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Ever wonder why some hearing aids feel too loud yet somehow still muddy? We dig into the exact method that fixes that mismatch: real ear measurement. By placing a tiny microphone in the ear canal, we verify whether amplification reaches prescription targets where it matters most—right at the eardrum. No more guessing, no generic presets. Just a precise, research-backed way to make speech clearer, reduce listening effort, and help you forget you’re even wearing devices.

We walk through the full journey from diagnostic hearing tests to fitting algorithms and targets, then show how verification turns theory into results. Think of it as graphic EQ with purpose: mapping your unique ear canal resonance and dialing in gain for soft, average, and loud speech without blasting everything. Along the way, we share patient-friendly visuals and explain why “louder” isn’t the goal—clarity is.

Then we shift to hearing conservation, because preventable noise damage is still far too common. Using the sun exposure analogy—intensity plus time—we offer practical, no-judgment tips for daily life: keychain earplugs you’ll actually carry, high-fidelity filters for concerts and rehearsals, smart positioning away from speakers, and strategic listening breaks. Musicians and audio pros will hear candid talk about fading stigmas, the reality of noise-induced injury, and how small habits protect the career you love.

If you care about hearing speech clearly, enjoying music safely, or getting the most from modern hearing technology, this conversation gives you the playbook. Listen, learn, and try one change today—like adding earplugs to your keys—then share this episode with someone who turns it up to 11. If this helped, follow the show, leave a review, and tell us the one hearing habit you’re committing to this week.

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What happens when a seasoned audio engineer becomes a doctor of audiology? You get a refreshingly clear path from “that sounds tinny” to real, measurable improvements in speech clarity. We sit down with Dr. Steven Taddei to unpack how studio skills—mic placement, EQ, compression, and a careful ear for detail—translate directly into smarter hearing aid programming and better outcomes in the real world.

We start with the basics of how sound is shaped, then peel back the curtain on real ear measurement, the gold standard verification that ensures hearing aids meet your prescription inside your own ear canal. Think of it like graphic EQ you can see: targets, curves, and live adjustments that make speech audible without turning the world up to eleven. Steven also takes on a common misconception: hearing aids don’t double as hearing protection. He lays out practical hearing conservation strategies, from filtered earplugs to context-specific protection, so you can enjoy concerts and still wake up without ringing.

Choosing technology gets easier when you understand what matters. We compare entry, advanced, and premium hearing aids, explaining channels, noise reduction, and directionality in plain language. Not everyone needs the top tier; speech-in-noise testing helps match real needs to the right level, and sometimes the best upgrade is a wireless microphone that lifts the talker’s voice above the chaos. Throughout, we keep the focus on real life—watching TV without arguments, navigating restaurants with confidence, and keeping music fun for musicians and fans alike.

If you care about audio fidelity, clear speech, and protecting the hearing you have, this conversation delivers practical tools you can use today. Listen, learn, and share with someone who wants to hear more and strain less. 

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Start with a person, not a feature list. That’s the thread that runs through our conversation with Brandon Sawalich and Dr. Dave Fabry about how hearing technology actually improves lives: by putting the patient first, then letting smart tools do the heavy lifting in the background. We dig into how AI moved from a buzzword to a real advantage in tough listening environments, why sound quality remains the non-negotiable foundation, and how “the ear is the new wrist” reframes what a hearing aid can be.

We share the inside story of building Starkey's Omega AI and the eighth generation of sound processing, including DNN 360 and a neuroprocessor designed to make great hearing the default. Think of it as an easy button for clinicians: set a strong baseline fast, then spend time on what only humans can do—listening, coaching, and fitting for comfort. The Da Vinci surgical system offers a useful metaphor: technology doesn’t replace expertise; it amplifies it. That’s how we see the partnership between AI and hearing care professionals, and why robots won’t be fitting ears anytime soon.

Beyond better hearing in noise, Brandon and Dave talk about the bigger health picture. Untreated hearing loss intersects with cardiovascular health, cognition, and social engagement. So Starkey built tools that track activity, encourage connection, and enable voice control without adding another gadget to your routine. They're honest about the pushback that comes with change, the “Swiss Army knife” moment, and what they learned about leading with clarity: it’s a hearing aid first, with multipurpose superpowers second.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s curious about hearing tech, and leave a review so more people can find conversations like this. Your feedback shapes what we build next.

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Want to know what “better hearing in noise” actually sounds like when AI, sensors, and human care work in sync? We bring together Starkey’s president and CEO, Brandon Sawalich, and Chief Hearing Health Officer, Dr. Dave Fabry, for a candid look at Starkey Omega AI—why it exists, what changed from Edge AI, and how it turns hearing aids into confident, 360-degree listening tools without sidelining professionals.

We dig into DNN 360 and how deep neural networks now blend noise management with directionality and low-latency binaural processing to deliver measurable gains in speech understanding. Dave explains the role of IMU sensors in tracking movement and intent—think following a walking companion at your side—while Brandon shares how being privately held enables a patient-first pace of innovation. TeleHear AI adds timely support: when a clinic visit isn’t possible, users can describe the problem, get smart on-device adjustments, compare results, and keep what works, with changes reported back to their clinician. It’s an example of “friendly AI” that saves time, lifts outcomes, and preserves the provider-patient bond.

We also talk access and ethics. From fall detection offered across tiers to StarkeyCares and Hear Now, the team argues that safety and dignity shouldn’t be premium features. Data logging grows from hours-worn into environment-aware insights that inform personalization, reduce returns, and drive satisfaction. And for clinicians worried about being replaced, the takeaway is clear: the irreplaceable value is knowing the person behind the audiogram, translating powerful tech into the two or three features that matter most to that life.

If you care about hearing technology, clinical excellence, health equity, and where AI is truly useful, this conversation maps the road ahead—fast, human, and focused on outcomes. Subscribe, share with a colleague who still thinks “adaptive directionality” is enough, and leave a quick review telling us which Omega AI feature you want to try first.

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Dementia is rising, and the toll is personal, social, and economic. From there, we move into a conversation that blends hard data with real life—how hearing loss can quietly erode connection, increase cognitive load, and, according to leading research, contribute to higher dementia risk. Karla Hult joins us with her father’s story—an athlete, a community helper, a devoted dad whose final years were shaped by Alzheimer’s—and shows how love, grief, and action can coexist without false hope.

We break down what the science actually says. The Lancet Commission identifies hearing loss as a leading midlife, modifiable risk factor for dementia. The ACHIEVE study adds nuance: while not all participants saw cognitive gains, a high‑risk subgroup (older adults with cardiovascular risk) experienced significant preservation across cognitive measures when using hearing aids. Everyone, though, benefited socially—less loneliness and richer networks—reminding us that better hearing is not just about volume, it’s about vitality. We also demystify genetics and testing: APOE-e4 indicates risk, not destiny, and newer blood tests detect disease only after it starts. That context helps listeners choose action over anxiety.

This conversation is practical. We talk about cognitive load at noisy restaurants, the “cocktail party” effect, and how chronic listening strain pushes people to opt out of the moments that keep brains active. We tackle stigma head-on: today’s hearing aids are discreet, smart, and designed for real life. For clinicians, we offer a compassionate playbook—lead with connection, avoid cure claims, suggest appropriate cognitive screening, and never leave families without resources. For anyone with family history or early signs of hearing trouble, the message is clear: protect your connections. Get a hearing check, consider amplification when needed, and double down on heart‑brain health habits that keep you engaged with the people and places you love.

If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help others find these insights. Have a topic or guest in mind? Email us at [email protected].

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Have you ever met someone who says they can hear perfectly fine, but still struggles to understand speech, especially in noisy environments? That puzzling disconnect might be explained by Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) – a condition affecting what our brains do with the sounds our ears detect.

Dr. Angela Alexander reveals a startling finding from the Framingham cohort study: approximately 20% of adults who report hearing difficulties actually have normal hearing test results. These individuals aren't imagining their struggles – they're experiencing processing issues that standard hearing tests don't capture. "We used to think about auditory processing in terms of people who had no hearing loss whatsoever," Dr. Alexander explains, "but it is also possible to have hearing loss and processing problems." This insight opens new possibilities for helping people who have hearing aids but aren't getting the improvements they expected.

The conversation takes a serious turn when discussing the profound psychological impact of undiagnosed CAPD. People with this condition often withdraw from social situations, creating isolation that contributes to our national loneliness epidemic. Dr. Alexander shares a practical screening tool – the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) – that can help identify potential CAPD cases by measuring the mismatch between audiogram results and self-reported difficulties. This simple questionnaire could be the difference between continued frustration and finding appropriate help for millions of people.

For hearing healthcare professionals listening, this episode provides valuable insights on expanding your practice to better serve this underrecognized population. For those struggling with hearing but told their tests are normal, it offers validation and hope. Listen now to understand the critical difference between hearing and processing – and discover how addressing both can transform lives.

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The mysterious disconnect between hearing and understanding affects millions worldwide, yet remains largely undiagnosed and untreated. Dr. Angela Alexander pulls back the curtain on auditory processing disorder (APD), revealing why so many people struggle to understand speech despite normal hearing tests.

"One in five adults who report hearing loss actually have normal hearing test results," explains Dr. Alexander, highlighting a staggering statistic from the Framingham cohort study. These individuals aren't imagining their difficulties – they're experiencing a processing problem in the brain rather than the ears. The mismatch between audiogram results and real-world experience leaves many frustrated, bouncing between providers who tell them their hearing is "fine" when their daily struggles suggest otherwise.

Dr. Alexander offers practical screening tools for hearing professionals, particularly recommending the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) to identify potential processing challenges. She also shares remarkable success stories, including her work with Matt Hay, who has an auditory brainstem implant. Through targeted auditory training – what she calls "physical therapy for the ears and brain" – Matt improved his word recognition from 60% to nearly 90% in just three months, demonstrating the brain's remarkable adaptability.

For parents of children diagnosed with APD, Dr. Alexander offers hope: "Auditory processing disorder is a hopeful diagnosis because there's so much we can do about it." She explains how APD can overlap with conditions like ADHD and dyslexia, but unlike those conditions, auditory processing is often easier to improve with the right intervention. Through her Auditory Processing Institute, she's trained 170 specialists worldwide and created a searchable map to help individuals find qualified providers.

Ready to understand why you or your loved ones struggle to process speech despite "normal" hearing? This episode might just change how you think about hearing forever. Subscribe, share your experiences, and join us in spreading awareness about this hidden hearing challenge.

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Ray Woodworth takes us on a deep dive into the nuances of hearing aid fittings, sharing insights from his dual perspective as both a 47-year hearing aid wearer and an industry professional. He challenges the notion that real ear measurement alone is enough for optimal fittings, advocating instead for a balanced approach that honors both objective measurements and subjective patient feedback.

Drawing from his experience of fitting countless patients with custom technology, Ray explains why custom ear molds are crucial for patients with moderate to severe hearing loss, especially in the low frequencies. "When you run real ear measurement with a dome versus a custom, I've seen a 9dB difference," he notes, emphasizing how this can dramatically improve streaming quality and overall sound experience. The anatomical uniqueness of each ear—from curved canals that resist dome placement to surgical modifications that require specialized approaches—further underscores the need for customization.

Most compellingly, Ray shares his personal journey with hearing loss, revealing that despite having measurable thresholds in his right ear, standard target-matching through real ear measurement creates uncomfortable distortion. This highlights the critical importance of patient perception, which can't be captured by measurement tools alone. Using the metaphor of a light dimmer, he explains how patients who have lived with hearing loss for years may need time to adjust to proper amplification, requiring hearing care professionals to balance technical perfection with practical comfort.

What truly sets exceptional hearing healthcare apart isn't just technical expertise or high-tech equipment—it's the humility to listen to patients and respect their subjective experience. "We have to be humble and listen to the patient, no matter how much we know," Ray emphasizes, "because the patient tells us the truth." Ready to experience hearing care that values both science and your unique perception? Tune in to learn more about this balanced approach.

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Ray Woodworth, a 25-year veteran in hearing healthcare, brings his passion for perfection in ear impressions to this compelling conversation about the art and science of customization. Having been mentored directly by Starkey founder Bill Austin since 2002, Ray shares profound insights that challenge conventional thinking about hearing technology fittings.

"The ear is the boss," Ray explains, revealing how this seemingly simple concept transformed his approach to patient care. He takes us behind the scenes of the hearing aid manufacturing process, offering rare perspective on why custom solutions often outperform standard dome fittings – particularly for moderate to severe hearing losses. Through vivid examples and personal experiences, Ray demonstrates how custom ear molds can dramatically improve sound quality, streaming clarity, and overall patient satisfaction.

The discussion delves into the delicate balance between objective measurements and subjective patient experiences. While Real Ear verification serves as an excellent starting point, Ray emphasizes that the patient's perception must ultimately guide the fitting process. "People don't care how much you know until you show how much you care," he shares, highlighting why relationship-building trumps technical expertise when creating loyal, satisfied patients.

Ray also addresses the evolution of impression-taking technology, comparing traditional silicone methods with newer scanning systems. Rather than simply advocating for one approach, he stresses that mastery comes through practice and understanding the unique characteristics of each patient's ear anatomy. His passion for craftsmanship shines through as he describes working with challenging cases and finding solutions for even the most difficult ear canals.

What's your approach to customization in hearing healthcare? Are you taking the time to truly understand your patients' unique needs? This episode will inspire you to reconsider how personalization and human connection can elevate patient outcomes in an increasingly technological world.

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Ever wonder why some hearing healthcare professionals seem so passionate about advocacy while others shy away? Our conversation dives into the heart of building an advocacy culture that transforms not just legislation, but patient care itself.

We explore the critical importance of starting advocacy education during AuD and SLP programs. As our guest, Dr. Megan Adams insightfully notes, "Informed students become informed professionals" who can make better clinical decisions and effectively advocate for patients throughout their careers. The good news? Universities don't need complete curriculum overhauls, even a few targeted class sessions can equip future professionals with the advocacy tools they'll need.

Many clinicians and private practice owners hesitate to engage in advocacy because they don't see themselves as "political" or "persuasive" enough. We dispel this myth by revealing that most advocacy involves simply educating lawmakers about what audiologists do and why quality hearing care matters. Your expertise is your most powerful advocacy tool—no special personality required.

The consequences of disengagement can be severe. We discuss alarming attempts in several states to replace professional licensure with simple registration systems, which threatens accountability and patient safety. Our guest shares a compelling case from Indiana where hearing aid sales were nearly completely deregulated until professionals rallied to educate legislators about the potential harm to patients.

Perhaps most inspiring is the call to shift from defensive to offensive advocacy. Rather than constantly reacting to problematic legislation, proactive education of policymakers creates an environment where harmful bills are less likely to advance in the first place. When legislators understand hearing healthcare, they make better decisions.

Whether you're a seasoned advocate or have never contacted a legislator, this conversation offers practical wisdom for making a difference. Listen now to discover how your voice—regardless of how loud you choose to be—can help shape the future of hearing healthcare.

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