empowEar Audiology

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Join me in a conversation about one of my favorite topics, Educational Audiology!  On this podcast I had the opportunity to interview 2 educational audiologists who work for the Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech.  Clarke has five sites that offer interdisciplinary professional services in center-based, home-based, school-based and virtual services for infants, families, school-age children and adults.  At Clarke, audiologists are a critical part of our interdisciplinary team of professionals that support students of all ages and their families.  

Ashley Dainton, AuD, CCC-A, F-AAA, Audiologist at the Clarke Hearing Center 

From an early age, Ashley knew she wanted to work in a multidisciplinary field as a healthcare professional. She graduated summa cum laude from Kent State University with a B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She completed her Doctorate of Audiology at the Northeast Ohio AuD Consortium (NOAC) and received the 2017 Lagler Award for outstanding graduate student. Ashley had clinical placements at the Independence Cleveland Clinic Family Health Center, Mercy Health, Stark County Educational Service Center, the Kent State University and University of Akron clinics and she was part of NOAC's first audiology mission to Guatemala. Ashley went to California to complete her fourth-year audiology externship at the Providence Speech and Hearing Center. During her externship, Ashley had three clinical rotations that included adult and pediatric hearing aid fitting and services, diagnostic testing and specialty testing, auditory brainstem response testing and cochlear implants. 

Rebecca Huzzy, AuD, CCC-A, Educational Audiologist at Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech

Rebecca Huzzy, AuD, CCC-A, Educational Audiologist at Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech, graduated cum laude from Bloomsburg University in 2003 with a BS in audiology and speech pathology and then again in 2007 with a doctorate in audiology. Dr. Huzzy has worked as a clinical audiologist at Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware since graduating, and began working as an educational audiologist at Clarke Philadelphia in July 2013. Her clinical interests include cochlear implants, amplification and education.  

For more information about Clarke visit the following website and follow them on social media. 

Clarke: https://www.clarkeschools.org

For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-spangler/

For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

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Join me in a conversation with Dr. Stacey Lim, AuD., Ph.D., CCC-A who is an Assistant Professor of Audiology at Central Michigan University.  Dr. Lim has both a personal and professional journey in the field of audiology. Her research and publication areas include cochlear implantation, aural rehabilitation, language and literacy development and cognitive processing mechanisms.  She also teaches multiple classes in the department of Audiology at Central Michigan University.  Dr. Lim also has a lifelong journey growing up with hearing loss.  In this podcast interview, Stacey shares her parent’s journey of navigating a world of raising a child who is deaf as well as her own personal experiences growing up in the mainstream school setting and later navigating to the field of audiology.  

For more information about Dr. Stacey Lim:

https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/CHP/directory/Pages/Stacey-Lim-.aspx

www.disabledbeautyshow.com

For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-spangler/

For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

Let's continue the conversation- send me a text!

One good ear is all you need, right?  Join me for a special episode about Unilateral Hearing Loss with Dr. Anita Jeyakumar, MD, MS.  In this episode we dig deeper into the impact of unilateral hearing loss as well as non medical and medical solutions.  Dr. Jeyakumar has over 20 years of experience in the field of otolaryngology.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, her master’s in chemistry degree (MS) from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN, and her medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. Dr. Jeyakumar completed an internship in General Surgery and a residency in Otolaryngology at Strong Memorial Hospital University of Rochester, in New York. She completed her clinical fellowship in Pediatric Otolaryngology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio.  Dr. Jeyakumar works for Mercy Health Otolaryngology in the Youngstown area in Ohio where she is starting a multidisciplinary clinic for patients with hearing loss, and a cochlear implantation and hearing rehabilitation program. Her current research interests are focused on the genetics of hearing loss, outcomes research and quality of life projects. 

To contact Dr. Jeyakumar, visit the website:

https://www.mercy.com/find-a-doctor/physicians/anita-jeyakumar/1985497

For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-spangler/

For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

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My Battle Call! Join me as I sit down with Valli Gideons for a real, authentic conversation about raising her two children with cochlear implants and how she turned her journalism background into her “Battle Call” to help families and professionals around the world.  Valli is a military bride, who writes about navigating through the fog of raising kids with cochlear implants and other things from the heart.  She provides inspiration for anyone through her freelance writing, webpage, speaking engagements, and social media.  Valli and her daughter, Harper, recently published a children’s book called “Now Hear this, Harper Soars with her Magic Ears” and can be purchased on Amazon or by reaching out to Valli directly for a signed copy.  To connect with Valli, follow her on FaceBook, Instagram, and her own webpage.  

https://mybattlecall.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MyBattleCall/

https://www.instagram.com/mybattlecall/

For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-spangler/

For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

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Join me for an inspirational interview with Dr. Samantha Kesteloot as she shares her experience growing up as a twin in the public school system in Michigan with bilateral hearing loss.  Samantha’s hearing journey led her down the path of educational audiology.  Dr. Samantha Kesteloot is now an educational audiologist with Trenton's Oral Program for the Deaf/ Hard of Hearing in Trenton, Michigan. She graduated from Wayne State University's Audiology program in 2020 after completing her externship at the Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis, Missouri. Her hearing loss was identified at the age of 4 after which she was fit with bilateral hearing aids. In 2017 Sam decided to be implanted with a hybrid cochlear implant at Vanderbilt University. She enjoys spending time with her friends, traveling and staying involved with professional volunteer activities as well as those for kids/ families with hearing loss. 

For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-spangler/

For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

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My Child Has Hearing Loss, Now What?  Join me in learning more about an amazing new course, resources, and videos for parents of children with hearing loss (and for professionals too).  Dr. Michelle Hu has combined her 38 years of personal experiences with her 12 years of professional expertise as a pediatric audiologist to help navigate the journey as a DHH family.  In this podcast, Dr. Hu shares about her new release, what is included, and how to purchase this incredible resource.  Take a listen and visit Dr. Hu’s website at www.mamahuhears.com

For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-spangler/

For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

Let's continue the conversation- send me a text!

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Join me in this special podcast remix of the Facebook Live event on Back to School Hot Topics with Dr. Cheryl DeConde Johnson and Dr. Lisa Cannon.  Cheryl is internationally recognized for her extensive expertise in the field of educational audiology and deaf education including authorship, public speaking, teaching, consulting, research and much more.  Lisa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the field of educational audiology including national and state leadership positions, presentations, program development, and currently is the president of the Educational Audiology Association.    In this episode we take a deep dive into hot topics that impact students who are deaf and hard of hearing as well as those who support students in the educational setting.  From masks, to access, to technology you will be engaged in what we learned last year and what we can do moving forward.  Resources are shared in the show notes and also the episode to check out.   Be ready to engage in the conversation as well as participate in a call for appreciation action for our teachers who serve students each and every day.  

Resources to Check Out:

Cheryl DeConde Johnson:  https://adevantage.com/

Lisa Cannon:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-cannon-62bb526/

Educational Audiology Association:  https://edaud.org/

Roger Soundfield:  Optimizing Audibility with Dr. Cheryl DeConde Johnson  https://youtu.be/JOi3FgM0mxI

For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-spangler/

For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

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Exactly 1 Year ago today the empowEAr audiology podcast was released.  Today is not only a celebration of 1 year, but also a celebration of the 25th episode.  25 is a great # to celebrate whether it is a birthday, anniversary, or the 25th empowEAR audiology podcast.  What are you waiting to celebrate?  I encourage you to believe in yourself and make the most of what gifts and talents you were made for.

IN celebration of 1 year and 25 episodes, I wanted to dedicate this episode to reflecting, refreshing and restarting.  Today I will reflect on my own personal gain, refresh on how 3C digital media made empowEAR audiology come alive as well as the multiple guests and listeners, and restart with goals for year 2.  

The first episode of empowEAR audiology is titled “What is My Purpose”.   In reflecting on this question over the past year, I have been reminded that we truly do not know another person’s journey- we all have our own experiences that make us who we are.  I am truly grateful that I tood this leap of faith with the empowerEAR audiolgy podcast to develop a unique platform for storytelling as it relates to personal and professional hearing journeys.  In episode #20, I interviewed Karin Weiser, international career transition coach, connector, and storytelling.  She also has a journey with a cochlear implant.  In this episode Karin goes deeper into why sharing your story.  We learn by stories, we open up emotions by telling stories, and we make lessons stick by telling stories.  What Story do you have to tell?  

Reflecting on my own story as it relates to being hard of hearing as well as an audiologist; I hope empowEAR audiology is helping to break down the stigmas that continue to surround hearing loss and others gain a deeper understanding of the unique spectrum of deaf and hard of hearing individuals.  

I started thinking about stigma again because it has been a topic of conversation at a recent conference that I attended.  My reflection actually took me back to my childhood years.  I thought to myself….this little girl ME, was born with hearing loss and not identified and fit with amplification until the age of 4, had a significant articulation difficulties,  wore analog hearing aids that really did not have the capacity to give access to the full speech spectrum, spend 12 years in speech, language, and auditory therapy, attended my public neighborhood school and was on an IEP receiving special ed services, went onto college and was told that because of my hearing loss, that pursing the field of audiology may not be a good choice, persisted through and achieved a doctorate in audiology, began a successful and rewarding career path in educational audiology, went on the cochlear implant journey late in life, and NOW I am hosting a podcast!!  Who would have ever thought that the little girl who was so difficult to understand with a significant bilateral severe to profound hearing loss would be celebrating the joy of 25 podcast episodes!!  Life has a way of making your own challenges your greatest purpose and if you dare to think differently you will emerge stronger.  In my own spiritual personal journey, I am absolutely grateful to have this lifelong hearing challenge.  Yes there are times that I am frustrated, mad, and feel isolated in this vibrant hearing world; but I have learned how to be resilient and determined.  From this hearing journey, emerged many positive relations and a purposeful career.  If you have not already heard my story, take a listen to episode one.  I hope you feel empowEARed after this little reflection to overcome your own obs

For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-spangler/

For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

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Join me in an inspiring and influential conversation with Jaime Vernon.  We all face trials and tribulations in our life, and Jaime shares how her own personal trial led her to imagine, invent, invent, and inspire Songs for Sounds.  Jaime shares her story of finding out that her daughter, Lexi, was diagnosed with profound bilateral hearing loss.  Through her own parenting journey as well as her professional background; she uses music as an inspiration to make a profound difference.  Take a listen and hear how Songs For Sound was founded on a heartwarming story leading to a passionate objective: to bridge the gap between “I think I have hearing loss” and quality hearing healthcare while increasing inclusion opportunities for those with hearing loss and deafness.    

For more information about Songs For Sounds and how to make a difference, visit the website at https://songsforsound.com/

For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-spangler/

For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

Let's continue the conversation- send me a text!

What is bimodal hearing? Take a listen to the latest empowEAR Audiology podcast with Dr. Rene Gifford to find out more. In this episode Dr. Gifford goes deeper into what bimodal hearing is, what the criteria for candidacy, what are the outcomes for bimodal hearing, benefits and challenges of bimodal hearing and much more.  Dr. Gifford  is currently the Director of the Cochlear Implant Program at the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center in the Division of Audiology as well as the Director of the Cochlear Implant Research Laboratory and Professor in the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences with a joint appointment in the Department of Otolaryngology.  Dr. Gifford has over 100 published peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and authored a book now in its second edition “Cochlear Implant Patient Assessment: Evaluation of Candidacy, Performance, and Outcomes”.  She was the 2015 recipient of the ASHA Louis M. DiCarlo Award for Recent Clinical Achievement based on her work with hearing preservation implant recipients. Dr. Gifford received a 2017 Chancellor’s Award for Research, which recognizes excellence on the part of faculty for published research, scholarship, or creative expression. 

For more information and contact information, visit Dr. Rene Gifford’s faculty page at https://www.vumc.org/cochlear-implant-lab/person/rene-h-gifford-phd.  

For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-spangler/

For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com