Welcome

EFAS Board 2025-2027: Prof. Vinay Swarnalatha Nagaraj (Norway, President), Prof. Deborah Vickers (United Kingdom, Vice President), Robert Trotic (Croatia, Past President), Prof. Ulrich Hoppe (Germany, Secretary-General) and Dr. Christof Stieger (Switzerland, Treasurer).

Dear EFAS Colleagues,

“There is no substitute for hard work, and no shortcut to true success” – this proverb has been a guiding source of inspiration throughout my academic career in audiology.

It is a great honor and privilege to assume the office as the President of the European Federation of Audiology Societies (EFAS) at the 17th EFAS congress in Vienna in May 2025. I extend my sincere gratitude to all members of EFAS for placing your trust in me. It is both a profound responsibility and a great source of inspiration to lead such a distinguished community of professionals in the field of audiology.

I sincerely thank the EFAS Board during the term 2023–2025: Liat Kishon-Rabin (Israel); Stefan Stenfelt (Sweden); Dorothe Veraguth (Switzerland). Thank you all for your exceptional coordination and valuable input to EFAS.

I am pleased to welcome our new EFAS Board members for the next term: Prof. Deborah Vickers (Vice-President); Prof. Ulrich Hoppe (Secretary-General) and Dr. Christof Stieger (Treasurer).

I would also like to acknowledge Prof. Georg Sprinzl and his outstanding team for the excellent coordination and organization of the 17th EFAS Congress in Vienna. Furthermore, I look forward to working closely with Dr. Tobias Neher to organize the 18th EFAS congress in Odense, Denmark, in 2027.

Today, at the 17th EFAS Conference in Vienna, as I take on the role as President of EFAS, my priorities are clear:

1. Recognize hearing healthcare in a global framework
2. Advance the pursuit of high-impact research that drives innovation and excellence
3. Increase the visibility of audiology education across Europe and beyond
4. Strengthen inter-disciplinary networking and international collaborations
5. Collective responsibility for shaping the future of audiology

 Recognize hearing healthcare in a global framework

Hearing loss is one of the most challenging health issues that needs global attention. Over 1.5 billion people worldwide live with some degree of hearing loss, and this number is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. The consequences of hearing loss affect all age groups. In children, hearing loss can delay speech and language development, hinder academic performance and limit social interactions. In older adults, it may lead to social isolation, depression and cognitive decline.

The field of audiology is not just about diagnosing and treating hearing loss—it is a multidisciplinary field about restoring human connection, enabling communication and promoting inclusion in a society. The situation is particularly critical in many low- and middle-income countries, where access to hearing care is limited, and there is a severe shortage of trained audiology professionals. Through EFAS, we are dedicated to bridge this gap by advancing accessible, affordable and sustainable hearing care services for all.

Advance the pursuit of high-impact research that drives innovation and excellence

We are experiencing a transformative era in audiology. Innovations in diagnostics, rehabilitation and digital technology are reshaping how we address hearing healthcare. The EFAS Working Groups consist of international experts who address critical issues in areas such as: Big Data in Audiology; Hearing Screening Initiatives; Audiology and Intellectual Disabilities and Development of Audiology Education. Strong research networks and collaborations will allow us to continue achieving scientific excellence that benefits patients and professionals.

Increase the visibility of audiology education across Europe and beyond

Education is the foundation for strong academic and clinical excellence in audiology. One of the visions for EFAS during my presidency is to enhance the visibility and understanding of the structure of audiology education across various universities in Europe. We must also foster interdisciplinary education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience to better reflect the real-world complexities of hearing care. EFAS is committed to supporting this vision by working closely with the national representatives of EFAS and academic institutions worldwide.

Strengthen inter-disciplinary networking and international collaborations

The future of audiology depends on collaboration across disciplines and borders. EFAS provides a strong platform for professionals from diverse scientific and clinical backgrounds to cooperate and collaborate. Through this collaborative approach, we can share knowledge, respect our differences and work towards unified goals in hearing healthcare.

Collective responsibility for shaping the future of audiology

As we gather here at the EFAS congress in Vienna, I am filled with a profound sense of optimism and hope for the bright future of EFAS and the important profession we represent. We possess the expertise and vision to shape the future of hearing healthcare, both across Europe and globally

Thank you all for your ongoing motivation, support and commitment. I look forward to working with you all in the years ahead.

Thank you.

With my best regards,

Prof. Vinay Swarnalatha Nagaraj, PhD
EFAS President

May 2025