Announcements

Neuromod Devices announced that Lenire, a bimodal neuromodulation device for tinnitus, is now available in Canada through 21 clinics across Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec. The launch follows Health Canada authorization received in late 2025. Lenire delivers audio tones through Bluetooth headphones while simultaneously applying mild electrical pulses to the surface of the…

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst presented findings at the 2026 SSA Annual Meeting from the first qualitative U.S. study examining how deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals experience earthquake early warning systems. The team spoke with eight DHH university students about their past experiences with earthquakes, their access to ShakeAlert and similar systems, and…

The Federal Communications Commission has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on the Lifeline program, which provides discounts on voice and broadband services for qualifying low-income Americans. Comments are due May 4, 2026. The NPRM proposes reforms aimed at directing federal funds to eligible participants, strengthening program integrity, and streamlining program rules. The FCC is…

The U.S. Access Board has published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeking public comment on its approach to developing technical standards for universal changing stations at medium and large hub airports. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 directed the Board to issue these standards, and the ANPRM outlines several possible approaches for doing so. The Board is requesting input…

Researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University published a study in JASA that challenges the common assumption that closing your eyes helps you hear better in noisy situations. Using EEG monitoring, the team found that in noisy environments, eye closure puts the brain into a state of "neural criticality," which causes it to over-filter incoming signals, suppressing both background noise and the…

Oticon announced it will feature its new Zeal hearing aid at the American Academy of Audiology 2026 annual convention, taking place April 22–25 in San Antonio. Zeal is described as an in-the-ear hearing aid that combines rechargeable functionality, Bluetooth connectivity, and audio streaming in a small form factor. The announcement also describes Auracast broadcast audio demonstrations at the…

Envoy Medical announced that the first three participants in its pivotal clinical trial for the Acclaim fully implanted cochlear implant have completed their 12-month follow-up evaluations. These were the earliest patients implanted in the trial, which began in early 2025. Reaching the 12-month mark is significant because the trial's primary endpoints are tied to 12-month outcome data. Full…

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is accepting applications from scientists, patients, and other healthcare stakeholders to serve as merit reviewers for research funding applications. Reviewers evaluate 4 to 6 grant applications per funding cycle, provide written critiques and scores, and attend a one or two-day in-person panel meeting. PCORI covers travel and lodging for…

The Federal Aviation Administration has launched a survey to gather experiences and perspectives from passengers with disabilities regarding aircraft evacuations. The survey is part of a broader FAA research effort required under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which directs the agency to study real-world evacuation conditions and to address gaps in current safety standards. For passengers…

A research team at UMass Amherst is recruiting adults to share their opinions on over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. Participants will receive $100 for one 1-hour session over Zoom. Who can participate: Adults ages 40 and older who fall into any of these categories: Currently use hearing aids (prescription or OTC) or other assistive listening devices Are interested in trying hearing aids for the…