At the heart of the Austrian Pavilion at World EXPO 2025, MED-EL is bringing hearing health to the global stage. Selected from over 150 applicants, MED-EL has been featured since April in Austria’s Innovation Lab, where an infomercial highlights how hearing technology fosters inclusion and accessibility.
In addition, MED-EL hosted an event titled “Empowering Lives Through Hearing Innovation” during the EXPO’s Health and Well-Being Week. The event underscored the need for improved access to hearing care in Japan and explored how innovation, policy and lived experience can shape a more inclusive future.
The event opened with remarks by Austrian Ambassador, Michael Rendi, followed by MED-EL CEO and Co-founder, Ingeborg Hochmair, who shared her vision of a world where hearing loss is no longer a barrier to communication. Renowned cochlear implant researcher Prof. Shin-ichi Usami offered a glimpse into the future of hearing implant technology. Prof. Koichi Omori, Chairman of the Japanese ENT society, addressed Japan’s challenges, including an aging population and regional disparities in access to hearing care. It was also exciting for the audience to learn about the European perspective, where policymakers can strive to improve access: Patrick D’Haese, MED-EL’s Corporate Director of Awareness, outlined proven policy strategies for raising awareness and expanding access to hearing solutions across the EU.
A key proposal was developing a national hearing health strategy tailored to Japan’s demographic and healthcare landscape, inspired by the European Hearing Health Manifesto, offering a call to action for policymakers.
Demonstrating the human side of innovation, the event featured a live performance by Dizzy Yoshimoto and the band BambooLily, both featuring cochlear implant users. Their music powerfully illustrated how hearing technology can restore not only sound but also self-expression.
As the EXPO continues to spotlight innovation with purpose, MED-EL’s participation exemplifies how technological leadership and policy advocacy can advance a more inclusive global society.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
To learn more about the European Hearing Health Manifesto, visit
https://www.hearinghealth.eu/hearing-loss-manifesto/
