The MS Wissenschaft is a converted inland waterway vessel with an unusual cargo: science! Since 2003, the ship has been travelling to numerous cities along the German waterways every summer and presenting a vivid exhibition on the theme of the respective Year of Science, which this year is being organised by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research under the motto "Research for our health". As hearing loss affects around 15 million people in Germany alone, it makes sense to present the innovative possibilities of hearing research on the ship and also to raise awareness of hearing protection among young visitors as a preventative measure. On an easy-to-use terminal, guests can experience the consequences of hearing loss and the use of a hearing aid at first hand. However, playful elements involving hearing and speech are also part of the Auditory Valley exhibition programme. The floating science centre starts its journey on 19 May 2011 in Stuttgart. The ship will visit 35 cities, including Heidelberg, Cologne, Hanover, Braunschweig and Münster. It will also make a detour to Austria again this year and visit the capital city of Vienna, among other places. The last stop will be Berlin, where the tour ends on 29 September. People of all ages are invited, especially children and young people from the age of 12. More