Hearing Health Foundation

10/10/2026

Happy and National Month--let's listen to our cats 🐈 and turn it down even a little to help save our hearing a lot! 💪

10/09/2026

"When it comes to VA ratings, 10 percent is the maximum a veteran can receive for tinnitus, no matter the severity. Unlike hearing loss, which can be measured precisely through standard audio tests, the VA cannot test for the intensity of the ringing." https://www.hometownfocus.us/articles/understanding-va-benefits-for-sleep-apnea-and-tinnitus/

One of the treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the nightly use of a CPAP machine. Veterans with OSA who believe the condition is connected to their military service are encouraged to consult an accredited DAV benefits advocate to file a c... Sorry! An active online subscription is requir...

10/09/2026

"The researchers applied polygenic risk scores developed from precise phenotypes — which they hypothesized would depict a more nuanced snapshot of a patient’s hearing loss — to a new population’s genetic data. They found that the risk scores developed from precise phenotypes were better predictive of individuals with hearing loss than risk scores developed from diagnostic codes.

"DeFreese said the utility of precision phenotyping leads to important takeaways on both macro and micro scales.

"'For health research, we learned that building biobanks that support precision phenotyping is important for discovery,' she said. 'And for hearing loss, we learned that precision phenotyping improves risk prediction. This means that down the line, we may be able to develop similar tools that can be built into an electronic health record system or a consumer-based genetic test with which we could identify patients who may be at more or less risk for developing hearing loss.'"

https://news.vumc.org/2026/10/08/new-genetic-insights-could-help-detect-hearing-loss-earlier/ Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt Health study explores genetic susceptibility of sensorineural hearing loss, which is caused by damage to the inner ear.

10/08/2026

"Chandrasekhar also sees potential for lower-cost versions in countries where access to audiology services is limited, as well as other forms of sound delivery being explored with research partners." https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-technologies/2026/eyeglass-hearing-aids-tech-adoption-aynak/ HearingHealthMatters.org

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA — Eyeglasses have helped people see more clearly for centuries. A startup incubated at the University of California San Diego Qualcomm Institute (QI) is exploring whether the same familiar form factor could also help more people hear. Aynak Inc. is preparing to test its lates...

10/08/2026

"clinicians should: Describe hearing technology in accurate, balanced language. Emphasize individualized outcomes rather than marketing-driven claims." https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hear-in-private-practice/2026/hearing-care-labeling-effect/ HearingHealthMatters.org

Brian Taylor, AuD, explores how the labeling effect can shape patient expectations, hearing aid preferences, and perceived outcomes in clinical care.

10/08/2026

"The conversation closes with a broader question for hearing healthcare: Should hearing checks become as routine as eye exams, blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, and dental visits?" < 💯 YES https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/2026/hearing-loss-awareness-med-el-survey/ Shari Eberts HearingHealthMatters.org

Nearly half (48%) of U.S. adults say society doesn’t know enough about hearing loss — even though people overwhelmingly recognize the importance of good hearing. In this conversation, Shari Eberts speaks with Dr. Patrick D’Haese, Corporate Director of Awareness and Public Affairs at MED-EL, ab...

10/08/2026

"Researchers found that hearing impairment was associated with a higher likelihood of dementia.... The findings are particularly notable because much of the research connecting hearing loss and dementia has come from higher-income countries." https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-news-watch/2026/hearing-loss-dementia-prevention/ HearingHealthMatters.org

New research from South Africa strengthens the case for addressing hearing loss earlier as part of efforts to support cognitive health and healthy aging.

10/08/2026

From our friends at HLAA: The next Hearing Loss at Work webinar is Wed, Oct 21, 2pm ET: Explore how to shape your personal brand to support career growth, prepare for leadership, and expand your visibility in the workplace: https://www.hearingloss.org/event/webinar-hearing-loss-at-work-series-beyond-performance-building-a-personal-brand-with-hearing-loss/ Hearing Loss Association of America (Official Page)

Discover how professionals with hearing loss can build a strong personal brand, increase workplace visibility, and advance their careers. This webinar explores practical strategies for communicating your value, navigating the visibility gap, practicing self-advocacy, and approaching disclosure with....

10/08/2026

"The finding adds to evidence that a dysfunctional cochlea – the snail-shaped structure in the inner ear – could play a role in at least some cases of tinnitus, and raises the potential of using prestin as a biomarker for the frustrating condition." https://newatlas.com/imaging-diagnostics/protein-detect-and-treat-tinnitus/ UConn

For the 14% of us living with tinnitus, the persistent ringing inside our heads is impossible for anybody else to hear. Or measure. A new study suggests a blood test for an inner-ear protein could provide a sign of the condition that anybody can detect and then act on.

10/08/2026

"Vestibular disorders remain among the most underrecognized and frequently misdiagnosed neurological conditions. Dr. Brandt and Dr. Anson have each made extraordinary contributions to improving the lives of patients" https://vestibular.org/blog/2026-medical-champion-awards/ Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA)

The Vestibular Disorders Association is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Medical Champion Awards, recognizing healthcare professionals whose work is advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and awareness of vestibular disorders.🏆 Lifetime Achievement Award: Thomas Brandt, MD, FACP, a pione...