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Jeffery Reagan's journey from surviving a heart transplant to pioneering tinnitus care innovation offers a masterclass in turning personal adversity into meaningful healthcare transformation. After experiencing a heart attack on Mount Kilimanjaro in 2007, followed by a catastrophic cardiac event in 2011 that left him dependent on a mechanical heart for three years, Reagan gained profound appreciation for patient-centered healthcare excellence. When he later developed tinnitus himself, he recognized the same fragmented care patterns that plague many chronic conditions.

The tragic 2021 suicide of Texas Roadhouse CEO Kent Taylor due to severe tinnitus became Reagan's watershed moment. Having never realized tinnitus could drive someone to such desperation, Reagan committed to leveraging his unique background in data modeling and healthcare systems to create something revolutionary: the Tinnitus Learning Health Network (formerly Stop the Ring).

Unlike traditional advocacy organizations, Reagan's approach places patients at the center while fostering structured collaboration between clinicians and researchers – what he calls "the golden triad." This learning health network doesn't focus solely on research but rather on measurable outcomes using quality improvement techniques that have proven successful in other medical fields. By collecting comprehensive data across demographics, tinnitus subtypes, and treatment interventions, the network identifies patterns that help match specific patient subgroups with the most effective care approaches.

With renowned experts like Dr. James Henry and Dr. Donna Murray on his team, Reagan is building what he describes as a "near real-time clinical practice guideline" – one that evolves monthly based on actual patient outcomes rather than being updated once per decade. The vision includes establishing pilot sites by 2026, growing to 30-50 locations within five years, and ultimately securing insurance coverage for the 50 million Americans affected by tinnitus.

For those suffering in silence after being told "there's nothing we can do," Reagan's message resonates powerfully: there is hope, there are effective management strategies, and through better data and collaboration, we can transform tinnitus care forever. Listen to discover how this groundbreaking approach could finally bring relief to millions.

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Ever wonder why your ears won't stop ringing? The answer might surprise you. 

Welcome to our brand-new Friday Audiogram series! Every week, we'll deliver a concentrated 7-10 minute dose of hearing healthcare wisdom you can enjoy anywhere—even while standing in line at the grocery store. These bite-sized episodes bring you essential insights from our extensive catalog of conversations with industry leaders.

In this inaugural Friday Audiogram, we tackle the complex relationship between tinnitus and hearing loss. Many patients mistakenly believe their tinnitus prevents them from hearing properly, but the reality often runs in the opposite direction. As Dr. Tarvin expertly explains, for many people, hearing loss comes first, with tinnitus developing as a symptom of that auditory deficit. This "chicken or egg" relationship requires careful unraveling during patient consultations.

We also explore the power of motivational interviewing in hearing healthcare. By asking open-ended questions like "Tell me your story," practitioners can uncover crucial information about patients' true concerns. This patient-centered approach helps distinguish between perceived problems and actual underlying issues, leading to more effective treatment plans.

Dr. Tarvin shares her personal journey to tinnitus specialization, which began when she recognized gaps in her knowledge while trying to help distressed patients. Her background in neuroscience provided the perfect foundation for exploring tinnitus management—where audiology intersects with cognitive health and emotional wellbeing.

The Hearing Matters podcast has grown beyond our wildest expectations, now reaching listeners in over 4,100 cities across 212 countries. We're grateful for every one of you who presses play and shares these conversations. Subscribe now to catch every Friday Audiogram and join our global community of hearing health advocates, professionals, and patients.

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What happens when a devastating cancer diagnosis collides with a lifelong passion for audiology? For Dr. Carla "Brandi" Smiley, it became the catalyst for reimagining how hearing healthcare could reach those most often left behind.

Diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss at age six, Dr. Smiley's path to becoming an audiologist wasn't straightforward. After teaching kindergarten, surviving stage four lymphoma during her doctoral studies, and working across various healthcare settings, she continually witnessed the same problem: barriers to access for underserved communities.

The solution came in an unexpected form during the 2020 COVID lockdown. While watching Tiny House Nation, Dr. Smiley envisioned a fully-equipped mobile audiology clinic that could travel directly to patients. Despite facing skeptical builders and financial hurdles, she persevered, crowdfunding her dream and creating a 15,000-pound clinic-on-wheels designed with intentionality to welcome everyone.

"I've had people who were disheveled and dirty and felt they weren't worthy enough to sit," she shares with emotion. "I tell them, 'This can be cleaned. You are worthy.'" This commitment to dignity drives her work with Head Start programs, assisted living facilities, and veterans' services.

The tiny house clinic goes beyond convenience, it transforms lives. Dr. Smiley recalls fitting hearing aids for a man in end-of-life care whose wife hadn't had a meaningful conversation with him in 20 years. After the fitting, the couple reconnected through their wedding album from the 1940s. "Those moments are why we do this," she reflects.

For hearing care professionals interested in mobile services, Dr. Smiley offers practical wisdom: start by identifying what you're already doing that could be mobilized. With headquarters now in Peachtree City and specialized services including diagnostic ABRs and auditory processing evaluations, she continues seeking grant funding to provide care at no cost to those in need.

Ready to discover how mobile audiology might transform your practice or community? Visit On Site Audiology to learn more about partnering with this innovative approach to hearing healthcare.

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Ever wonder what happens when a musician's most precious tool—their hearing—begins to fade? Moe Jerant, founding member of the Large Flowerheads and a professional drummer for over 20 years, takes us through her remarkable 15-year journey with hearing technology that saved her career and transformed her life.

The wake-up call came unexpectedly during a vocal lesson when Moe couldn't produce certain notes. A specialist's jarring comparison—"your snare drum has almost the same impact as a pistol going off"—forced her to confront a difficult truth: her passion was damaging her hearing. What followed was a journey through evolving hearing technology, from early custom devices that made sound seem "like it was coming through a wall" to modern receiver-in-canal instruments that restored clarity and musical nuance.

Moe candidly shares the embarrassing moments that pushed her to seek help—like responding to questions with completely unrelated answers—and the incredible transformation in her performance capabilities after adopting in-ear monitors. Beyond the stage, her hearing journey has enhanced her work leading therapeutic drum circles for seniors, where she witnesses firsthand how untreated hearing loss can lead to social withdrawal and isolation.

This episode offers a powerful reminder about the connection between hearing health and overall wellbeing. Whether you're a musician, music lover, or simply someone concerned about maintaining quality connections throughout life, Moe's parting advice resonates: "Don't doubt yourself. If you think you have a hearing issue, even a tiny one, get it checked." Your future self will thank you.

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Ralph Brote's journey from struggling to hear to rediscovering connection offers powerful insights for musicians and anyone facing hearing challenges. Growing up in the family-owned Nazareth Music Store—a fixture in Pennsylvania for 60 years—Ralph's life has been steeped in sound. As a professional trumpet player and music teacher, his hearing gradually deteriorated from years of exposure to loud instruments, work in an iron foundry, and genetic predisposition.

The turning point came when everyday conversations became increasingly difficult. Ralph found himself withdrawing during family gatherings, afraid to speak up after missing parts of conversations. At work, interactions with customers became stressful as he struggled to understand soft-spoken patrons. Like most people experiencing hearing loss, Ralph waited nearly a decade before seeking help—a delay that affected his personal relationships and professional confidence.

What makes Ralph's story particularly fascinating is how his musician's brain required specialized hearing solutions. While standard hearing aid settings worked perfectly for conversation, they created problems when he played his trumpet. His audiologist created custom programs for different listening environments: everyday conversation, performing music, and listening to music. The emotional impact became clear when his wife witnessed him hearing soft speech clearly for the first time with his new technology—a moment that brought her to tears.

Ralph's experience offers valuable advice for fellow musicians: "Don't go cheap, get the best you can, because as a musician, you won't regret it." He emphasizes the importance of early intervention and regular hearing checks for those exposed to loud sounds. His powerful parting message resonates beyond musicians: "Don't put it off, because your life really can be better sooner than later." Have you noticed changes in your hearing? Taking that first step toward better hearing could transform your relationships and reconnect you with the sounds that matter most.

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Dr. Lindsay Koble takes us on an extraordinary journey from accidental audiologist to successful practice owner in this eye-opening conversation about the realities of audiology entrepreneurship. After a jaw surgery complication left her with a perforated eardrum during college, Lindsay discovered her passion for audiology through her own hearing healthcare experience. This unexpected path led her to build Audiology Always, a thriving practice in her hometown of Auburn, Indiana focused on transparent, accessible care.

Lindsay's career trajectory provides a masterclass in preparation for practice ownership. Her time in an ENT clinic built clinical confidence with complex cases, while her role as a hearing aid manufacturer representative developed her business acumen. Combined with an MBA and farm-raised financial wisdom, these experiences created the perfect foundation for entrepreneurship. "You're never really ready," she reveals, "but if you're confident enough to bet on yourself, that's when it's time."

Financial literacy emerges as the unsung hero of practice success. Lindsay candidly discusses securing her $135,000 practice loan, making strategic equipment decisions, and maintaining conservative financial practices. Growing up on a family farm taught her invaluable lessons about cash flow management - understanding that business has "good seasons and bad seasons" and preparing accordingly. She challenges conventional thinking by accepting Medicare, Medicaid and insurance plans while maintaining profitability through transparent service pricing.

The conversation expands beyond business mechanics to explore the importance of community for practice owners. Lindsay participates in a mastermind group of Indiana audiologists who meet monthly to share challenges and solutions. Her leadership in founding the Indiana Audiology Coalition demonstrates her commitment to advancing the profession through collaboration and advocacy.

Whether you're a seasoned practice owner or dreaming of entrepreneurship, this episode delivers practical wisdom on balancing profitability with patient-centered care. Subscribe to Hearing Matters for more conversations that delve into the business of better hearing and the human stories behind successful practices.

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What happens when the demands of managed care clash with a provider's commitment to gold-standard hearing healthcare? For Jaysee Soto, owner of Altamonte Family Hearing in Florida, the answer lies in striking a delicate balance between business sustainability and patient-centered ethics.

Growing up in his family's New York City bodega, Jaysee watched his parents build relationships with every customer who walked through their door. Those early lessons in community connection now form the foundation of his hearing healthcare practice, where patients aren't just customers, they're extended family. Working alongside his wife Grace, Jaysee has created a practice environment where comprehensive care is the standard, not the exception.

The podcast takes us through Jaysee's unexpected journey from aspiring lawyer to passionate hearing care professional. That pivotal moment when he first witnessed a patient's face light up upon hearing their grandchild's voice clearly? It changed everything. Now he dedicates himself to creating those transformative moments for his patients, taking a full 90 minutes for comprehensive evaluations that far exceed industry minimums.

But this level of care creates tension when insurance and managed care plans don't adequately compensate for best practices like real ear measurement and extensive testing. Jaysee candidly shares his approach to this industry-wide dilemma: strategically limiting managed care appointments while ensuring those patients still receive quality care, implementing service plans that bridge the gap, and planning for growth that maintains standards while increasing access.

What emerges is a refreshing perspective on hearing healthcare economics. Rather than viewing patient care and business viability as opposing forces, he demonstrates how exceptional care creates its own sustainability through patient loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals. Even patients who initially come through managed care plans often return as private pay patients after experiencing the difference that comprehensive care makes.

Ready to discover what ethical hearing healthcare looks like in action? Listen now and learn how leading with heart can transform both patient outcomes and practice success.

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What stands between hearing care professionals and effective advocacy? Dr. Megan Adams shatters common misconceptions with her doctoral research spanning 400 participants across the United States. The surprising truth? It's not time constraints holding us back...it's knowledge.

Dr. Adams reveals that 95% of hearing healthcare professionals consider legislative issues crucial, and nearly 90% want greater involvement in advocacy efforts. They simply need the roadmap. This groundbreaking finding shifts our entire approach from convincing professionals to make time for advocacy to providing them with practical tools and education.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Adams dismantles the intimidation factor surrounding advocacy. Contrary to popular belief, most interactions with legislators don't involve debating policy but simply explaining what audiologists do and why quality hearing care matters. Small actions create tremendous impact—inviting officials to tour your clinic, hosting community events that include policymakers, or designating a team member to monitor relevant legislation during staff meetings.

The power of state-level organization emerges as another critical theme. Dr. Adams highlights Indiana's new audiology coalition, which has already hosted a successful conference and is working toward hiring a lobbyist in its first year. These state organizations provide the collective voice needed to address potentially harmful legislation before it passes.

Remember this fundamental truth: decisions affecting hearing healthcare will be made whether you participate or not. By educating policymakers and building community awareness, you ensure those decisions are informed by expertise rather than misconceptions. As Dr. Adams powerfully states, "I'm tired of playing defense. I want to play offense." Are you ready to join the movement transforming hearing healthcare advocacy from reactive to proactive?

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Two hundred episodes. Six years. One hundred twenty-one countries. The Hearing Matters Podcast celebrates a remarkable milestone in its mission to educate and connect the global hearing healthcare community.

Host Blaise Delfino's journey from college radio DJ to global hearing healthcare advocate encapsulates the power of finding your purpose. What began in a 400-square-foot family practice as a simple tool to answer patient questions has evolved into an international platform reaching thousands of hearing care professionals and patients alike. With early episodes designed to prepare patients for appointments and guide them through the hearing healthcare journey, the podcast created a seamless educational experience that transformed how patients engaged with their hearing health.

"The podcast absolutely positioned us as thought leaders in our community," Delfino reflects. "When prospective patients tuned in, it was a representation of the practice." This approach to patient education and experience proved extraordinarily effective, with fewer than ten hearing aid returns over five years—a testament to how education, transparency, and patient-centered care create lasting success in healthcare.

Throughout the podcast's evolution, Delfino has observed significant shifts in hearing healthcare: the emergence of deep neural networks and AI in hearing devices, the growing importance of telehealth options, and increasing patient demand for transparency and best practices. "Today, now more than ever, the hearing care professional plays such an important role in the patient experience," he emphasizes, highlighting how the relationship between provider and patient remains central despite technological advances.

Looking toward the future, the Hearing Matters Podcast is launching a provider locator tool to connect listeners with qualified hearing care professionals in their communities, expanding into speech-language pathology topics, and continuing to bridge the gap between education and action. For hearing care professionals and patients alike, the message remains consistent: "Continue to lead with your heart. Continue to keep your why as your North Star. Every day that you go into that office, reflect and think to yourself: I have the opportunity to change someone's life."

Share these episodes with someone who might be struggling with hearing loss – your recommendation could be the first step in their journey toward better communication and connection.

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Crossing the threshold into better hearing often feels overwhelming for patients who've postponed treatment for years. What makes the difference between hesitation and confident decision-making? The answer lies in experiencing transformation firsthand through expertly conducted in-office hearing aid demonstrations.

This episode dives deep into why these demonstrations represent a crucial moment in the patient journey. When a patient has waited 7-10 years to address their hearing loss, simply reviewing an audiogram and quoting prices falls woefully short of what they deserve. By contrast, a thoughtfully orchestrated demonstration allows patients to hear with unprecedented clarity in challenging environments like restaurants, creating powerful "wow moments" that validate their decision to seek help.

The most effective demonstrations go beyond the technical aspects of hearing technology. They involve familiar voices, realistic background noise, and careful observation of how patients react when communication barriers suddenly diminish. We explore how these demonstrations serve multiple purposes simultaneously, educating patients about their hearing loss, showcasing technology benefits, assessing physical capabilities for device selection, and building unshakable trust in the provider's recommendations.

For hearing healthcare professionals, this episode offers practical guidance on creating meaningful demonstration experiences that lead to better patient outcomes and satisfaction. For those beginning their hearing journey, it provides valuable insight into what to expect and demand from quality providers. No matter where you are in understanding hearing health, you'll gain perspective on how transformative moments in a clinical setting can change lives.

Ready to experience or deliver hearing healthcare that prioritizes education and empowerment over transactions? Listen now and discover why seeing is believing when it comes to better hearing.

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