EUHA Congress 2026

The 70th International Congress of the European Union of Hearing Aid Acousticians (EUHA 2026), featuring an industry exhibition, took place in Hanover from 14 to 16 October 2026, focusing on technology, trends and AI. Over the course of three days, the Academy of Hearing Acoustics (afh) provided information on training and continuing professional development at the joint exhibition stand shared by afh, biha and LBS. Dr Frederick Hahn, Head of Further Education and Training at the Academy, gave interested young professionals practical insights into hearing aid training in Lübeck at the EUHA Live Area: he outlined the path from journeyman to master craftsman, including helpful tips on funding opportunities.

Dr Christian Welzbacher, Head of the Heinz-Piest Institute for Craft Technology at Leibniz University Hannover, addressed the topic of ‘Pathways into the Skilled Trades’ during the general meeting. In his keynote speech, he discussed the recruitment of apprentices. ‘Young people are looking for a sense of purpose, security and opportunities for development. The skilled trades can, in principle, fulfil these motivations – but must communicate their career paths and technological future in a more visible and credible way. In particular, the hearing aid sector – which is already highly digitalised and medically relevant – can consistently play to its strengths in recruitment and business organisation, and solve the demographic challenge by harnessing the strengths of Gen Z and AI,” said Dr Welzbacher.

In view of the shortage of skilled workers, Eberhard Schmidt, President of the Federal Guild of Hearing Aid Acousticans (biha), made demands of politicians: “Small and medium-sized enterprises create apprenticeship places and ensure local access to care. These must be preserved. The coexistence of large and small businesses has proven its worth. Both have their place; both must be supported. This is entirely in the spirit of healthy competition and a sound healthcare provision structure in our country.”

With regard to the dramatic developments in health policy, the President called on politicians in Berlin to prevent a drastic cutback affecting small and medium-sized enterprises. “Knock-out tenders in the medical aids sector come at the expense of the quality of care and thus at the expense of patients,” Schmidt continued. “The same applies to the ever-increasing administrative burden without any discernible added value.”