More than 840 people travelled from around Australia and the world to attend the Australian College of Audiology’s national congress ACAud 2024 in Cairns.
The theme was ‘The heat is on – sustaining audiology in a changing climate’.
The congress, at Cairns Convention Centre from May 8 to 10, aimed to help audiology practitioners learn how to navigate sweeping changes impacting the industry in a world that is experiencing profound shifts due to environmental, technological and societal changes.
ACAud said the field of audiology was not exempt from their impact and the program was designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to sustain audiology practice amidst change. Discussions ranged from the latest advancements in hearing technology to sessions on patient care in the face of climate-related health issues.
“National Congress was a resounding success embodying its vibrant theme ‘The heat is on’,” said Ms Marguerite Rushworth, Chair of ACAud and its events committee. “This premier event created a dynamic and diverse gathering of minds.”
Rushworth said attendees were treated to a series of insightful presentations by national and international speakers sparking rich discussions and invaluable networking opportunities.
Thought leaders, researchers and practitioners spanning various fields shared insights, strategies and best practices for navigating challenges ahead through plenary and keynote presentations, workshops and masterclasses.
The dedicated day of hands-on learning through interactive workshops provided participants with practical real-world experience enhancing their professional skills and knowledge, Rushworth said.
“The congress posted a full trade show which was a standout feature showcasing the latest advancements in audiology technology,” she added. “Delegates had the unique opportunity to explore cutting edge innovations and interact with industry leaders.”
One presentation which made a lasting impression on delegates was the inspiring story of Sophie Li who signs and uses cochlear implants. Li is the daughter of Australian ballet dancer Mary McKendry and Li Cunxin, the world-famous ballet dancer whose autobiography Mao’s Last Dancer was made into a movie.
Rushworth said three unforgettable social events added to the excitement including a traditional smoking ceremony followed by a welcome cocktail function.
‘’The grand finale was a spectacular gala ball at Fogerty Park complete with a dazzling firework display and a mesmerising performance by a fire artist,” she said.
“This stunning evening under the stars left a lasting impression on all who attended making the ACAud 2024 National Congress a standout event of the year.”
Keynote speakers included Professor Anu Sharma PhD, Professor Grant Searchfield and Mr Andrew Bellavia.
Prof Sharma is Associate Chair in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Science and Fellow in the Institute of Cognitive Science and the Centre for Neuroscience at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Her research examines neuroplasticity in children and adults with hearing loss who receive hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Prof Searchfield is head of the University of Auckland’s audiology section and deputy director of the Eisdell Moore Centre for hearing and balance research. His research focus is cognitive processes involved in tinnitus perception and innovative technology for management of hearing loss and tinnitus.
Bellavia from America is the founder of AuraFuturity hearing and hearables market and branding consultancy and co-host of This Week in Hearing podcast.
The congress was the last official event for former CEO Jane Hedger whose last day with ACAud was on 10 May. Ms Hedger started in her new role on 27 May as CEO of Volunteering Queensland.
Members of the Hearing Aid Audiology Society of Australia (HAASA) which has just merged with ACAud received up to 15.5 CPED points while ACAud members received up to 30 CPD points. Attending Audiology Australia (AudA) members received nine points.
