International Summer Academy: Specialists from 8 countries join training course on Campus Hearing Acoustics

The International Summer Academy on Campus Hearing Acoustics, was once again a meeting place for professional exchange across national borders and continents: Specialists from Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Greece, Albania, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina attended advanced training courses at the Academy of Hearing Acoustics from August 25 to 29, 2025.

The program of this year’s international training week at the Academy of Hearing Acoustics focused on the basics of hearing aid fitting.

Why travel all the way to Lübeck for training courses?

Martin Richter, Deputy Head of the International Department, and his team of experienced lecturers at the Academy ensure practice oriented and relevant training session. Practical exercises with test subjects allowed participants to apply their theoretical knowledge in realistic situations. The state-of-the-art technology in labs, seminar and fitting rooms on Campus provided an optimal learning environment.

What do you learn at the International Summer Academy?

In addition to the fitting of hearing systems, the main topics covered, were the creation and interpretation of audiograms. Participants were shown how to accurately determine hearing thresholds and use the results for the individual fitting of hearing aids.
The fitting process was explained step by step – from the initial consultation and needs analysis to the individual selection and fine-tuning of the hearing aids – and practiced with test subjects under the guidance of lecturers from the Academy.

In the lab, the group of international participants practiced how to custom-make and process earmolds. Participants took ear impressions and milled earmolds. Practical maintenance and servicing were also part of the course. The aim was to identify and rectify common faults and carry out comprehensive maintenance exercises. An overview of hearing assistance systems enabled course participants to widen their knowledge of modern home systems and accessories. All participants completed the training course with a certificate.

During breaks between classes, joint meals and activities, the international participants had plenty of time for a professional and personal exchange.

How do people with hearing impairments worldwide benefit from an international exchange in Lübeck?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 5 percent of the world‘s population suffers from hearing loss. This means approx. 430 million people are affected by hearing impairments, among them 34 million children. And the numbers are increasing: estimates suggest that by 2050, over 700 million people – or one in ten – will be affected.

„People with a hearing impairment depend on a professional care and supply with hearing systems from qualified specialists. Yet, qualification opportunities vary greatly around the world. As WHO partner, we are committed to the global exchange of knowledge and promote this through continued education programs for an international expert audience, “, explains Eberhard Schmidt, President of the Federal Guild of Hearing Acousticians (biha). The hearing care professional, who also specializes in pediatric audiology, says: „The vocational training and continued education in hearing care in Germany, with the Campus Hearing Acoustics as its industry wide training center in Lübeck, has been internationally recognized for many years. It is by now, established as an international meeting place for professional exchange of skills and knowledge beyond national borders.”

For over 15 years, training courses in English for international hearing care professionals, have been held on the Lübeck Campus of Hearing Acoustics. This year, the International Summer Academy was once again part of the global training and advanced education program of the Swiss International Hearing Academy (SIHA) of the Sonova Group, which is a longstanding cooperation partner of the Lübeck Academy.