German Society of Audiology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Audiologie e.V., DGA)

Invitation

On behalf of the German Society of Audiology, which represents the audiologists of the three German speaking countries Austria, Switzerland and Germany, it was a great pleasure to welcome many national and international participants to the eighth conference of the European Federation of Audiological Societies.

The meeting in June 2007 took place in the romantic city of Heidelberg right in the centre of the old town.

The special atmosphere of the narrow streets with historic buildings, which were able to be reached in walking distance from the congress venue (Heidelberg Convention Centre 'Stadthalle') provided the specific ambience for a productive scientific and social meeting.

Topics of this conference focused on hearing in Europe. Special topics were

• the socioeconomic impact of hearing disorders,
• the epidemiology,
• etiology, diagnosis and treatment of childhood hearing loss,
• occupational noise-induced hearing loss and
• hearing loss in the elder population.

Special interest was also given to all kinds of hearing devices and psychoacoustics.

We were able to join experts of different specialties with an international reputation, who presented state-of-the-art lectures. Representatives from the European commission and competent authorities were invited to provide a broader perspective on research and services in the field of hearing loss and related communication disorders. The conference was therefore able to leverage this important health care topic to an appropriate level to increase funding and awareness in politics.

We were very pleased to welcome you in Heidelberg and look forward to meet you at the conference in Kiel 2008.

On behalf of the organising committee

Thomas Lenarz MD, PhD
Conference President

Norbert Dillier, PhD
President of the DGA