Ceretone and Easter Seals Greater Houston Bring Hearing Technology to Local Seniors Through Community Initiative

Organizations came together to help seniors use technology with confidence and shape the future of hearing care

HOUSTON, Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ceretone, a direct-to-consumer hearing technology company, partnered with Easter Seals Greater Houston, Catholic Charities, and AmeriCorps Seniors to help seniors experience over-the-counter hearing technology in a supportive community setting while gathering valuable insights to improve future products.

On August 18 and 19, a group of seniors participating through BridgingApps' partners Catholic Charities and AmeriCorps Seniors received Ceretone's Core One Pro hearing aids at no cost to use and keep. Participants were invited to share feedback about their experience, including the unboxing process, setup, fit, comfort, sound quality, and day-to-day usability.

The initiative brought together four organizations with a shared goal of helping seniors benefit from technology that can improve their daily lives. Ceretone is committed to making hearing technology more accessible and continuously improving its products based on real customer experiences. Easter Seals Greater Houston, through its BridgingApps program, helps seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans use technology with confidence so they can live more independently. Catholic Charities and AmeriCorps Seniors provide trusted community connections that help bring this experience directly to seniors who may benefit from hearing technology.

"We believe the best products are shaped by the people who use them," said Janelle Batman-Hinds, Director of Product Marketing. "This opportunity allowed us to learn directly from seniors, including many who were trying hearing aids for the first time. Their feedback will become a roadmap for future improvements, helping us remove barriers, simplify the experience, and create hearing technology that better fits the way people live."

Although over-the-counter hearing aids have increased access to hearing care, many seniors remain hesitant to try them. By engaging directly with seniors in trusted community settings, Ceretone hopes to better understand the questions, challenges, and experiences that influence hearing aid adoption.

Easter Seals Greater Houston provided support throughout the event, helping participants feel comfortable while learning about hearing technology.

"At Easter Seals Greater Houston, we're committed to helping seniors use technology with confidence so they can live more independently," said Curt Harrison, CEO, Easter Seals Greater Houston. "This initiative gave our community members the opportunity to explore hearing technology in a supportive environment while sharing valuable feedback that can help make these products easier to use for others in the future. By working together, we hope to help more seniors benefit from solutions that improve communication, independence, and overall quality of life."

The AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program of Harris County will host an event for its Senior Companion Volunteers, providing an opportunity to explore hearing technology and learn about innovations that support hearing health and improved communication.

"The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston is a proud partner of AmeriCorps Seniors. We receive funding from them to operate our Senior Companion Program of Harris County, which pairs volunteers aged 55 and older with seniors who need help with daily living tasks. Their companionship and practical help promote independence, reduce loneliness, and help older adults age safely at home."

Insights gathered during the event will be shared with Ceretone's research and development team to help guide future improvements to Core One Pro, reinforcing Ceretone's commitment to continuous product improvement driven by real customer feedback.

About Ceretone®

Ceretone® is a hearing technology company that develops and markets over-the-counter hearing solutions for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Founded in 2020, Ceretone offers hearing aids across a range of price points, designs, and technology features.

Ceretone hearing aids incorporate patent-protected technology supported by more than 100 active patents, including 23 invention patents. The company's products include accessible, discreet, and connected hearing solutions.

Headquartered in Ontario, California, Ceretone serves customers through online and retail channels in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, the Caribbean, Sweden, Japan, and Canada.

About Easter Seals Greater Houston

Easter Seals Greater Houston provides services that help people with disabilities, seniors, and veterans live, learn, work, and participate fully in their communities. Through its BridgingApps program, the organization helps seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans use technology with confidence so they can live more independently.

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Ceretone and Easter Seals Greater Houston Bring Hearing Technology to Local Seniors Through Community Initiative

HANOI, Vietnam, Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Viettel Group, one of Vietnam's largest telecommunications and technology groups, is bringing more than two decades of international investment experience to the Dominican Republic, building on a track record across 10 overseas telecommunications markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Following the recent spectrum award by the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications, INDOTEL, Viettel is preparing for a long-term presence in the country, with plans to invest in telecommunications infrastructure and contribute to the Dominican Republic's digital development.

Under Resolution No. 073, 2026 issued on August 19 by INDOTEL, Viettel Global, the international investment arm of Viettel Group, was awarded the right to use 240 MHz of spectrum across the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3.6 GHz bands for 20 years. The spectrum provides a strong foundation for the deployment of modern 4G and 5G networks.

Under the terms of the tender, the corresponding concession agreement must be signed within 90 days. Viettel Global is also proceeding with the necessary steps to establish its local entity in the Dominican Republic. Once operations begin, the Dominican Republic will become Viettel's 11th international telecommunications market.

"With more than two decades of international experience, we pursue a long-term investment approach focused on building modern infrastructure, introducing advanced technologies and creating sustainable value for people, businesses and local economies," said Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and CEO of Viettel Group.

Viettel currently operates networks in 10 international markets across Asia, Africa, Latin America. Seven of these operators lead their respective markets by mobile subscribers. In 2025, its international operations generated USD 3.34 billion in revenue, up 23.9 percent year on year, marking the ninth consecutive year of double-digit growth.

Its international capabilities were further recognized at the 2026 International Business Awards, where Viettel received the highest number of awards among more than 3,800 participating organizations worldwide, with 21 of its 30 awards recognizing achievements across its overseas operations.

As one of the Caribbean's largest and most dynamic economies, the Dominican Republic is seeing growing demand for high-speed connectivity and digital services. Viettel sees the country as an important part of its next phase of international growth.

In the Dominican Republic, Viettel plans to build advanced telecommunications infrastructure with extensive coverage, including underserved and remote areas, and to expand access to connectivity and digital services ecosystem for local consumers and businesses.

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Viettel Brings Two Decades of International Telecom Experience to the Dominican Republic