing care. The accompanying trade exhibition is organized by the German Hearing Industry Association (BVHI). Both events serve as a hub for the global hearing industry, providing a much-needed platform for hearing acoustic experts to share their knowledge and highlight the latest advancements in the field.
The varied programme will see international experts exploring communication, leadership and stress management, and will include presentations on specialist scientific topics and studies on ear moulds, fitting strategies, standards, dementia and hearing training, among others.
New developments in hearing aids and hearing implants will be outlined, such as increasing digitisation, artificial intelligence in hearing aid acoustics, modern assistive listening devices, communication-friendly hearing systems, a new standard for the Freiburg monosyllabic word test, as well as auditory training, and topical issues such as dementia and hearing loss. The congress offers unprecedented opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing, and a large trade exhibition will also be in situ with 130 exhibitors showcasing and demonstrating industry advancements.
Keynote lectures include one on “Specialist shops will always be needed – or will hearing aids soon only be available online?” which will be delivered by Christoph Schwob, an advisory member of the Swiss audiological commission and a member of the Paediatric Acoustics professional group of the Swiss Federal Social Insurance Office. Dr Florian Denk of the German Institute of Hearing Aids will also hold a lecture on “Closed, occlusion-free ear moulds? History, findings, and new research”.
A roundtable discussion on “Changing hearing aid acoustics: The European perspective on the future of better hearing and intelligibility” will allow a wide range of views to be heard. Other lectures will focus on future developments, such as optogenetic cochlear implants, and how AI is set to revolutionise the working environment. “Future Friday” grants trainees and students free admission to the congress on October 20, with a special programme provided that aids to guide them towards a future career in hearing aid acoustics.
The 67th International EUHA Congress and the industrial exhibition will take place from 18 to 20 October 2023 at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre.
