Here’s a look at a selection of phone captioning products available to open up the lines of communication for audiology clients.

CapTel Captioned Telephone

1-800-233-9130; CapTel@CapTel.com; www.CapTel.com

The inventor of captioned telephones, CapTel shows captions of what a caller says, empowering people with hearing loss to enjoy talking on the phone again with confidence. CapTel offers multiple phones—traditional models and touch screen options, using high speed Internet or analog phone lines—giving users control of how calls are captioned, either automatically or with assisted captions. All CapTel phones caption answering machine and voice mail messages, include a powerful speakerphone for “hands free” calling, and provide 24/7 one-touch help. Most importantly, CapTel enables people to re-connect over the phone. Assembled in USA.

ClearCaptions

888-870-8114; hcp@clearcaptions.com; clearcaptions.com/providers

Hearing loss can make phone calls with loved ones difficult, but what if you could see every word they say, as they say it? The ClearCaptions Phone provides near real-time phone captioning services for the hard of hearing at no cost to eligible individuals. So they can stay connected to those who matter most. Features include:

• Word-for word captions of conversations

• Easy-to-use phone with touchscreen display

• Large buttons and speakerphone amplification

• Free in-home installation, training, and support

ClearCaptions is available in the United States and its territories only

FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS ANYONE BUT REGISTERED USERS WITH HEARING LOSS FROM USING INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP) CAPTIONED TELEPHONES WITH THE CAPTIONS TURNED ON.

IP Captioned Telephone Service may use a live operator. The operator generates captions of what the other party to the call says. These captions are then sent to your phone. There is a cost for each minute of captions generated, paid from a federally administered fund. No costs are passed along to individuals who qualify for the service.

Hamilton CapTel

877-455-4227; info@hamiltoncaptel.com; www.hamiltoncaptel.com

Since 2003, Hamilton CapTel has made more than 400 million captioned telephone conversations possible for individuals with hearing loss, providing the ability to listen and read captions of what’s said over the phone. Whether looking for a traditional telephone experience, an option for at work, or a mobile app for on-the-go—Hamilton CapTel solutions offer clarity, confidence, and independence. Learn more at HamiltonCapTel.com

InnoCaption

support@innocaption.com; www.innocaption.com

InnoCaption is a free, FCC-certified mobile app that provides real-time captions for phone calls, empowering individuals with hearing loss to communicate with confidence. Users can choose between live stenographers or automated speech recognition—switching modes even mid-call. Designed for ease and independence, the app also features call forwarding, visual voicemail, saved transcripts, and Bluetooth hearing aid compatibility. InnoCaption helps bridge communication gaps, making phone calls more accessible, reliable, and stress-free.

Nagish

833-362-4474; hello@nagish.com; www.nagish.com

Certified by the FCC, Nagish captions phone calls in real time and makes it easy to communicate using text or voice. It’s designed to be fast, private, and accurate. The free AI-powered app captions calls and in-person conversations with no time limits and allows users to keep their existing phone number.

Featured image: ID 98363270 © Syda Productions | Dreamstime.com

Key Takeaways:

• Auracast technology enables high-quality, low-latency audio to reach unlimited compatible devices, expanding accessibility beyond traditional assistive listening to include multilingual commentary and audio description.
• Listen Technologies and Bluetooth SIG leaders will present on July 1, sharing strategies for making stadiums and arenas Auracast-enabled to improve fan engagement and future-proof venues.
• Auri, developed with Ampetronic, offers a practical solution for venues to adopt Auracast now, reflecting a shift from compliance-driven accessibility to innovative, inclusive fan experiences.

Listen Technologies, a provider of advanced wireless listening solutions for 27 years, will join the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) as an exhibitor at SEAT 2025 in Nashville from June 29 to July 2, 2025. Listen Technologies will showcase Auri, which the company says is the first Auracast broadcast audio-based assistive listening system. Members of the Listen Technologies and Bluetooth SIG teams will also present at the conference, offering attendees an in-depth look at how Auracast broadcast audio is transforming the way fans engage in stadiums and arenas.

SEAT (Sports & Entertainment Alliance in Technology) is dedicated to the executives, decision makers, and professionals who work across the worldwide sports, collegiate, and entertainment industry. The core mission of SEAT is to provide an opportunity for the leaders of sports and entertainment venues to network directly with industry peers and to share innovative technology solutions, lessons learned, and case studies.

Making Audio More Inclusive for Fans

Kasey Kaumans, market development manager at Listen Technologies, and Chuck Sabin, vice president of technology and market development at Bluetooth SIG, will present ‘Breaking Barriers: How Auracast Broadcast Audio is Redefining Accessibility in Sports & Entertainment Venues’ on July 1 at 2 p.m. CST.

“In the evolving landscape of fan experience, accessibility is no longer just about compliance; it is about inclusion, innovation, and elevating the event for everyone,” said Kaumans.

Auracast is a new capability from Bluetooth technology. It enables high-quality, low-latency audio to be transmitted to an unlimited number of compatible devices, unlocking a revolutionary listening experience for all attendees at sports and entertainment venues, not just those with hearing loss. Whether it’s clearer play-by-play commentary, multilingual broadcasts, or audio-described content for visually impaired fans, Auracast opens a world of possibilities.

How to Make Venues Auracast Enabled

Consumer devices featuring Auracast technology are available, and more are being announced. Auracast is quickly becoming a new standard feature in hearing aids, smartphones, earbuds, and headphones, enabling these devices to receive broadcasts from Auracast transmitters.

Kaumans will outline how venues can leverage Auracast technology to connect with fans and future-proof stadiums and arenas as adoption of Auracast-compatible devices increases. He will demonstrate Auri in-room during the presentation and at Booth #12 during the conference. Listen Technologies and its strategic partner, Ampetronic, developed Auri so venues and guests can benefit from this technology now.

“From enhancing assistive listening to enriching the in-venue audio experience for the masses, this session will demonstrate how Auracast broadcast audio is transforming sports and entertainment, and why accessibility is the new frontier of premium fan engagement,” said Sabin.

To learn more about SEAT 2025, visit https://seatconference.com/.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI is improving hearing aid performance and patient engagement, particularly with regard to speech in noise and auditory training apps, leading to better user outcomes.
2. Audiologists see potential in AI-assisted testing and office management, but insist on clinician oversight to ensure accuracy and personalized care.
3. Hearing care professionals are united in the belief that AI should enhance, not replace, their roles, emphasizing that human connection and clinical judgment are irreplaceable in effective patient care.

By Melanie Hamilton-Basich

These days, most people are of two minds when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI). “I think overall everyone’s pretty excited just about the possibility of AI improving things for our patients,” says Hunter Gerhart, AuD, director of audiology at Livingston Hearing Aid Center in Austin, TX. But like many hearing care professionals (HCPs), he is both hopeful and a bit unsure about all of the changes that AI can bring to audiology.

A large part of what gives people pause is the uncertainty about just what AI’s capabilities are and how it’s being used, partly because of terminology. It’s important to know that not everything referred to as AI is operating in the same way.

Different Kinds of AI

For instance, there’s a difference between generative AI and machine learning. Both fall under the umbrella of artificial intelligence. But machine learning is focused on identifying patterns based on data it has “learned” and making predictions based on those patterns to aid in decision making. On the other hand, generative AI such as ChatGPT is trained on enormous datasets to actually create new content, including text, images, and video.

Currently, most of the uses of AI in audiology are for machine learning. For example, audiometers can employ machine learning algorithms to automate traditional audiometric tests to improve precision and efficiency. 

And many new hearing aids feature highly advanced chips that utilize machine learning to distinguish between different types of sound and make adjustments to focus on only the sounds it’s predicted the user wants to hear in different situations.

But what are hearing care professionals comfortable using AI for in their practices?

AI in Hearing Aids

The most talked about example of AI use in audiology right now is for hearing aids. And it’s not just because they’re new. It’s also because HCPs and patients are seeing the benefits of the technology.

Gerhart has been fitting more and more patients with AI-powered hearing aids at his clinic and has been impressed with their performance. “My patients have commented on just how much better they are hearing in noise,” he says. “And I believe that that increase in speech understanding in background noise is due to the way that AI is being utilized in today’s hearing aids to classify the different sound sources.”

Julie Prutsman, AuD, CH-TM, owner and founder of Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center based in Colorado, also welcomes the use of AI technology in hearing aids. “AI is definitely helping to better isolate speech in noise, I think for sure,” she says.

But Prutsman also sees the benefit of AI in hearing aids helping patients adjust settings in noisy situations. Without such assistance, she knows many people get overwhelmed struggling to determine which settings to adjust and how much, so they give up. 

“For a technology to help them through that, to keep them in that environment and keep them confident, keep them engaged, is really the ultimate goal so they don’t self-isolate,” she says. “Because we know social isolation is what can lead to depression, which can lead to cognitive decline, which can lead to all sorts of negative side effects.

“So it’s definitely neat to see AI being incorporated into app controls and into hearing aid chips, and I think it’s going to continue to improve.”

Auditory Training

AI can also be used for aural rehabilitation. Prutsman has found success with an auditory training app called Lace AI Pro that uses AI to help patients learn how to better understand speech in noise. 

Interactive lessons increase in difficulty to continue challenging the patient if they’re doing well. But if the AI determines the patient is struggling too much to understand the words, it will make the lessons a bit easier so the patient doesn’t get frustrated and give up. Prutsman appreciates how the app uses AI to constantly adjust difficulty in response to the user’s skill level because it helps keep them stay engaged over the long term, which is important for continued improvement.

“Patients aren’t really realizing that the exercises are getting a little bit harder or easier,” Prutsman says. “I think that’s a good thing that patients aren’t really noticing the algorithms working behind the scenes, but they’re definitely benefiting from them.”

Hearing Testing

When it comes to using AI to streamline hearing testing, audiologists’ reactions are more measured. They’re open to assistance up to a point.

“I think AI could be beneficial to help with screening out normal hearing or standard age-related hearing loss,” says Jessica Stiel, AuD, CCC-A, who works at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “And then as the clinician, I would be able to identify the red flags where a referral might be needed, if there was an asymmetric loss or a conductive loss, so it could help diagnose in that regard. Then I would have more clinical time and judgment to spend on the more complex cases.”

Stiel sees this as similar to how hearing aid software incorporating AI is currently used. “You start with an initial fit based on the user’s experience and their age and their hearing loss. And then that’s kind of preset,” she says. “And then based on how they do and what their complaints are, that’s where we come in as the professionals knowing how to make adjustments to accommodate whatever issues or complications they’re having.”

Prutsman also sees the benefits of AI taking over some of the basic hearing testing—but only with direct oversight from HCPs.

“You have to make sure what’s going into the algorithm is good data, to get out the results you’re looking for. So we would have to cross-check it,” emphasizes Prutsman. “Otherwise something could get missed or inaccurately diagnosed. You would definitely need to have some clear parameters to make sure that didn’t happen. But if we could get there, which I think they are definitely working on, it could help.”

And with a projected significant shortage of audiologists in the very near future, Prutsman sees this solution becoming especially useful. “If we could use AI to help fill some of the gaps in the number of providers needed to meet the demand, that could really be great for workflow and for better patient care, really,” she says.

For his part, Gerhart is concerned about the extent of AI’s reach in audiology testing. “I would not want to see AI replacing the diagnostician and the treatment of hearing loss, because hearing loss is not something that can be self-identified,” he says. “It’s really hard to get a proper diagnosis, and degree and severity of the loss, without having a test that’s performed by a licensed hearing healthcare professional.”

Office Management

The use of AI is not confined to HCPs themselves, of course. Many tasks that staff members must complete to make sure a practice runs smoothly can also involve AI these days.

Office management software is increasingly offering AI features to streamline processes and enhance practice efficiency. These include voice-to-text dictation, the ability to create auto-replies via text and email, and language translation.

At the practice where Stiel works, staff use AI features in their office management software for scheduling appointments, which she says has been extremely useful.

While the software Prutsman’s clinic uses doesn’t currently use AI, she’s open to using a system that does. “If AI could help with that puzzle of ideal patient scheduling in a day, that would make my life a lot easier because we spend a lot of time trying to figure out the perfect schedule,” she says.

Marketing

AI can also be used for marketing. Prutsman’s husband is in charge of all of the marketing for her practice, and he says using generative AI in the form of ChatGPT to create promotional materials has been a game changer.

“He spends way less time on having to edit and create the perfect content because with the help of AI he can really customize the message to fit the format or the language that he’s looking for for a particular marketing piece,” Prutsman says. “He’ll take a concept and say, ‘Here’s what we want to say. Can you make it more informational, or more relatable?’ Or, ‘Can you find a funny tagline for this blog post?’ So it’s just pretty amazing what you can do and how the more you use it, the more it learns what your preferences are and then it starts becoming easier and easier to get the end product that you’re really looking for.”

But Prutsman also notes that you always need to check to make sure the content ChatGPT generates is actually what you want and doesn’t contain errors or fabricated information. It still requires human oversight.

A Tool, Not a Replacement

While HCPs tend to agree that AI can be useful, they also agree that they don’t want it to replace them.

“Overall, I think it’s a powerful tool, but it’s not a substitute for clinical expertise,” says Stiel. “I feel like most of us are open to AI or excited about it, so long as we get to remain a part of the process.”

Concern about overreliance on AI to the detriment of hearing care professionals and patients is not unfounded.

In Facebook groups for people with hearing loss, Gerhart regularly sees posts from people asking HCPs to interpret their test results. “While there are a lot of great qualified professionals in these forums who will often chime in and help these users understand their results, as AI technology improves and becomes more readily available, I fear that consumers may turn to those sources before they turn to a professional,” he says. “I wouldn’t want them to replace the expertise of a hearing healthcare professional with AI.”

It seems that some companies are already working on making what Gerhart fears a reality. 

Stiel was recently contacted by a company looking for audiologists to answer questions related to hearing care for a fee. “I think they’re trying to teach their AI database how to answer these questions to create a kind of medical ChatGPT,” she says. And it wouldn’t surprise her if it came to fruition, although she hopes it doesn’t.

“I think that it’s key to use AI as a tool, not a replacement,” Stiel emphasizes. “Hearing care is deeply personal, and no algorithm can replace clinical judgment or human understanding of context.”

Gerhart also strongly believes that personal interaction in healthcare will always trump artificial intelligence. “I think that there is a fundamental component of quality hearing healthcare, and I think that’s the human touch, being able to have a one-on-one interaction with a hearing care professional where we can guide patients through how to overcome the challenges that they’re experiencing, which I don’t think AI can deliver.” 

Featured image: ID 143574018 | Ai © Blackboard373 | Dreamstime.com

Key Takeaways:

1. Dual Stevie Awards Recognition: Widex USA earned top honors in both “Achievement in Customer Experience” and “Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year” at the 2025 Stevie Awards.
2. Customer-Centric Excellence: The company’s success stems from a robust quality monitoring program, strategic service improvements, and a culture rooted in empathy and responsiveness.
3. Impressive Service Metrics: With a 75 NPS, 97% satisfaction, and 90% first call resolution, Widex USA demonstrates a deep commitment to customer trust.

Widex USA has been named a Stevie Award winner in two categories at the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service: Achievement in Customer Experience and Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year.

Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious awards programs in global business, the Stevie Awards drew more than 2,100 nominations from organizations across 45 countries this year. Judged by over 300 industry professionals worldwide, the awards recognize excellence in leadership, performance, and customer engagement. With this dual win, Widex joins a distinguished group of industry leaders honored for their commitment to exceptional service.

The Achievement in Customer Experience award recognizes how Widex has built a consistent, end-to-end support journey that prioritizes the customer at every touchpoint. The Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year award celebrates the individuals who bring that experience to life each day with care and professionalism. 

“Earning a Stevie Award is a tremendous honor and a powerful affirmation of the work our team does every day,” says Corrinne Masto, VP, Service Excellence at WSA. “It reinforces that when we lead with empathy and truly listen to our customers, we create meaningful experiences that build lasting trust.”

Widex USA’s customer service team has undergone a significant transformation since being certified as a BenchmarkPortal Center of Excellence in 2016. Since then, through strategic reorganization, the implementation of a globally recognized Quality Monitoring Program, and a strong commitment to team member development, the team has consistently elevated its service to best-in-class standards.

In recent years, Widex USA has reached significant milestones, including:

• A Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 75 since August 2023
• 97% customer satisfaction based on 5-point scale ratings
• 28-second average speed of answer
• 90% first call resolution rate
• 98% of all calls answered, with 80% answered within 30 seconds

The team’s Quality Monitoring Program, which defines clear communication standards and promotes continuous development, has since been adopted by other WSA organizations around the globe.

“These achievements go far beyond statistics. They represent the trust our customers place in us and the pride our team takes in earning that trust,” adds Masto. “Every call is an opportunity to make someone’s day a little easier, and that sense of purpose drives everything we do. More than just about solving problems, we strive to deliver peace of mind with empathy, speed, and professionalism.”

To learn more about the Stevie Awards, visit stevieawards.com. For more information on Widex, visit widex.com.

Key Takeaways:

1. Seamless Integration: DualSync allows synchronized streaming to both Starkey hearing aids and Med-El cochlear implants, enhancing the listening experience for bimodal users.
2. Device Compatibility: The solution supports Starkey Edge AI and Genesis AI hearing aids and Med-El Sonnet and Rondo processors, with future compatibility planned.
3. Shared Vision: The collaboration emphasizes user-centered innovation, aiming to improve accessibility, sound quality, and daily communication for people with complex hearing needs.

Global hearing technology companies Starkey and Med-El are collaborating to introduce DualSync, a bimodal streaming partnership enabling Apple technology to seamlessly stream to compatible Starkey hearing aids and Med-El cochlear implants.

This partnership brings together the strength of Starkey’s hearing aids with the innovation behind Med-El’s cochlear implants to create a seamless and unified wireless audio experience for people who rely on both technologies.

Beginning July 1, 2025, Starkey Edge AI and Genesis AI hearing aids and Med-El Sonnet 3, Sonnet 2, Sonnet, and Rondo 3 audio processors will be compatible for bimodal streaming. The solution is designed to support a growing ecosystem of devices and will be compatible with future innovations from both companies. DualSync technology is designed to provide seamless audio connectivity and synchronized sound from compatible smartphones and media devices, to empower users with more natural, connected hearing.

“Hearing loss takes many forms and, in some cases, multiple technologies are required for the best outcome of the patient,” says Brandon Sawalich, president and CEO of Starkey. “Today, two global tech leaders are combining world-class innovations to connect more people back to the things they love most. Partnering with Med-El reflects our shared commitment to delivering excellence without exception.”

“By uniting two leading technologies, we are delivering a global solution that gives bimodal users effortless connectivity, clearer sound, and greater control in their daily lives,” adds Dr Ingeborg Hochmair, co-founder and CEO of Med-El. “Our shared goal is simple: to make it easier for people everywhere to hear, communicate, and engage with the world—using the most advanced technology available.”

According to the companies, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to patient-first innovation, personalized care, and expanding access to the latest in hearing technology available to users worldwide.

For more information, visit www.starkey.com or www.medel.com. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Design Meets Empowerment: Deafmetal, founded by designer Jenni Ahtiainen, transforms hearing aids into bold fashion accessories that celebrate, rather than conceal, hearing loss.
2. Global Impact and Recognition: From a viral design to a global movement, Deafmetal is now featured in the V&A’s Design and Disability exhibition, marking a cultural shift in how hearing loss is perceived.
3. Function With Style: Beyond aesthetics, Deafmetal’s designs can enhance device security and user confidence—addressing stigma, improving retention, and inspiring users to embrace hearing aids earlier.

What if hearing instruments weren’t something to hide, but something to celebrate? BIHIMA shares how Deafmetal is on a mission to prove just that, and now the company’s creative designs are about to go on display at the V&A Museum in London.

For many people, hearing instruments are a lifeline—but they can also be a reminder of the stigma that exists in society. Devices designed to help us connect are too often hidden away, designed for function rather than style.

Deafmetal is changing that narrative. Founded by Finnish designer Jenni Ahtiainen, the brand transforms hearing instruments into bold, beautiful jewelry—known as Deafmetals—helping wearers reclaim their identity and feel proud of their hearing loss journey.

Now, Deafmetal is being honored on one of the world’s most prestigious stages. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London has chosen the brand for its new exhibition Design and Disability, which celebrates the radical contributions of disabled, deaf and neurodiverse creatives to global design culture. More than a showcase, this is a moment of cultural recognition: Deafmetal’s inclusion marks a major milestone in how we view hearing loss, technology, and self-expression.

For Ahtiainen and her team—all of whom are either hearing instrument users or work closely with hearing loss—this moment is deeply personal. “I didn’t want to hide my hearing aids,” Ahtiainen explains. “I wanted to make them mine.” That ethos now has a powerful home in the V&A’s collection.

Reimagining What Hearing Instruments Can Be

Deafmetal began with a simple act of rebellion; or, as Ahtiainen puts it, an instinct for “tuning things up.” When she was first fitted with hearing instruments, the color didn’t fit with her personal style but she wasn’t able to cover them with her hair. As a lifelong jewelry designer, she took her new devices to her studio and combined thin leather, chain, an earring and tiny hand-stitched details to make a cover that felt like part of her.

“It started with a piece I made for myself,” she says. “I didn’t realize I had created something entirely new until I shared a photo online and it went viral. Then the Finnish Hearing Association called and said, ‘Can we do something together?’”

From there, Deafmetal grew into something much bigger than accessories. It became a movement—one rooted in self-expression, behavior change, and a deeper conversation about how society views hearing loss.

But there’s practicality, too. Deafmetal pieces aren’t just decorative. They also serve a protective function, securing devices with earrings, rings, or holsters so they don’t fall out. This feature is especially valued by athletes, older users (whose ears change shape over time), and anyone who’s experienced the panic of losing a hearing instrument mid-walk or mid-dog-chase.

“We’re launching a new range specifically for men and active users,” Ahtiainen shares. “It’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about function, safety, and confidence.”

Challenging Stigma, One Accessory at a Time

Deafmetal’s impact isn’t only visible in design museums. It’s showing up in people’s lives: in confidence, in creativity, and in ownership of hearing loss. In a recent survey of 147 hearing device users, 92.4% said they felt more confident wearing embellishments on their hearing instruments, and 71.3% reported worrying less about losing their devices thanks to Deafmetal’s secure styling.

The company has customers all over the world, demonstrating the influence of Deafmetals in empowering people, and the customer stories speak volumes. One wearer shared: “I look forward to wearing my hearing aids every day. I’ve received countless compliments. So much interest in my ‘so interesting’ earrings.”

Another said: “When I found Deafmetal, I decided I would only buy behind-the-ear hearing aids—just so I could bedazzle them.”

For some, it’s even helped kick-start their hearing journey.

“Deafmetal and the ability to wear hearing aids in style motivated me to start the hearing aid trial,” said one user, “Without Jenni’s story, I would have waited another year.”

A Bridge Between Fashion, Health, and Empowerment

Although stigma around hearing loss still exists, attitudes are changing. There is greater visibility in sport, fashion, and entertainment than ever before of those living with hearing loss and deafness. The hearing instrument industry is evolving too, and Deafmetal is helping drive that change—Ahtiainen has worked with some of the UK’s leading manufacturers.

Many audiologists have embraced the products as tools for improving confidence, retention, and overall device usage. “Their job is to help people actually wear their hearing aids,” Ahtiainen explains. “Our Deafmetals support that in a way that feels human and joyful.”

It’s a mission that aligns closely with The British and Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA), which proudly supports Deafmetal’s inclusion in the Design and Disability exhibition.

“Too many people still avoid or delay wearing hearing instruments because of stigma,” says BIHIMA Chairman Paul Surridge. “Design-led solutions like Deafmetal are vital. They don’t just improve the user experience—they challenge the outdated attitudes that surround hearing loss.”

The data backs it up. According to the last EuroTrak UK survey, nearly a quarter of people with hearing loss still wait more than five years before seeking help, and stigma remains a key barrier. Our 2024/25 audiologist survey also revealed concerns around hearing instrument uptake, with professionals calling for more tools to support patient confidence and engagement.

From Viral Moment to Museum Milestone

What began as a personal project has become a global symbol of possibility. Today, Deafmetal designs are worn in over 30 countries. Now, they’ve earned a place in the world’s largest museum of design history.

The Design and Disability exhibition at the V&A runs through 2025, showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of those too often excluded from the design world. In recognizing Deafmetal, the museum isn’t just displaying hearing instrument jewelry; it’s celebrating a new way of seeing hearing loss.

And for Ahtiainen, it’s a moment of reflection: “After working in the fashion and music industries as a professional designer for many years, I have never felt more passionate about my designs, nor have I ever felt that my creations are as important to the world, as I do now.”

Source: The British and Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA)

Key Takeaways:

1. Convention Support and Technology Showcase: As HLAA Hear For Life partners, Ampetronic | Listen Technologies will sponsor the 2025 HLAA Convention and provide hearing loop and Auracast systems to improve audio accessibility.
2. Auracast Innovation: The companies are promoting Auracast broadcast audio Bluetooth technology through their Auri system to transform public audio access for people with hearing loss.
3. Community and Advocacy Engagement: Their partnership also extends to supporting HLAA’s Walk4Hearing events, which raise awareness, foster community, and advocate for hearing health nationwide.

Listen Technologies, a provider of advanced wireless listening solutions, and Ampetronic, a known globally for its hearing loop systems, announced that they are a now Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Hear For Life partner.

Listen Technologies and Ampetronic are strategic partners under the Allvida umbrella, with aligned operations, leadership, and resources. As an HLAA Hear For Life partner, they will sponsor the 40th annual HLAA Convention. Ampetronic | Listen Technologies will also provide assistive listening systems at the HLAA 2025 Convention to increase access to clear audio and raise awareness of new assistive listening technologies.

HLAA and Ampetronic | Listen Technologies Highlight Assistive Listening Technologies  

HLAA aims to build a hearing health movement empowering millions of people with, and at risk of, hearing loss to thrive through education, advocacy, and a nationwide network of support. The HLAA Convention is an annual communication-accessible conference designed to support hundreds of people with hearing loss from all walks of life around the United States. The HLAA 2025 Convention will take place June 11-14, 2025, in Indianapolis.

Ampetronic | Listen Technologies, with installation partner Thunder Hearing & Sound, will provide hearing loop and Auracast broadcast audio-based assistive listening systems at the HLAA 2025 Convention to increase attendees’ access to high-quality venue audio. Assistive listening systems help overcome background noise and poor acoustics in public spaces that can make it difficult for hearing aid users to understand speech.

“HLAA is grateful for Ampetronic | Listen Technologies’ partnership and commitment to offer technologies and solutions that support the needs of people with hearing loss and enhance the listening experience for everyone,” says HLAA Executive Director Barbara Kelley. “The HLAA 2025 Convention is the perfect place for people to see and test new technology in a supportive and empowering environment where they can learn, connect with others, and share their experiences to help them live well with hearing loss.” 

Auracast Changing Hearing Assistance Delivery in Public Spaces

Auracast broadcast audio is a new Bluetooth capability that enables an audio transmitter to broadcast to unlimited compatible receivers in public spaces, including theaters, performing arts centers, arenas, houses of worship, transit stations, and higher education environments.

Ampetronic | Listen Technologies developed Auri, a complete, installed Auracast broadcast audio-based assistive listening system, so venues and end-users can benefit from this latest technology. The companies previewed Auri at the HLAA 2024 Convention and began shipping the solution in early 2025. Ampetronic | Listen Technologies aim to introduce more HLAA members and convention attendees to Auracast broadcast audio and increase awareness of this new way to connect to high-quality audio in public spaces.

Advocating for Accessibility in Public Venues

Julian Pieters, chief strategy officer at Ampetronic | Listen Technologies, will join Henry Wong from Bluetooth SIG and Ann Thomas from HLAA in a presentation, titled “Empowering inclusion: Advocating for audio accessibility with Auracast broadcast audio and other assistive listening systems in public spaces,” at the HLAA Convention on June 12, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM.

“There are exciting, transformative assistive listening technologies and systems available that can help people with hearing loss hear audio more clearly in common areas,” says Pieters. “We are honored to partner with HLAA, a tireless advocate for individuals and their families impacted by hearing loss, to raise awareness of these technologies and systems, demonstrate how to access them, and encourage people to ask for and utilize them in the venues they visit. We also want to support hearing care professionals with information so they can help their patients utilize assistive listening systems to complement and support their hearing aids for an optimal listening experience.”

Walk4Hearing Events Empower Individuals with Hearing Loss

As a Hear For Life partner, Ampetronic | Listen Technologies will sponsor the HLAA’s Walk4Hearing initiative. This powerful movement aims to break down barriers and empower individuals with hearing loss. Annual Walks in 20 cities throughout the United States bring teams of family, friends, and advocates together to raise funds for hearing health while fostering support and connection.

“Walk4Hearing events provide meaningful moments of connection and support to people impacted by hearing loss. These events highlight the prevalence of hearing loss and the importance of advocacy and education about hearing health and hearing assistance,” says Pieters.

More information about HLAA, the HLAA 2025 Convention, and Walk4Hearing events is available at https://www.hearingloss.org/.

Key Takeaways:

1. Efficiency Through Automation: Features like auto scoring and integrated speech materials reduce manual workload, improve accuracy, and allow more time for patient interaction.
2. Enhanced Integration: Audiometers that connect with other devices streamline data management and support advanced diagnostics in real time.
3. Patient-Centered Counseling Tools: Built-in simulators and real-time data visualization help patients understand their hearing loss, leading to better engagement and treatment acceptance.

By Melanie Hamilton-Basich

Today’s audiometers are doing more than ever—saving clinicians time, improving accuracy, and even helping patients understand their hearing loss in real time. 

“I work in a neurotology practice, so we need our audiometers to do a lot,” says Jessica Stiel, AuD, CCC-A, an audiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “At the most basic level, an audiometer needs to be accurate, reliable, and easy to calibrate. Those are definitely essentials, but what I appreciate are the quality-of-life features that make testing more efficient for both me and the patient.”

And Stiel is not alone. 

A two-channel audiometer that can be used for pure-tone air and bone conduction testing, speech tests, and masking will get the job done. But hearing care professionals have come to rely on the advanced features that allow them to accomplish these tasks and much more with increased precision and efficiency. 

Auto Scoring

To start with, Stiel appreciates that many tests—including specialty tests such as ABLB, SISI, and tone decay—are built into today’s audiometers, and finds that automated scoring makes them all the more useful. 

“Manual scoring, especially for something like QuickSIN or other speech-in-noise testing, can be pretty tedious and can be prone to error, so that’s definitely helpful when you’re in a busy clinic,” Stiel says. “Auto scoring not only improves accuracy but also allows more time to focus on counseling and interpretation instead of counting words. So that kind of efficiency definitely adds up when you’re working with a full schedule.”

She notes that automated scoring is not without its drawbacks, however. “I have a love-hate relationship with automation,” Stiel admits, “because you still need to be able to use your judgment clinically to know how to perform the test, but it makes things go faster.”

Speech Materials

Speech-in-noise testing is also an aspect of audiometry that is a differentiator for Hunter Gerhart, AuD ABAC, CCC-A, BC-HIS. “When I first started practicing, all of the audiometers were capable of all of the same essentials we expect for pure-tone air conduction, bone conduction, speech testing ….Except we were having to use a separate CD player or an iPod to play a lot of the speech materials on,” he remembers. 

Now, the process of administering testing to patients is much more streamlined, as well as more advanced, which comes in handy for speech-in-noise testing. Gerhart, who serves as director of audiology at Livingston Hearing Aid Center based in Lubbock, Texas, says the philosophy at his practice is that all patients undergo speech-in-noise testing, to provide a more nuanced picture of a person’s hearing challenges. 

“Our patients today are in complex listening environments with a lot of background noise. And so it’s important that we have the ability to identify how they are doing in these types of environments both with and without hearing aids so that we can make appropriate recommendations to help them improve their listening and comprehension in those situations,” Gerhart says. 

“Having the ability to do all of that and not need to use extra devices [for speech materials] and to do aided sound field measures and unaided measures within the same device has also been really helpful and advantageous to our practice.”

Integration

Having so much integrated into an audiometer is extremely helpful, but the ability for it to “talk” to other devices is exponentially powerful. In the digital world we live in, utilizing systems that connect everything in a hearing clinic together is vitally important. 

“Having features that support integration across systems, that’s always key for us,” says Stiel. “Directly linking to the electronic medical records is really helpful in allowing for testing modules like word recognition in noise, high frequency audiometry, or extended speech testing to really evaluate what we can offer clinically.”

She also values having the ability to view test results from different devices in one place.

“We have a pretty advanced tympanometry system that integrates with our audiometer so I can see it and it will transfer the results in with the audiometer for really, really specialized tests that some of our neurotologists request for, like a Patulous Eustachian tube if a patient’s eustachian tube is functioning properly or not,” Stiel says. “We can see that in real time. So to have that dashboard where multiple tests can go together is super helpful.”

Gerhart also greatly appreciates how much more efficient using an audiometer with an integrated system is. “We can transfer data from the audiometer right into our EMR and to the hearing aid programming database,” he says. “Prior to having that functionality, we were having to handwrite audiograms and then take that same information and input it into a system to be able to program the hearing aids.

“And now we’re able to do that exact same thing with just a touch of a button, which ultimately saves time for the hearing healthcare professional, but also saves the patient time as well.”

Upgrades Via Downloads

Another advancement in audiometry that’s had a major impact on the profession is the ability to upgrade current systems. Gerhart marvels at the fact that he has the option to use the Audible Contrast Threshold (ACT) test for his patients after downloading a software update for his audiometer—instead of needing to purchase a new system, as would have been the case in the past. 

“As the landscape of audiology changes, as future tests become available to further strengthen our knowledge of how our patients are performing in these kind of real-world situations, I think that [ability] is super important,” Gerhart says. “I’m glad to see that most of the manufacturers have gotten on board with just releasing a software update that can increase the efficiency of the equipment that is already in place in our offices.”

The software update that will allow him to administer the ACT test isn’t free, but he would rather pay the fees for ongoing updates as needed than have to buy new hardware every time there’s an additional offering. To him, it’s more than worth it. 

Counseling Tools

Some audiometry tech can more directly impact a patient’s understanding of their hearing health. Tools such as a master hearing aid and hearing loss simulation can help improve interaction with patients and make counseling more effective. 

“I really like the built-in counseling tools,” says Stiel. “It’s great when we have the time to be able to simulate hearing loss or use real-time data visualization to help patients see how their hearing loss affects them in the real world.”

She often employs the hearing loss simulator tool to use overlays on a patient’s audiogram to show where they would hear birdsong or a jet taking off or certain speech sounds, but can’t because they’re out of the range of the frequency of sound they can hear.

“So it helps kind of take the circles and the X’s and put them into perspective and how it affects them in real life,” says Stiel. 

This can often help people recognize just how much they would benefit from wearing hearing devices, and convince them to take action. “I definitely think it’s helpful to have that evidence where they can see right there, ‘OK, well, I guess I really am missing some of this information,’” she says. 

A Noticeable Difference

Audiometer advances can stand out in more ways than one. While appearance is certainly not the most important consideration when it comes to audiometers, being able to use a device that looks sleek and even a bit futuristic doesn’t hurt. 

“When I got a new audiometer in my office, my patients noticed that the machines are more modern looking and are smaller than what they used to look like a decade ago,” says Gerhart. He used that opportunity to educate his patients about the benefits of the new equipment, for him and for them. Because to him, that’s the biggest difference. 

Compared to equipment she used in the past, Stiel says she’s impressed by all of the tasks that her practice’s audiometer helps her complete with less time and effort, and jokes that it probably has more features she could be taking advantage of, although there are others she wishes it offered. In fact, it’s a good idea to take stock of a clinic’s equipment at regular intervals to make sure it’s still meeting everyone’s needs, and to consider whether a newer model might be worth investing in. 

It’s possible to live without the many technological advances that make today’s audiometers so much more efficient and easy to use. But especially if you’re in the market for an upgrade, why would you want to? 

Featured image: Hunter Gerhart, AuD, using an advanced audiometer to conduct tests on a patient in a sound booth. Photo: Chris Duncan

Key Takeaways:

1. Global Expansion: BHM gains commercialization rights outside China for Sonitus’s two bone conduction hearing products, leveraging Med-El’s global network.
2. Collaborative Development: The partnership includes joint efforts in product development, manufacturing, regulatory approval, marketing, and sales.
3. Mutual Strengths: The alliance combines Sonitus’s innovation and Chinese supply chain advantages with BHM’s global brand presence to address unmet hearing needs worldwide.

Sonitus Medical has entered into a strategic cooperation with BHM, a European manufacturer of bone conduction hearing devices. The two companies will engage in deep collaboration across product development, manufacturing, regulatory approval, marketing, and sales. 

Under the agreement, Sonitus Medical grants BHM the commercialization rights outside of China for two bone conduction hearing products developed by Sonitus. BHM, together with its parent company Med-El, a global implantable hearing solutions brand, will promote and distribute the products through Med-El‘s extensive marketing network, which spans more than 130 countries.

“The medical-grade bone conduction market for patients with conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness, and mixed hearing loss is still in its infancy in China, but holds tremendous potential,” says Shawn Pu, chairman of Sonitus Medical. “In China, Sonitus Medical is already the leader in this niche segment. We are dedicated to developing innovative, high-quality, non-invasive bone conduction hearing solutions. Our products undergo rigorous clinical audiology validation and meet world-class standards. An increasing number of hearing-impaired individuals in China rely on Sonitus Medical’s products in their daily lives and work.”

“Even in relatively mature hearing markets like Europe and the United States, there remain many unmet needs among patients with conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness, and mixed hearing loss,” adds Markus Hütter, managing director of BHM. “There is still significant growth potential for medical-grade bone conduction hearing devices, especially innovative and high-quality non-invasive solutions. Sonitus Medical is a dynamic and creative team with deep understanding and experience in medical-grade bone conduction. Through our collaboration, we hope to better leverage the efficiency, quality, and cost advantages of the Chinese supply chain, combined with our brand and marketing strengths in global markets—particularly the mature European and American markets—to offer patients newer and better solutions. I believe this is a truly win-win cooperation.”

For more information about Sonitus Medical and BHM, visit the  Sonitus and BHM websites. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Innovative Technology: Harmony hearing aids offer high-quality sound, Bluetooth streaming, tinnitus support, and user-friendly features across three technology levels.
2. Health Impact Focus: The product addresses a growing public health concern by promoting early intervention for hearing loss, which is linked to serious risks like dementia and depression.
3. Comprehensive Care Model: Harmony integrates seamlessly with Birdsong’s broader hearing benefit platform, emphasizing personalized care, accessibility, and long-term support.

Birdsong Hearing Benefits is introducing Harmony—the company’s latest advancement in hearing aid technology, designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, comfort, and performance. Designed for ease, comfort, and connection, Harmony hearing aids offer three technology levels to meet a wide range of hearing needs.

The launch comes at a time when hearing loss is more prevalent than ever, affecting tens of millions of Americans, including over 30% of the population aged 65 and older. With research showing that untreated hearing loss is directly linked to increased risks of falls, depression, and dementia—making early intervention a priority is more important than ever. Despite this, hearing aid adoption remains low. Harmony is designed to bridge that gap by combining intuitive technology with flexible support options, empowering more individuals to hear better, live safer, and stay connected.

Since its inception in 2022, Birdsong Hearing Benefits has focused on providing comprehensive hearing benefit solutions for Medicare Advantage and commercial health plans. By integrating proactive care strategies with advanced analytics, Birdsong aims to improve clinical outcomes and reduce overall healthcare costs associated with untreated hearing loss.

“Introducing Birdsong Harmony hearing aids alongside our already robust suite of services is a natural and necessary evolution of our mission,” says Sharon Fletcher, CEO of Birdsong Hearing Benefits. “By uniting hearing devices with our proactive care model, we’re closing the loop between diagnosis, treatment, and long-term support. We want our members to hear and live better.”

Harmony: Seamless Sound Quality and Streamlined Support

Harmony hearing aids, available to Birdsong members, are engineered to provide a natural listening experience, even in challenging environments. The hearing aids include Bluetooth streaming, tinnitus support, and teleloop compatibility, along with intuitive double push-button controls and both rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery options. The Birdsong app and RemoteLink 2 put control and care at members’ fingertips.

Meeting the Moment in Hearing Health

Approximately 15% of American adults – 37.5 million people aged 18 and over – report some degree of hearing difficulty, yet many go without support. As public awareness grows and hearing technology evolves, millions are turning to hearing devices to reconnect with loved ones, stay engaged at work, and fully participate in daily life. In fact, more than 28 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids, underscoring the critical need for accessible, empowering hearing health solutions.

According to Birdsong Hearing Benefits, the company is proud to help lead this next era with innovative solutions that prioritize accessibility, performance, and ease of use. The new Harmony product reflects the commitment to merging advanced technology with a member-first benefit design to ensure more people can experience the full spectrum of life’s sounds. 

For more information about Harmony hearing aids, visit birdsonghearing.com/hearing-aids.