Hearing News Watch

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — Sound Pharmaceuticals announced that it has completed enrollment in its second Phase 3 open-label study of SPI-1005 for the treatment of Ménière’s disease (MD). SPI-1005, an investigational oral anti-inflammatory drug, received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation in late 2025. Ménière’s disease is a complex inner ear disorder involving low- to mid-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and dizziness. According

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO — Auracast™, a new Bluetooth® technology capable of transmitting audio to a nearly unlimited number of receivers simultaneously, has arrived in Albuquerque. Grace Lutheran Church and Albuquerque Hearing and Balance—both early adopters of hearing loop assistive listening technology—are among the first known organizations in the area to deploy the emerging audio broadcast technology. At both locations, Auracast supplements

Auditdata is continuing to invite hearing care professionals across the United States to participate in its industry-wide survey examining the staffing shortage and administrative burden facing hearing care clinics. The survey seeks input from clinic owners, practice managers, and audiologists to better understand where clinician time is being lost and what factors are contributing to burnout — helping build an

VIENNA, VIRGINIA — The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) has announced the creation of ATA Academy, a comprehensive online education platform designed to improve tinnitus care by providing evidence-based training for healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines. Expected to launch in early 2027, the initiative aims to address one of the greatest challenges facing people with tinnitus today: the limited availability of

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is accepting nominations for the 2027 Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Awards, which recognize organizations and professionals whose evidence-based programs and innovations help prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. Established through a partnership between NIOSH and the National Hearing Conservation Association, the annual awards highlight measurable achievements in workplace

FRANKFURT/MÜNSTER, GERMANY — Four international start-ups have been selected to participate in the 70th International Congress of Hearing Care Professionals, taking place as part of EUHA 2026 in Hanover. Each company will receive a complimentary stand within the EUHA Industry Exhibition. Small presentation spaces will also be available in the EUHA Live Area, the event’s networking and stage area in

FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY – The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) has launched the AuDvantage Membership Program, a new initiative designed to strengthen state audiology associations, encourage professional engagement, and support the long-term future of the profession. The program is built on a simple principle: the audiology profession grows, thrives, and succeeds when state audiology associations grow, thrive, and succeed. “AuDvantage

INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA — MED-EL has acquired two gene therapy programs from Rescue Hearing Inc. targeting genetic causes of hearing and balance disorders. The programs address genetic disorders associated with mutations in the MYO7A and STRC genes. The MYO7A program is being developed to address a genetic cause of balance disorders, while the STRC program targets a genetic cause of hearing disorders,

A coalition of U.S. senators and national veterans organizations is pushing back against proposed changes that could significantly alter how the Department of Veterans Affairs evaluates tinnitus and sleep apnea for disability compensation. The proposal has drawn opposition from Sen. Angus King and other lawmakers, as well as Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). While

Scientific journalist Dr. Robert Keefer has published a new book, Hear Better Live Longer, exploring the growing body of research linking hearing health with broader aspects of healthy aging, including cognitive health, emotional well-being, physical safety, and social engagement. The book reviews current research on the relationship between hearing loss and overall health, discusses hearing technologies and treatment options, and