Hearing News Watch

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

The sixth annual Future of Hearing Healthcare Conference (FHH) will be held virtually on May 13, 20, and 27, continuing its focus on the ideas, innovations, and individuals shaping the future of hearing care. The popular three-day event will feature more than 23 expert-led sessions alongside panel discussions addressing clinical best practices, emerging technologies, research developments, and evolving models of

As Better Hearing Month begins, the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), WS Audiology (WSA), and the Kentucky Academy of Audiology (KAA) have launched Listen Up Kentucky, a new public awareness initiative focused on prevention, early intervention, and the lifelong importance of hearing health. The campaign is designed as a state-level pilot to increase public awareness around the risks of

PORTLAND, OREGON — New research from Oregon Health & Science University and Anhui University in China suggests that serotonin, a neurotransmitter commonly targeted by medications for depression and anxiety, may also play a role in worsening tinnitus symptoms. The study, published April 20 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that elevated serotonin levels in the brain

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA — Envoy Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ: COCH) announced that all 56 participants enrolled in its pivotal clinical trial evaluating the fully implanted Acclaim® cochlear implant have completed their activation visits, marking a key milestone in the study timeline. The activation visit represents the point at which each participant’s device is turned on for the first time. “With

TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK — Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval for Otarmeni™ (lunsotogene parvec-cwha), marking the first gene therapy approved for a genetic form of hearing loss. The approval represents a significant milestone for a field that has been steadily advancing in recent years. As previously discussed in

Miracle-Ear conventions used to be raucous affairs, and their 2005 event in Huntington Beach, CA, was no exception. Beyond franchisees masquerading as USC Trojans while a Beach Boys cover band played hits from the early 1960s, one memorable moment from this conference sticks out for me: Robert Sweetow’s talk on something called “Listening and Communication Enhancement,” or LACE as he