Hearing News Watch

Gael Hannan’s TEDx talk—The dirty little secret of hearing loss—has been released, bringing a candid message about communication, stigma, and the everyday workarounds many people with hearing loss rely on to get through conversations. In the talk, Hannan describes a familiar “survival tactic”: smiling and nodding while hoping you caught enough to keep up. She argues that while this can

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS — The Illinois Academy of Audiology (IAA) announced that State Senator Julie Morrison (D–Deerfield) will sponsor Senate Bill 2838 (SB2838), legislation that would add a new “Hearing Care Plan Contracts Article” to the Illinois Insurance Code and increase state oversight of hearing care plans, sometimes referred to as third-party administrators. Filed in the Illinois Senate on January 13,

OSAKA, JAPAN — Shionogi & Co., Ltd. announced the conclusion of a joint research & development agreement and investment agreement with Salubritas Therapeutics aimed at demonstrating improvements in hearing function through sensory hair cell regeneration in the inner ear and developing new pharmaceuticals. The companies said the collaboration will focus on prevention and treatment of hearing loss through regenerative approaches,

MILAN, ITALY — Amplifon, a global leader in hearing care services and solutions, is one of 17 companies worldwide certified as a Global Top Employer in 2026, and the only company in the hearing care sector to receive this recognition for human resources management and workplace practices. New for 2026, in addition to the global recognition, Amplifon received certification in

SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY – On Saturday, December 13, 2025, Oticon Government Services participated in a home dedication ceremony hosted by Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) to recognize U.S. Army Major Dolly Harris, who received the keys to her specially adapted custom home in Howell Township, New Jersey. Oticon Government Services has supported Homes For Our Troops since 2017, sponsoring the

FARMINGTON HILLS, MICHIGAN — The International Hearing Society (IHS) announced that U.S. News & World Report has again ranked Hearing Aid Specialist among its best jobs for 2026, according to rankings published in the outlet’s January 12 edition. The rankings are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, along with U.S. News & World Report’s internal analysis. In

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK — Auditdata will host an upcoming webinar titled “Smarter Scheduling for Better Care and Higher ROI” on January 21, offering hearing care professionals a closer look at how scheduling strategies can influence clinic performance, staff engagement, and patient experience. The live session will take place on January 21 at 12:00 PM EST / 5:00 PM GMT, with registration

World Hearing Day 2026 will place a global spotlight on children’s hearing health, emphasizing prevention, early identification, and access to care through schools and communities. Observed annually on March 3, World Hearing Day is led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and serves as a global advocacy platform to raise awareness of hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care

It’s no secret that loud music has a profound impact on our hearing—yet reducing the risks for music lovers, artists, and venue staff remains a major challenge. Thanks to a new partnership between Sownd Affects and Oscar Acoustics, efforts are underway to address this issue through an emerging concept known as audio inclusivity. Through this collaboration, three Hackney venues—Paper Dress

EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA — Starkey has announced continued investment in student organizations and educational initiatives supporting the next generation of hearing healthcare professionals. According to the company, more than 1,500 students were supported through Starkey-sponsored programs and events in 2025. Starkey remains a major industry sponsor of student organizations, including the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA), Student Academy of Doctors of