Announcements

Announcement

New FDA-Approved Device Eases Tinnitus Through Brain Retraining

A non-invasive device called Lenire uses sound and gentle tongue stimulation to reduce tinnitus symptoms by retraining how the brain processes sound. It’s now FDA-approved and showing promising results for people with persistent ringing in the ears. Read more here .

Announcement

3M to Pay $6 Billion in Military Earplug Settlement

3M has begun paying out a $6 billion settlement to resolve lawsuits from U.S. military veterans and service members who claimed that defective Combat Arms Version 2 earplugs caused hearing loss and tinnitus. The earplugs, used between 2003 and 2015, were alleged to be faulty, leading to hearing damage among users. As of May 2025, over $2.8 billion has been allocated for claimant payouts, with…

Announcement

New Group Launch: Assistive Listening Systems

We’re excited to announce the launch of the Assistive Listening Systems group on ICAAT! This space is dedicated to exploring the latest technologies that improve communication access in public spaces — from hearing loops to Bluetooth Auracast. Join the group to share experiences, learn best practices, and connect with others passionate about making listening environments more inclusive. Join the…

Announcement

Regeneron Gene Therapy Shows Promising Hearing Restoration in Children with Congenital Deafness

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals reported that its experimental gene therapy, DB-OTO, demonstrated improved hearing in 10 out of 11 children aged between 10 months and 16 years who were born with hearing loss due to mutations in the OTOF gene. Among five patients assessed at 24 weeks post-treatment, three exhibited hearing improvements to “nearly normal” or “normal” levels. This gene therapy delivers DNA…

Announcement

Sydney Opera House Enhances Accessibility with Auracast™ Technology

The Sydney Opera House became the first cultural venue in the world to permanently implement Auracast broadcast audio, a cutting-edge assistive listening technology powered by Bluetooth LE Audio. This innovation allows people with hearing loss to enjoy live performances with enhanced sound clarity directly through their hearing aids, earbuds, or compatible devices, removing traditional barriers…

Announcement

Auracast and Android: Big Step Forward

Google is bringing built-in Auracast support to Android 1 6, marking a major advancement in hearing accessibility. Auracast, a feature of Bluetooth LE Audio, allows audio to be broadcast from one source to multiple devices simultaneously, such as compatible hearing aids, earbuds, and cell phones, which help manage the connection. This technology has the potential to transform public spaces like…

Announcement

New ICAAT User Story

ICAAT publishes new user stories on a regular basis. In these real-world stories, consumers with hearing loss and Deaf consumers discuss their technology priorities, their use of technology, and how technology fits into their lives. Check out our new user story: Hearing Loss Plus If you have a unique story that you would like to see included in our user stories collection, please select…

Announcement

New Market Research Opportunity: 2-Phase Ethnography Study on Wearable Assistive Technology

A new market research opportunity is available through Co-Design Connect on ICAAT. A 2-phase Deaf and hard of hearing ethnography study is seeking participants who live in or near Atlanta, GA or Washington DC. The study will explore how wearable assistive technology (e.g., smart watches or glasses) can support everyday life. Compensation will be provided for qualified participants. Communication…

Announcement

New Market Research Opportunity: If You Are Considering a Cochlear Implant, Share Your Thoughts

A new market research opportunity is available through Co-Design Connect on ICAAT. If you are considering a cochlear implant, join a virtual, one-on-one conversation to share your thoughts. Communication access and compensation are provided for qualified participants. This opportunity closes on January 15, 2025. For more information: Join or log in to the ICAAT Tech Forum Go to Co-Design Connect…

Announcement

New Market Research Opportunity: Share Your Thoughts About Hearing Loss

A new market research opportunity is available through Co-Design Connect on ICAAT. Participate in a virtual, one-on-one conversation with a researcher to share your experiences and thoughts about hearing loss and cochlear implant technology. Communication access and compensation for your time are provided. To see more information and learn how to contact the recruiter, you must join or login to…