The 8th European Pediatric Conference: Advancing care for children with hearing loss

Pediatric audiology continues to evolve at a rapidly advancing pace. Each year brings new evidence, new technologies, and new expectations from families who rely on us to guide them through complex decisions. This momentum is precisely why the 8th European Pediatric Conference, taking place in April 2026, feels so significant.

For many years now, I have had the privilege of co-chairing this conference with Andrea Bohnert, and it remains one of the professional highlights I look forward to most. Together, we have shaped countless programs, and this year’s agenda is a special one. It reflects not only where pediatric audiology stands today but also where it is rapidly heading. It does so with a depth and breadth that we are particularly proud of.

Whether you join us on site or participate online, we have designed a program that supports clinicians, researchers, therapists, and all professionals who accompany children on their hearing journey.

A program built around the realities of pediatric care

The conference begins on Thursday evening with an informal welcome reception. It is a moment that always sets the tone for the days ahead. By Friday morning, the scientific program unfolds into a rich exploration of diagnostics, early intervention, and family-centered care.

We begin with updated diagnostic procedures and current clinical protocols, offering a foundation that supports decision making across a range of complex cases. One highlight will be Andrej Kral’s keynote on the physiology of auditory synaptopathy and neuropathy, which bridges neuroscience and clinical relevance in a meaningful way.

Sessions throughout the day focus on real-world challenges. These include addressing hearing care for children with Down syndrome, supporting families through early intervention, and evaluating the expanding role of therapy approaches across diverse clinical contexts. Technology discussions naturally weave into these themes, with evidence updates on advanced hearing instrument features and remote microphone systems that continue to shape children’s listening outcomes.

Looking ahead to innovation, outcomes, and emerging therapies

Saturday turns its attention to the future, which is one of the reasons Andrea Bohnertand I are so enthusiastic about this year’s agenda. We explore how pediatric hearing aids can better meet children’s needs, what deep neural network processing may mean for fittings, and where we see the field heading over the next decade.

Cochlear implantation receives thoughtful coverage, including discussions on candidacy and long-term outcomes. These sessions are enriched by perspectives from clinicians and researchers who work closely with pediatric data. Genetics also takes an important place in the program. The closing session highlights emerging gene therapies, including promising work related to Otoferlin, an area generating well-deserved optimism across our field.

A community that learns together

What makes this conference special is not only the science but also the community behind it. The discussions that happen between sessions or the shared reflections that arise after an engaging presentation often become the seeds of new collaborations.

To ensure accessibility for colleagues across regions, we offer both onsite participation in Munich and online attendance with simultaneous translation between English and German. This format allows us to welcome a broad audience into the conversation.

We hope to see you there

After many years of co-chairing this conference with Andrea Bohnert, I can say with confidence that this year’s program stands out. It is ambitious in scope, deeply relevant to clinical practice, and forward looking in its exploration of what comes next for children with hearing loss.

 We warmly invite you to join us in Munich or online for three days that promise exceptional learning, discussion, and inspiration.

Full program and registration details are available at phonak.com.