A Historic Event in the Field of Phoniatrics and Voice Health in Azerbaijan
On June 3–4, an international congress titled “New Horizons in Phoniatrics” was held at the Hilton Hotel in Baku, marking a significant event for Azerbaijan’s healthcare community. The 4th Congress of the Azerbaijan Society of Otorhinolaryngology and the 1st International Congress of the Azerbaijan Society of Phoniatrists and Speech Therapists made an important contribution to the development of scientific activities in the fields of voice health, speech disorders, and modern diagnostic methods. Organized with the support of the Ministry of Health and TABIB, the event brought together local and international experts.
The voice is one of the most important tools for human self-expression. A healthy voice is essential for teachers, singers, presenters, actors, and indeed everyone in everyday communication. For this reason, the congress extensively discussed the diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders, innovative approaches in phoniatrics, and the latest scientific research.
Who Participated in the Congress?
The event was attended by nearly 200 otorhinolaryngologists, speech therapists, and other healthcare professionals. Approximately 40 speakers from the United States, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan shared their professional experiences and scientific research with participants. This transformed the congress into not only a local event but also an international platform for knowledge exchange.
The congress was organized in collaboration with the Union of European Phoniatricians, the Turkish Society of Ear, Nose, Throat and Head-Neck Surgery, the Professional Voice Society, the Laryngology Society, and the Society for Voice, Speech, and Swallowing Disorders. Such international cooperation demonstrates that the development of phoniatrics and speech therapy in Azerbaijan aligns with global standards.
Innovations Discussed During the “Voice Therapy Application” Course
On the first day of the congress, a special interactive course was organized for participants. The course was conducted by Professor Dr. Haldun Oğuz, President of the Union of European Phoniatricians; Associate Professor Dr. İlter Denizoğlu, creator of the DoctorVOX voice therapy method; and Associate Professor Dr. Ramil Hashimli, a board member of the Union of European Phoniatricians.
During the course, extensive information was provided on the diagnosis, rehabilitation, and treatment methods of voice disorders. The DoctorVOX method attracted particular attention. Thanks to modern voice therapy approaches, many patients can restore their vocal functions without the need for surgery. The event was attended not only by physicians but also by speech therapists, artists, and faculty members and students of the National Conservatory, all of whom gained valuable insights into voice health.
Topics Discussed During the Scientific Panels
Within the framework of the 10 scientific panels included in the congress program, a variety of current topics were discussed. These included benign and malignant laryngeal tumors, vocal cord paralysis, dysphonia in children, innovations in audio-vestibular diagnostics, and the application of artificial intelligence in phoniatrics.
Today, artificial intelligence technologies are increasingly being integrated into healthcare. In the field of phoniatrics, these technologies create new opportunities for early diagnosis, voice analysis, and the development of personalized treatment plans. Participants received detailed information about the latest advancements in this area and discussed future prospects.
The 1st Karabakh Voice Congress and Future Perspectives
On June 5, 2026, the 1st Karabakh Voice Congress was held at Karabakh University as a continuation of these scientific initiatives. The main themes of the congress focused on professional voice, vocal health, and maintaining healthy voice performance throughout life.
One of the key areas of discussion was the scientific study of Azerbaijani music, the art of Mugham, and the characteristics of the national vocal style. Representatives of scientific societies and experts from different countries discussed opportunities for future collaboration. Such events contribute to Azerbaijan’s stronger presence on international scientific platforms.
Participation of Avaz Hearing and Speech Center in the Congress
Avaz Hearing and Speech Center actively participated in this prestigious international event. Our specialists working in the fields of voice, hearing, and speech attended scientific sessions, explored the latest innovations, and exchanged experiences with international experts.
Founded in 2016, Avaz Hearing and Speech Center is one of Azerbaijan’s leading institutions specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of hearing and speech disorders. Since its establishment, the center has been committed to improving people’s quality of life and helping them communicate more effectively and confidently.
Today, Avaz Hearing and Speech Center provides the following services:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Audiometry | Accurate assessment of hearing levels |
| Tympanometry | Evaluation of middle ear functions |
| Hearing Aid Fitting | Personalized hearing aid selection based on individual needs |
| Speech Therapy | Speech rehabilitation services for children and adults |
| Consultation Services | Professional guidance and specialist support |
The center also introduces advanced global hearing technologies to Azerbaijan, providing patients with modern solutions. Waterproof, Bluetooth-enabled, and high-performance hearing aids help users enjoy a more comfortable and convenient daily life.
The Impact of International Events on the Hearing and Speech Sector
Such international congresses not only enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals but also contribute to improving the quality of care provided to patients. Learning from international experience, implementing new technologies, and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration play a crucial role in advancing healthcare services.
At Avaz Hearing and Speech Center, our goal is to continuously improve, follow international developments, and apply the knowledge we gain to benefit our patients. This is why participation in scientific events both in Azerbaijan and abroad is of great importance to us.
Conclusion
The international congress “New Horizons in Phoniatrics” became a significant event for Azerbaijan’s healthcare community. The congress served as a platform for discussing the latest scientific developments in voice, speech, and hearing health, expanding international collaborations, and laying the foundation for future projects.
As Avaz Hearing and Speech Center, we are proud to have participated in such a prestigious event. Since 2016, our primary mission has been to help people hear better, communicate more effectively, and improve their overall quality of life. We will continue bringing international expertise to Azerbaijan and providing our patients with the most advanced services available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is phoniatrics?
Phoniatrics is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of voice, speech, and swallowing disorders.
2. What is dysphonia?
Dysphonia refers to a disorder affecting the quality, pitch, volume, or tone of the voice.
3. Who can benefit from voice therapy?
Voice therapy is suitable for individuals experiencing voice disorders, as well as teachers, singers, presenters, actors, and other professional voice users.
4. Since when has Avaz Hearing and Speech Center been operating?
Avaz Hearing and Speech Center has been operating since 2016.
5. What services does Avaz Hearing and Speech Center provide?
The center offers audiometry, tympanometry, hearing aid fitting, speech therapy, and professional consultation services.