This Week in Hearing

Amanda Philpott, Co-founder and CEO of Eargym sat down with Brian Taylor to discuss the Eargym app. The app includes a self-guided hearing loss check feature along with training exercises that target five core auditory processing skills -- all packaged in a fun and engaging way. Amanda also reviews the science behind the subscription-based Eargym, and the role the app plays in early intervention a...

Host Andrew Bellavia welcomes Eric McLaughlin, VP and GM of Wireless Solutions at Intel's Client Computing Group, and Arnaud Pierres, Senior Director of Product and Ecosystem Enablement, to discuss Intel's initiatives for supporting individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). Eric and Arnaud delve into Intel's efforts to enable direct conn...

In this week's special episode, we bring you a panel discussion live from the 2024 Future of Hearing Healthcare conference. Dave Kemp moderates a dynamic conversation featuring guests Gael Hannan, Shari Eberts, and Andrew Bellavia. With diverse backgrounds spanning advocacy, industry, and personal experience, the panelists delved into the theme of "Changing Mindsets" surrounding hear...

Olympic gold medalist swimmer Rowdy Gaines joins Gael Hannan for a candid conversation about his experience with hearing loss. He shares how he first noticed issues in his 50s, likely due to hereditary factors, ear infections from years of competitive swimming, and exposure to loud environments. Rowdy describes initially being in denial about needing hearing aids before getting properly fitted wit...

Dave Kemp interviews Trevon Bruch, the founder of Safewave, a startup creating a Bluetooth-enabled wristband connecting to smart home and security devices, enabling discreet vibration alerts over auditory notifications. Trevon shares Safewave's origin story driven by a mission to offer accessible tech solutions, especially for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, detailing the extensive R&a...

Dr. Robert DiSogra has had a diverse career spanning industrial, clinical research, teaching, and private practice. He owned and managed his Freehold-based practice for three decades until 2015. Dr. Disogra's extensive teaching experience spans undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, complemented by notable contributions through national and international publications and lectures. Dr. D...

Bob Traynor is joined by Dr. Frank Musiek to discuss an upcoming symposium focused on the latest insights into Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD) and Neuroaudiology. The upcoming event, titled "Quest for the Best CAPD and Neuroaudiology," will bring together a panel of distinguished experts to explore advancements and practical applications in the field. From discussing diagnos...

Monica Dreger, the Global Head of Research at Airbnb, brings a unique blend of intuitive insight and finely honed listening skills to her career, rooted in her background in behavioral psychology. Her professional journey has been marked by a dedication to understanding consumer behavior and strategic planning for renowned brands like Mattel, Nickelodeon, and Unilever. However, alongside her succe...

This week, Brian Taylor sits down with Dr. Alison Huang, a senior research associate at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, to delve into the complex relationship between loneliness, social networks, and hearing loss. Dr. Huang shares her expertise as both an epidemiologist and a gerontologist, discussing the prevalence of social isolation and loneliness among older adults, particu...

This week, host Bob Traynor welcomes Vanessa Gauthier-Davidson from Shoebox to discuss the evolution of online hearing screening and shed light on the development of Shoebox's online screening tool. The discussion covers the development process, accuracy factors, and the customizable nature of Shoebox's online screener. Vanessa discusses why an increasing number of clinics are implementing...

This week, host Dave Kemp is joined by Dr. David Rein to delve into the groundbreaking Sound Check study, a collaborative research and communications project led by NORC at the University of Chicago. This initiative aims to unveil the extent of hearing loss across the United States by state and county, highlighting its pervasive nature, especially among adults. With rates of hearing loss escalatin...

The Widex SmartRIC is a recently introduced hearing aid featuring a unique L-shaped design, strategically placing the microphones in a more horizontal orientation to enhance directionality and speech comprehension, particularly in noisy environments. In this week's discussion, Dana Helmink, AuD, Senior Director of Audiological Development at Widex, joins host Andrew Bellavia to provide an in-d...

Drs. David Eagleman and Izzy Kohler from Neosensory, join Amyn Amlani to explore their latest research findings on tinnitus management and speech clarity, utilizing the company's unique haptic wristband. The Washington Post recently highlighted Neosensory's Duo product, which has shown promising results in significantly reducing tinnitus loudness and frequency. The research found that the...

At the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, companies from around the world showcased their latest technologies. Dave Kemp hosts Andrew Bellavia to discuss his firsthand experience at CES, with a focus on innovations in hearing and hearable devices. Andy sheds light on the overarching technological advancements that are shaping the future of hearing devices. During his time at CES,...

Dr. Michael Valente's remarkable career in audiology, spanning over 30 years at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has left an indelible mark on the field of audiology. Holding various roles such as director, professor, researcher, and clinician, he has been a prolific author and editor, contributing significantly to the profession's knowledge base. Dr. Valente's fo...

Shari Eberts sits down with Stephen Schultz, a globally acclaimed baroque flutist, to discuss his remarkable career and journey with hearing loss. Schultz, recognized for his flawless artistry on the Baroque flute, reveals his struggle with otosclerosis, a middle ear condition that led to a progressive hearing loss. Overcoming initial apprehensions regarding stigma and professional consequences, S...

In this engaging conversation with Gael Hannan, wellness and nutrition expert Kevin English recounts his transformative journey to improved health and addressing his hearing loss. Confronting challenges of weight, inactivity, and stress in his 40s, Kevin initiated substantial lifestyle changes after a hospitalization wake-up call. Over the next decade, he honed healthy habits, and now approaching...

Host Amyn Amlani speaks with Victoria Carr-Brendel, President of Advanced Bionics and Group Vice President (GVP) of Cochlear Implants at Sonova, about the recent advancements in Advanced Bionics' Marvel cochlear implant product and its associated features. Following FDA approval, the company is broadening its Marvel CI product line to include remote programming accessible via patients' sma...

This week, host Gael Hannan has an insightful discussion with audiologist Nashlea Brogan, AuD, about her personal experience with progressive hearing loss. Diagnosed as a teenager, Brogan went on to get hearing aids and eventually bilateral cochlear implants as her hearing worsened over time. She shares openly about her journey, from struggling with hearing aid use in high school to the major iden...

This week, Dr. Victoria Sanchez of the University of South Florida, and Dr. Shannon Basham of Phonak, join host Amyn Amlani to discuss the ACHIEVE study, a multi-year randomized controlled trial examining the effects of best-practice hearing care interventions on cognitive decline in older adults. The study results found that for those at higher risk of cognitive decline, providing hearing aids an...

The transition from working as a clinical audiologist to taking on a role in a corporate audiology setting can be a major career shift. A group of audiology professionals discusses their own journeys from clinic to corporate and the challenges and rewards such a change can bring. The panelists highlight the importance of being open-minded, embracing new adventures and diverse experiences that corp...

HearUSA President Nick Mengerink outlines the company’s strategy to tackle the large unmet need in hearing care, including opening 25+ sleek “Centers of the Future” by March 2024. These revamped spaces feature welcome hubs for client intake, innovation walls showcasing the latest technology, and upgraded private consultation rooms to optimize appointments. The goals are improving accessibility, tr...

In this video, Andrew Bellavia shares his experience demoing the new Auracast™ broadcast audio technology at the 2023 EUHA congress in Nuremberg, Germany. He visits the Bluetooth SIG booth to learn how Auracast™ enables audio sharing and accessibility in public spaces and has the opportunity to participate in a demo where he listens to different TVs and gate announcements in an airport scenario. H...

In this special episode, host Andrew Bellavia engages in discussions with several prominent hearing aid companies at the 2023 EUHA conference in Nuremberg, Germany, exploring the trajectory of hearing care advancements. Conversations with GN revolve around enhancements in speech in noisy environments, connectivity facilitated by Auracast, and discreet design elements. Signia's focus includes t...

Ron Ganot from Tuned and Delain Wright from Intricon join Amyn Amlani in a discussion about the current status and future potential of the over-the-counter (OTC) hearing device market. Despite slower adoption rates than expected, the conversation highlights that the category is in its early stages, anticipating significant advancements in technology, services, and accessibility channels to cater t...