The 2025 FoRom écoute annual report is now available. This document highlights a year of sustained activity dedicated to supporting people with hearing loss. By strengthening auditory accessibility, fostering independence, and consolidating social ties, we have once again reaffirmed our role as a center of expertise and a leading organization for the hearing-impaired community.
Auditory accessibility and cutting-edge technology
We have maintained a strong focus on access to hearing aids. Thanks to a network of donors and volunteer audiologists, our refurbished device program has enabled many people in financial need to receive equipment free of charge. Given the high demand, we have also utilized our financial aid fund to assist with the purchase of new devices.
In terms of innovation, we have positioned ourselves at the forefront of future technologies by acquiring Auracast demonstration equipment, an audio broadcasting system based on next-generation Bluetooth. Several organizations have already reached out to us to conduct practical trials.
At the same time, we have continued to roll out induction loops, ensuring better sound reception in public and cultural spaces.
Culture, training, and social connection
We have significantly improved access to culture through our partnerships, notably with the Menuhin Festival Gstaad, the Septembre Musical Montreux-Vevey, the Opéra de Lausanne, and the Théâtre de Vidy.
Regarding independence, we funded 600 hours of lip-reading classes in about fifteen cities across French-speaking Switzerland. This key topic was highlighted at our annual congress, which brought together over a hundred participants. We also innovated by creating the SmartLip app, a tool that now centralizes the management of lip-reading courses, simplifying registration and administrative tracking for both participants and instructors.
Our adapted gymnastics activities and social gatherings have continued to help combat isolation. Furthermore, the creation and distribution of high-visibility vests, along with our partnership with the SBB to promote the Sunflower Lanyard, have helped improve the safety and comfort of people with hearing loss in public spaces.
A solidarity-based economic model and an extensive network
In a challenging financial climate marked by the absence of federal subsidies, we have made sustained efforts in fundraising, which has made it possible to maintain and develop our services. We would like to express our deep gratitude to all our donors, whose generosity forms the essential foundation of our organization.
This momentum is also supported by a broad and strategic network of collaborations. In 2025, FoRom écoute established or strengthened ties with a variety of stakeholders: chambers of commerce, umbrella organizations, and businesses; healthcare institutions and disability-focused organizations; cultural entities; and national and international organizations. These diverse partnerships allow us to amplify the impact of our work for the hearing-impaired.
To discover more details about our actions throughout 2025, supported by testimonials from people with hearing loss, we invite you to read the full report:
Download the 2025 Annual Report (PDF)
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