Skip to content
Who we are
At ORCA Labs, we do research on life with hearing loss and apply our knowledge to improve solutions
About ORCA Labs
Hearing is not solved
There’s a need for more knowledge and understanding.
Our research plays a vital role in the link between understanding life with hearing loss and developing state-of-the-art technology that tackles these challenges.
This month In focus
Advancing Successful Aging with Hearing Loss: Integrating Psychosocial and Technological Innovation
Age-related hearing loss is a growing public health concern, affecting over ten million individuals in Germany alone. It is associated with increased risks of social isolation, depression, cognitive decline, and reduced quality of life. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that combines medical technology, psychosocial support, and user-centered design.
ORCA Labs collaborates with research initiatives that exemplify such a holistic strategy. Our research focus on “Solution Adoption” is closely aligned and our research on the role of hearing-related adaptive strategies in successful aging with hearing loss inspired the current research collaborations.
The AgeHearing-QoL project (AgeHearing-QoL research project: New approaches to care – University of Applied Sciences Landshut) investigates early and integrative care models for individuals aged 40 and above experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss. Led by a consortium including University of Applied Research Landshut, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald the project explores psychosocial determinants of quality of life—such as perceived stress, social support, and subjective aging experience—and develops targeted intervention programs. These interventions combine early hearing aid adoption with psychosocial training, aiming to enhance autonomy, communication, and emotional well-being.
In parallel, Hochschule Landshut’s research in medical technology— notably the HörTrain project (Mehr Lebensqualität bei Altersschwerhörigkeit – Hochschule Landshut) — focuses on a digital training tool that empowers individuals with hearing loss to develop coping strategies beyond device use. This complements AgeHearing-QoL’s psychosocial emphasis by offering scalable, technology-driven solutions that support behavioral adaptation and self-efficacy.
Both projects were recently presented at the Innovation Forum for Medical Technology in Landshut (See LinkedIn post).
Together, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to fostering solution adoption through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Workshop
Workshop in Communication in Hearing Science 2025
On August 19th 2025 we are hosting a workshop on Communication in Hearing Science.
The workshop will feature invited talks and a poster session by researchers studying different aspects of human communication.
Currently presented in three countries
ORCA Labs library
Latest posters
ORCA Labs researchers are present at the most important audiology conferences in the world. Sometimes we do talks, sometimes we present posters.
Visit our latest posters below.
Our main point of interest
Research areas
Our research is organized in four research areas.
Click and explore the problems we adress, the questions we ask, and the answers we found.
ORCA Labs Partners
ORCA Labs
The Scientific Institute of WS Audiology
ORCA Labs is part of WS Audiology.
As such we are part of an eco-system of experts, each with its unique role in bringing Wonderful Sound for All.
Ours is scientific research.