Philadelphia, May 02: The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) is set to host its 190th meeting from May 11–15, 2026, bringing together researchers, scientists, and industry experts to explore the latest developments in the science of sound.
The conference, to be held at Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, will feature a diverse lineup of sessions covering topics ranging from hearing and brain function to acoustics in public spaces, bioacoustics, and sound design.
Media representatives are invited to attend the event in person, with additional press releases on select topics to be shared under embargo during the week of May 4. Highlights and updates will also be available on social media using the event hashtag.
Meeting Highlights
Monday, May 11: Emotional Listening and Brain Function
Sessions will explore how adverse listening conditions impact brain activity, the long-term effects of early noise exposure on behavior, and how listening effort varies in speech and emotion recognition.
Tuesday, May 12: Acoustics in Everyday Environments
Discussions will focus on improving soundscapes in public spaces such as restaurants and transport hubs, the role of acoustics in university dormitories, and innovative research translating molecular properties into audible sound.
Wednesday, May 13: Technology, Sports, and Bioacoustics
Highlights include machine learning applications in identifying marine mammals, studies on spatial perception using over-the-counter hearing aids, and the growing concern around noise from the popular sport pickleball.
Thursday, May 14: Historical and Sensory Acoustics
Sessions will examine the acoustics of historical artifacts like the Liberty Bell, the evolution of vocal fry across disciplines, and the role of multisensory perception in soundscape design.
Friday, May 15: Cultural and Performance Acoustics
The final day will feature research on the acoustics of the Muchukundeswara Temple, along with discussions on optimizing performance spaces to accommodate diverse musical traditions.
The 190th meeting underscores ASA’s commitment to advancing the understanding of acoustics across disciplines, highlighting its growing relevance in technology, healthcare, urban planning, and cultural studies.
