Resources

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…

Federal disability discrimination laws like the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities and call for equal access to health care services, whether in-person or via a telemedicine appointment. Equal access to telehealth can be achieved by modifying procedures and providing additional support to…

SignUp is a free Google Chrome Extension that provides sign language interpretation on movies and TV shows on streaming platforms, including Disney+ and Netflix. While almost all the over 125 movies that have been translated to ASL (American Sign Language), BSL (British Sign Language) and/or ISL (Indian Sign Language) are for children, anyone visiting the SignUp website may request interpretation…

The International Hearing Loop Manufacturers Association (IHLMA) created a guide to and comparison of Available Assistive Listening Technologies (2021). In the guide, IHLMA notes: “People with hearing loss of all levels, frequently exhibit a disproportionate amount of difficulty understanding speech in the presence of noise. This is especially the case in situations where desired speech signals…

The Hearing Industries Association (HIA) has prepared Your Guide to Financial Assistance for Hearing Aids (2023) as a resource guide for those seeking financial assistance for hearing aids. While HIA does not manage an assistance program, this guide will provide information on the charitable foundations, private organizations, insurance plans, and government programs that help people access the…