Karolina has been working in the field of audiology since 1991, as an engineer and as a lecturer in Audiology. She has been active in hearing research since 1996. In 2006, when Widex (now WS Audiology) decided to establish the new ORCA Europe research group in Stockholm, Karolina Smeds was appointed director and served in that capacity for 15 years. 

Karolina’s main research areas are hearing rehabilitation, people’s auditory ecology, and the design of outcome measures that give results indicative of performance in everyday life. Recently her work has focused on group conversations and social participation.