Resources

This one-hour continuing education course reviews Auracast broadcast technology, part of Bluetooth LE Audio, and how it offers improved sound access for individuals with hearing loss. The course begins with a review of how wireless audio has evolved, then details what sets Auracast apart from earlier Bluetooth systems, including the capacity for a single audio source to transmit simultaneously to…

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…

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group provides a centralized Auracast™ Product Listing where manufacturers list qualified products enabled with Auracast™ technology . It includes product names, companies, and roles (e.g., receivers or transmitters). Member companies can submit their products for listing through a submission link. This tool helps users easily identify Auracast-enabled products…

On September 9, 2024, Apple Inc announced hearing health features coming to AirPods Pro 2, which provide the world’s first all-in-one hearing health experience including a clinical-grade, over-the-counter Hearing Aid feature. Included in these new features is Hearing Protection to help users prevent exposure to loud environmental noise while preserving the sound signature of what they’re listening…

On September 10, 2024, the FCC announced that survivors of domestic abuse can get discounted phone, internet, or bundled services through the FCC’s Lifeline program. Survivors can now make a request with their service provider to separate their mobile phone lines from family plans where the abuser is on the account. Impacted survivors experiencing financial hardship can also receive up to six…

EEOC v. Smith’s Detection Inc., Case No. 1:24-cv-2510 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division. The agency filed against Smith’s Detection, Inc., a leading manufacturer of threat detection equipment, for demoting a disabled employee to avoid providing her with personal protective equipment (PPE). The employee, who suffered from complete hearing loss in her left…

The World Hearing Forum at the World Health Organization is a global network of stakeholders promoting ear and hearing care worldwide. Members of this advocacy network are committed to facilitate the implementation of World Health Assembly resolution WHA70.13 on “Prevention of deafness and hearing loss” and support the Member States in this regard. Over 430 million people require rehabilitation to…

On July 19, 2024, the FCC released a Report and Order taking steps to advance the nationwide transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911). Unlike the current 911 system, NG911 uses Internet Protocol (IP)-based format and routing, and will support the transmission of text, photos, videos, and data. In the Report and Order, the FCC adopted the first nationwide NG911 transition rules that define the…