Hearing News Watch

Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments may be more than a frustrating consequence of aging. New research suggests it could serve as an early indicator of brain changes associated with cognitive vulnerability, even before measurable cognitive decline becomes apparent. In a longitudinal study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, researchers found that older adults with poorer speech-in-noise performance experienced

NationsBenefits announced this week that it has been selected by Sam’s Club to manage hearing centers across Sam’s Club locations nationwide, introducing a new hearing care model focused on integrated clinical care, tele-audiology support, and health plan connectivity. The collaboration brings NationsHearing technology and hearing care services directly into Sam’s Club Hearing Centers, offering members access to prescription and over-the-counter

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — GN is using the 2026 World Congress of Audiology (WCA) in Seoul to spotlight the role of accessibility and inclusive audio experiences in hearing healthcare, while also releasing new survey data examining social perceptions surrounding hearing loss. As part of the event, GN partnered with Ampetronic to host “Seoul Session: A Live Auracast™ Event,” described as South

LYNGE, DENMARK — Widex has today introduced Widex Allure AI RIC with Clarity Boost, a new hearing aid designed to preserve natural sound quality during everyday listening while providing additional AI-driven support in challenging noise. The new device builds on the existing Widex Allure platform by adding a dedicated AI co-processor that wearers can activate when they want added clarity

TAMPA, FLORIDA — Hearing care retailer HearUSA has received two distinctions in Global Health & Pharma’s Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Awards 2026 program, earning recognition as Best Nationwide Hearing Consultancy Service and recipient of the Client Care Excellence Award. The annual awards program recognizes organizations across the private healthcare sector for innovation, service quality, and patient impact. According to HearUSA, the

LYNGE, DENMARK — WS Audiology (WSA) reported 1% organic revenue growth and improved profitability during the second quarter of fiscal year 2025/26, while maintaining its outlook for the full financial year. The company reported second-quarter revenue of EUR 628 million (~$712 million USD), representing 1% organic growth year-over-year, though reported revenue declined 6% due primarily to currency headwinds. EBITDA before

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS — Skylark Bio announced that it will present new preclinical data for SKY-PEN, its Pendrin gene therapy program targeting SLC26A4-related hearing loss, at the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) 2026 Annual Meeting. According to the company, the data demonstrate dose-dependent hearing rescue across multiple mouse models, along with preservation of key inner-ear structures and targeted

A new long-term study published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), suggests that benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may continue to affect patients years after successful initial treatment. The seven-year study followed 361 patients treated for BPPV and found that nearly half (47.1%) experienced at least

Emerging hearing care professionals will once again have the opportunity to participate in one of the field’s most forward-looking educational events, thanks to the continued support of Phonak. As sponsor of the 2026 Student Education Grant, Phonak will provide up to 100 students pursuing degrees in audiology, hearing science, or related disciplines with complimentary access to the 2026 Future of

NATIONAL HARBOR, MARYLAND — Cilcare, a French-US biopharmaceutical company specializing in auditory science, announced a series of U.S. investments at the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026, including plans for a clinical trial of its lead tinnitus drug candidate at Massachusetts General Hospital, expanded preclinical capacity through its partner CBSET, and the launch of a U.S. gateway for international biotech companies. The