Resources

Assistive listening systems (ALS) improve hearing in public settings by sending sound directly to the listener and reducing background noise. This guide from the Hearing Review highlights how these technologies work alongside hearing aids and cochlear implants to make communication easier in places like theaters, classrooms, airports, and houses of worship. The resource describes several types of…

1 page handout. Using a counter hearing loop at check-in, pharmacy counters, and other public settings does not violate HIPAA. In fact, it helps providers meet their obligations under both the ADA and HIPAA by improving communication access while maintaining patient privacy.

New Website Helps Consumers Navigate Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids and Find the Right Solutions Pittsburgh, PA. — October 1, 2025 – Millions of Americans live with hearing loss, but finding the right solution can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, the Department of Communication Science and Disorders, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh has…

An estimated 60 million people worldwide experience severe hearing loss, yet only a small percentage receive cochlear implants. Robotic-assisted systems, including the iotaSOFT® Insertion System, have been tested in over 1,000 cochlear implant surgeries. These systems aim to support consistent and controlled insertion of the electrode array. Clinical teams continue to study their use as part of…

People with moderate to profound hearing loss sometimes explore options beyond traditional hearing aids, such as cochlear implants. These medical devices convert sound into signals that the brain can interpret. In certain procedures, robotic-assisted systems like the iotaSOFT® Insertion System may be used to help surgeons position the implant’s electrode array within the cochlea. This approach is…

In today’s diverse congregations, assistive listening systems play a crucial role in making worship spaces truly inclusive. This guide breaks down the process into ten actionable steps, including: • Understanding Congregational Needs: Identifying the specific hearing challenges faced by your community. • Exploring Technologies: FM systems, infrared, hearing loops, and Wi-Fi-based solutions. •…

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have released the first global standard aimed at preventing hearing loss among gamers, especially for children and young adults. The standard targets both gaming hardware and software, encouraging features like volume limiters, safe listening alerts, and headphone safety modes to reduce long-term exposure to…

These fully “ADA-Access-Ready” hearing instruments will require: Both telecoil and Auracast connectivity embedded in the hearing instruments, and not merely offered in an accessory device. “ADA-Access-Ready” Hearing Instruments List A single push-button access (direct-to-hearing instrument connections) for both telecoils and Auracast. No intermediary device to be required, at least for connection…

The second edition of Nick Hunn's book, “ Introducing Bluetooth® LE Audio, " is available for download from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). Hunn chaired the Bluetooth Hearing Aid working group, which developed the concept of Bluetooth LE Audio, and he has participated in writing all of the specifications for the Bluetooth LE Audio. This guide offers insights into the new set of over…

“Hearing Loop or Auracast? – Why Not Both?” is a follow-up session to a series of "Hearing Access" webinars held by the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (EFHOH). This recorded session brought together members of the hearing loss community, industry leaders, and accessibility advocates to discuss the coexistence of telecoil-based hearing loops and Auracast™ (Bluetooth® LE Audio).…