The Audiology Australia 2025 Conference is heading to Adelaide from April 1 to 4 with an exceptional speaker line-up plus new initiatives to improve the attendee experience. Registration remains open until 25 March.
The conference will be the nation’s largest hearing health event of the year, with more than 100 speakers including leading international and national experts.
Will stem cells be used to treat hearing loss? How can digital interventions assist clients now and in the future? How can audiologists upskill in AI to improve patient care and what can be done to help patients with autism? These are just some questions delegates will hear answers to during keynote presentations and masterclasses.
AudA CEO Ms Leanne Emerson said the conference would be Australia’s most prestigious hearing health event of the year and 2025 was shaping up to be an unforgettable year.
“With an impressive scientific program, leading voices as keynote speakers, a packed exhibition floor to learn about all the latest technologies and career prospects, and plenty of opportunities to network and relax, I encourage people to register now via our website: audaconference.com.au,” she said.
“Our optional masterclasses and discounted accommodation are filling quickly. The conference is a month earlier than usual and the AFL’s Gather Round is taking place the week after the conference, so register early to not miss out on your top choices.”
New initiatives
New initiatives included clinicians being invited to submit applications to be interviewed on stage. “This session will focus on career pathways and people’s experiences to get to this point in their careers,” Emerson said.
“We will also introduce ‘Breakfast with the stars’ for a handful of lucky delegates who will join one of our keynote speakers to chat over breakfast.”
Chair of the conference’s program committee, audiologist and former AudA Board director, Dr Bec Bennett, said when the committee was deciding on the theme, it wanted to not only acknowledge that strength lies in unity – but encourage and celebrate it.
“It’s what we see in our research offices and audiology clinics every day, and the conference allows us to magnify this and truly work across the sector to address today’s pressing hearing care challenges,” she said.
“By working together, we’ll be able to hold conversations across the entire audiology pipeline, from research to translation and clinical delivery. And that results in innovation – the ability to push the boundaries of our profession and determine new ideas to enhance clinical outcomes.”
Dr Bennett said the conference would see the return of the curated stream (also available as recordings to virtual attendees if unable to attend in person), popular pre-conference masterclasses and wax management workshops.
“Based on attendee feedback, we have reduced the number of streams from seven to five to reduce the amount of FOMO (fear of missing out) that people experienced,” she said.
“We received 32% more abstract submissions and applications to present than in 2023 and they’re of exceptional quality. Only the best abstracts have been accepted after a rigorous review process. We’ve seen a rise in researcher and clinician submissions and consumers offering to share their lived experiences.”
A record number of abstracts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hearing health was also received, reflecting the interest in and importance of prioritising Indigenous health.
“We’ve got more than 100 speakers, including seven keynotes. These events are special because they give delegates the chance to welcome leading international voices,” Dr Bennett said.
“We’re lucky to welcome cognitive neuroscientist-audiologist Dr Hannah Glick from the University of Northern Colorado and Colorado Academy of Audiology, and UK guests Dr David Maidment, a researcher into digital interventions for hearing loss, and Professor Marcelo Rivolta, who is looking at using stem cells to treat hearing loss.”
Dr Bennett is looking forward to Australian keynote speakers, Professor Chris Brennan-Jones, Dr Fiona Kerr, Dr Simon Kos and Ms Holly Ransom plus presenters of the scientific program, who are the backbone of the conference.
There will be eight pre-conference masterclasses and there’s already strong interest in sessions on AI skills for healthcare professionals, and autism.
The autism workshop will see Autism SA present followed by a panel of audiology experts discussing how points in its presentation can be implemented into audiology clinical practice. “It’s a great opportunity to learn about neurodiversity,” Dr Bennett said.
Being a small sector, networking is essential to opening doors in audiology that you might not know exist, Emerson said.
“Our social functions are designed to encourage networking and provide an opportunity for audiologists to unwind together in casual and formal settings,” she said.
Social activities begin with an optional Sunset Social on 1 April at Malt Shovel Taphouse overlooking views of Adelaide Oval and the River Torrens.
A welcome reception on 2 April will be in the exhibition hall and a conference dinner at Adelaide Oval on 3 April. Both are included in all full registrations. To see the full program and register go to audaconference.com.au/
