Newsroom Computational Audiology, January 21
Dear all,
We’re excited to share the latest updates in this newsletter, including VCCA 2026 abstract submission and registration details, as well as CAN’s activities at WCA 2026.
VCCA 2026: Abstract Submission & Registration Now Open!
We are very pleased to announce that abstract submission and registration are now open for VCCA 2026 – the 7th Virtual Conference on Computational Audiology, which will take place online on 25–26 June 2026. Both conference days are free of charge, and all presentations will be streamed live and made openly available after the event.
Submit your abstract:
https://computationalaudiology.com/vcca2026-abstracts/
Register via Eventbrite:
https://shorturl.at/cZYLF
A preliminary programme overview, including the structure and indicative timings, is available here:
https://computationalaudiology.com/vcca2026-programme/
Key Dates
- Abstract submission deadline: 3 May 2026
- Acceptance notification: 17 May 2026
- Conference materials submission deadline: 7 June 2026
- Conference: 25–26 June 2026
We warmly welcome submissions from across the hearing sciences, including computational audiology, clinical audiology, auditory neuroscience, speech perception, machine learning, and assistive technology.
For questions, contact: vcca2026@computationalaudiology.com
With best wishes,
Joaquin T. Valderrama
On behalf of the CAN and the VCCA 2026 Organising Committee
Dr. Joaquín T. Valderrama, Dr. Maria Amparo Callejón Leblic, Dr. Miriam Isabel Marrufo Pérez
CAN at WCA2026: Bridging AI and Audiology
The 37th World Congress of Audiology (WCA 2026 Seoul), themed “Broadening the Horizon of Audiology,” will take place 24–27 May 2026 in Seoul, Korea. The Computational Audiology Network (CAN) is proud to contribute by integrating AI into the conversation with the following highlights:
- Round Table: “Future Perspectives in Audiology and AI, New Technologies” – Moderated by Nicky Chong-White.
- Workshop: “The Force Awakens: Robots, Avatars, and ASR in Clinical Audiology” – Led by Gloria Araiza-Illan and Jan-Willem Wasmann.
- Planned Session: Future e-Health – AI for the Ear and Beyond
- AI Virtual Patients for Audiology Training – Nicky Chong-White, Australia
- Piloting AI-Assisted Diagnosis of Childhood Ear Disease in Aotearoa New Zealand Primary Care: A Feasibility Study – Michelle Pokorny, Erin Keach, New Zealand
- VR-Based Fine-Tuning of Hearing Device Settings – André Goedegebuure, The Netherlands
- Art of Hearing: A Digital Dialogue Between Audiology and Creativity – Selvarani Moodley, South Africa
Workshop Highlights: Explore how robots, AI-avatars, VR, and automated speech recognition (ASR) are revolutionizing hearing healthcare. Through live demos and interactive discussions, we’ll address:
- How can clinicians effectively adopt these tools?
- What ethical and practical challenges must we overcome?
Don’t miss out—join us in Seoul! Please send an email to president@computationalaudiology.com if you like to meet up with other CAN members.
The session compositions for each of these sessions are available on the WCA 2026 Seoul website under the Scientific Program page.
For additional information we refer to the following:
- Scientific Program:
https://www.wca2026seoul.com/?module=Board&action=SiteBoard&sMode=SELECT_FORM&iBrdNo=9 - Official and Social Programs: (Contents will be updated soon)
https://www.wca2026seoul.com/?module=Html&action=SiteComp&sSubNo=17 - Accommodation Information:
https://www.wca2026seoul.com/?module=Html&action=SiteComp&sSubNo=16 - Registration: Early-bird registration extended until January 23, 2026
https://www.wca2026seoul.com/?module=Html&action=SiteComp&sSubNo=6
In the Media: Exploring AI, Ethics, and Digital Sovereignty
1. Podcast: “Empire of AI” – The Intercept Briefing
🔗 Listen here This episode dives into the global impact of AI development, comparing it to historical colonialism based on the book “Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman’s OpenAI,” by tech reporter Karen Hao. It highlights $60 billion in blocked data center projects due to protests, lawsuits over mental health harms linked to AI, and growing resistance to unchecked tech expansion. The discussion emphasizes community pushback as a catalyst for ethical AI design, urging listeners to actively shape AI’s future—prioritizing benefits without exploitation.
Key Takeaway: “We should critically appraise the narrative created by big AI companies and look at the needs of users and AI’s impact of society.”
2. Article: “Getting Off US Tech: A Guide” – Disconnect Blog
🔗 Read here This article explores the risks of over-reliance on US tech giants and offers practical alternatives to regain control over data and services. It stresses the importance of preventing vendor lock-in and supporting digital sovereignty—encouraging individuals to consider platforms from the rest of the world. While transitioning isn’t always easy, the guide argues that collective action can drive systemic change.
Key Takeaway: “Be aware of your own digital sovereignty.”
Up Next
Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming. Computational Audiology Network events. We look forward to your participation!