IAHA

02/02/2026

“By bringing clear, personalized announcements directly into passengers’ own hearing devices, we are offering another attractive service to our customers while at the same time taking an important step towards a more inclusive airport."

Frankfurt Airport has become the first airport worldwide to use Auracast for Public Announcements.

The trial forms part of a Distr@l-funded digital accessibility initiative, with Auracast transmitters integrated directly into the airports existing IP paging stations at gates A16 and A17 in Terminal 1. Over the coming two months, feedback from both passengers and airport staff will be collected to assess the impact of the technology on accessibility, listening comfort and the overall passenger experience.

Find out more here:

Frankfurt Airport is the world’s first airport to implement innovative Auracast™ technology for public announcements. Passengers can receive gate information directly on their own hearing aids, earbuds, or smartphones. Auracast™ enhances inclusion for travelers with hearing loss and supports t...

30/01/2026

You can enhance your reputation, get guidance & advice on technical matters, regulations, standards and best-practice, and promote your organization further by joining us and becoming a member of IAHA.

Find out more about the many benefits that IAHA membership can offer you or your organization here: https://buff.ly/Lf8xRku

29/01/2026

"I love my hearing aid. I love my cochlear implant. Yet even with this amazing technology, I still need help to understand what's being said."

In her TEDxVictoria talk “How to communicate better with hearing loss”, advocate, author, and speaker on hearing loss Gael Hannan explores how the common coping strategy of "just smiling and nodding" can undermine communication and relationships.

While her talk focuses on human behaviour and social dynamics, it also highlights a broader issue: people often adapt themselves to inaccessible environments rather than those environments adapting to them. This is where assistive listening and accessible audio infrastructure matter.

You can watch the full talk here:

Ever smiled and nodded even though you missed what was said? This candid exploration reveals why this survival tactic sabotages relationships and how honest ...

28/01/2026

Assistive listening can be confusing.

So we’ve pulled together clear, practical resources, from downloadable guides to technical explainers and useful links, covering a wide range of assistive listening technologies.

Explore them here: https://buff.ly/r02njvh

28/01/2026

Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026 kicks off next week, taking place 3–6 February 2026 at Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via. It's the world’s leading trade show for professional audiovisual and AV systems integration, convening established brands, technology providers, and industry professionals.

Find out all about what to expect here: https://buff.ly/p4fXWxO

27/01/2026

"“Waiting for Auracast” may sound like a nerdier version of a Samuel Beckett play, but (spoiler alert) unlike the play, Auracast is going to show up. When it does, it will put an even greater exclamation point on how new technology is embracing accessibility—not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes all audio products much more attractive."

With growing momentum around the idea of accessibility as a design baseline rather than a niche feature, as well as the growing interest around Auracast, there's a lot to indicate that assistive listening is increasingly being integrated into mainstream consumer devices, potentially improving access for people with hearing loss while enhancing audio experiences for everyone.

Read Karl Strom’s HearingTracker recap from CES 2026 here:

CES 2026 highlights: China’s OTC hearing aids become truly impressive, hearing/captioning glasses surge, and Auracast is in the wings for accessibility mainstream.

26/01/2026

Learn more about the Americans With Disabilities Act from the LA chapter of the HLAA, with this presentation featuring award-winning advocate Ann Thomas, who explores disability access for people with hearing loss.

Learn how hearing loss is protected under the ADA and other federal and state laws, what communication access rights you have, and how to request appropriate assistive services in the US:

Watch our chapter presentation with Ann Thomas. Ann, who is an award-winning advocate, provides an overview of disability access for people with hearing loss...

23/01/2026

"Hearing loss can be a barrier – do not keep that barrier up unnecessarily because of stigma. Let’s break it down together."

Hearing loss can quietly undermine confidence, communication, and work, especially for people who rely on sound to do their jobs. And stigma can often delay care.

Rachel's story underscores the importance of early support, representation, and reducing stigma so people can continue to participate fully with hearing loss. Assistive tech like hearing aids, cochlear implants, loops and Auracast can all help:

Discover how Rachel Chiles embraced her hearing aid, overcame stigma, and found confidence. Read her inspiring story and break the barriers of hearing loss.

22/01/2026

EFHOH, in collaboration with the European Association of Hearing Aid Professionals and supported by Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, has launched a Europe-wide survey exploring support for hard of hearing people in the workplace.

The survey aims to understand the support provided by audiologists, how employers respond to workplace needs, and where barriers, gaps, or examples of good practice exist.

Have your say here: https://buff.ly/J75AWUZ

21/01/2026

"Together, we’re focused on making inclusive audio more achievable across education, workplaces, hospitality, public spaces, and beyond.”

Ampetronic and Listen Technologies partner with Nvincy in India, with the aim to extend audio accessibility and deliver trusted assistive listening solutions across India:

Distributor will help Ampetronic and Listen Technologies extend audio accessibility and deliver trusted assistive listening solutions across India

20/01/2026

IAHA membership doesn’t just include manufacturers of assistive technologies, but also influential groups and individuals working to improve hearing access across society.

Find out more here: https://buff.ly/o5K895c

20/01/2026

"...but then, at the same time, understanding that Auracast can certainly be the main driver, but we have to, it should be part and complementary to a wider audio accessibility landscape."

In this episode of This Week in Hearing, Andrew Bellavia is joined by Paul Daft of GN and accessibility advocate Liam O’Dell to discuss the growing momentum around Auracast and its potential as part of a wider accessibility ecosystem, complementing rather than replacing existing solutions such as induction loops:

What will it take for accessible audio to become the norm rather than the exception in public spaces? In this conversation, Andrew Bellavia is joined by Paul...