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Are you fully aware of just how vital speech in noise testing is in the hearing healthcare field? Let us unravel this topic in our latest episode featuring Dr. Douglas L. Beck. We shed light on the critical importance of determining a person's ability to understand speech amidst noise, an often overlooked aspect in audiology due to time limitations and reimbursement issues. Yet, these tests are pivotal for determining the effectiveness of aural rehabilitation and the fitting of hearing aids.

Curiously, there's a prevalent challenge where patients' hearing is deemed 'normal,' yet they grapple with understanding speech in noisy environments. Dr. Beck and Dr. Delfino share their insights on this predicament, discussing the value of speech in noise scores as a measure of auditory ability. We propose the Beck-Benitez Two-Minute Speech in Noise Test, an accessible tool that can help in these scenarios. The conversation also ventures into the area of verification and validation measures in clinical practice. Despite their crucial role in successful hearing aid fittings, they often remain unimplemented due to lack of awareness. It's our plea to fellow professionals to prioritize speech in noise testing for better patient outcomes. 

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Wondering how caregivers and hearing healthcare intersect? Join me and the insightful Dr. Jamie Hand as we unravel the crucial role that caregivers often play behind the scenes in the world of hearing aid use. We'll share some eye-opening statistics and delve into how the patient's living situation impacts the caregiver's tasks. Our conversation brings to light the need for hearing care professionals to personalize their approach, understanding and catering to the unique circumstances of each individual patient.

In the latter half of our conversation, we turn our focus to the exciting advent of technology and its transformative impact on caregiving. We highlight how Starkey's groundbreaking hearing aids and their accompanying caregiver app are setting new standards in patient care and aiding caregivers in their valuable roles. We discuss how telehealth connectivity has become essential, reshaping the patient-caregiver dynamics, and its potential in mitigating issues of social isolation and depression. Don't miss out on this enlightening journey into the intricate realm of hearing healthcare and caregiver support.

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What would you do if you suddenly lost your hearing? Sami Rigby, an Australian advocate and someone who knows this question all too intimately, joins us for an enlightening conversation on managing Meniere's Disease and her experience getting a Cochlear implant. Sami takes us through her personal journey, sharing how she moved from a moderate to severe hearing loss amidst the COVID-19 lockdown, the emotional toll it took and how she discovered the power of self-care and the courage to prioritize her needs.

Isn't it fascinating how the brain adapts to new challenges? Sammy's experience with her Cochlear implant goes beyond just a medical device, it's about the brain merging the sounds from the implant with natural hearing - a process Sami describes with vivid detail. From initially sounding robotic to gradually resembling someone speaking through a microphone, she shares the strategies she uses in noisy environments and the importance of shifting mindsets in social situations. It's an account that not only demystifies the Cochlear implant but also gives a voice to the Meniere's community.

There's a special triumph in overcoming obstacles and reclaiming your life, and Sami's personal victories are a testament to that. She opens up about her acclimation process with the Cochlear implant, the tools that helped her along the way, and the importance of hearing protection. Her story is a beacon of hope, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit, and how technology is transforming lives in the hearing loss community. Join us for this inspiring conversation that will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the everyday activities we often take for granted.

Connect with Sami Rigby on Instagram: @deafjamsami 

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Can you imagine a world where specialized help for hearing and speech therapy is just a few clicks away, even in remote and underserved areas? That's exactly what telehealth is doing and our esteemed guest, Nell Rosenberg, National Director of Teleservices at Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech, has a wealth of insight to share with us. Nell passionately discusses how telehealth is providing language-rich environments for children, breaking down barriers due to distance and availability of professionals.

A critical part of these services is the involvement of parents in early intervention, especially from birth to the age of three. Nell shares her hands-on experience in coaching parents to become their child's first teachers, fostering a profound bond and ensuring high-quality care. We also address the emotional rollercoaster parents often find themselves on when dealing with an unexpected diagnosis. Listen in to learn more about virtual parent groups and referrals that build a welcoming and supportive community.

Lastly, we delve into the future of tele-services. Nell believes these services are here to stay and will continue to influence the lives of professionals, parents, and children alike. Nell's enthusiasm is infectious as she encourages practitioners to embrace telehealth fearlessly. Tune in for an enlightening chat as we explore the promising future of telehealth in hearing and speech services.

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Eager to get enlightened about the fascinating world of telehealth? Get ready for a compelling conversation with Nell Rosenberg, the National Director of Teleservices at Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech. We'll be journeying with Nell as she shares her path to becoming a speech-language pathologist and her passion for the prescriptive elements of the craft. Nell also offers a peek into the storied history of Clarke Schools.

Nell helps us navigate the landscape of hearing technology, highlighting how it's enhancing access to sound and fine-tuning listening and spoken language outcomes. In the wake of the pandemic, teleservices have come to the fore, and we'll chat about the acceptance of this technology and Clarke Schools' initiatives to advocate for policy and legislative changes to strengthen its support. As we wrap up, we'll ponder on the urgent need for greater collaboration and unity within the domain of communication sciences and disorders to widen access to speech-language therapy and hearing care services. 

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Join us for an insightful journey with Valli Gideons, a military bride turned advocate for children with hearing loss. As we unpack her personal experiences of ensuring consistent healthcare for her children amidst frequent military relocations, you'll gain a fresh perspective on perseverance and dedication to family. Listen as Valli shares her decision to keep their trusted providers in California and discuss her heartening journey of maintaining continuity of care for her children.

Through stories and personal experiences, Valli shines a light on her advocacy for children with cochlear implants. Delve into her strategies for helping kids keep their implants on and leading a fulfilling life. We talk about the role of acceptance, the power of positive role models, and how to help children process their feelings about hearing loss. Glean insights from Valli's book 'Through the Fog Navigating Life’s Challenges While Raising Kids with Hearing Loss' and discover hope, encouragement, and reassurance for parents navigating the voyage of raising a child with hearing loss. Tune in for this heartwarming conversation and let Valli's wisdom offer comfort and guidance.

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Unlock the fascinating intersection of music and hearing protection with our special guest, Dr. Douglas Beck, a distinguished audiologist and musician. Let Dr. Beck guide you through his extraordinary musical journey - from nearly becoming Ringo in the original Beatlemania production, to performing original Americana music with the Jeff Keith band. 

As you tune into our conversation, you'll discover invaluable advice from Dr. Beck on how to safeguard your hearing without compromising your love for playing or enjoying music. You'll gain insights into misconceptions about sound exposure and potential risks leading to hearing loss. Learn about the marvel of musician's earplugs - a modest investment that could potentially preserve your hearing for the long run. If you're a musician, a music lover, or anyone who values their ability to enjoy the sounds they love, this episode is a must-listen!

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Do you ever catch yourself daydreaming about the destination, only to realize the journey is where the magic truly happens? This episode is an invitation to marvel at the power of embracing the process, as we commemorate three years since the ground-breaking fader plug patent came to life. We take you down memory lane, exploring the rollercoaster of highs and lows, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. From the importance of planning, budgeting, and executing, to the vitality of a supportive network - every pitfall and triumph has its place in the grand scheme. 

Ever heard of Murphy's Law? Or considered the immense growth that comes with each season of life? We delve into these concepts, and underline the necessity of adopting a slow success mindset. We're not talking about stagnation here, but rather nurturing character growth and keeping the ego at bay. As we whip out our umbrellas to dance in the rain, we reflect on how things going awry isn't necessarily a bad thing, but a stepping stone towards improvement. 

Finally, we bring our gratitude front and center, expressing sincere appreciation for the mentors, supporters, and the community that's been with us from the get-go. We also address the escalating national epidemic of hearing loss, and discuss our collective role in addressing it. Keeping a pulse on the bigger picture, we remind ourselves and our listeners that every step of the journey counts, and every challenge faced contributes to the success story. So buckle up and join us, as we toast to the lessons, growth, gratitude, and the hope that fuels our journey.

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Have you ever pondered about the intricate world of sound? Wondered how a musician could transition to an audio engineer and then to a doctor of audiology? This is exactly the journey our special guest, Dr. Steven Taddei, embarked upon, and he's here to enlighten us with an auditory experience like no other!

From the art of discerning and interpreting the language of sound to the delicate process of programming hearing aids for patients, our exploration of his journey is as riveting as it is informative. We delve into the significance of sound and microphone placement, the role of acoustics and the importance of empathy in dealing with patients. It doesn't stop there, as we also discuss the use of digital signal processing in both music and hearing aids. The mix of his music, engineering background, and his audiology expertise creates an in-depth discussion that bridges the gap between sound and hearing in a way like never before.

As we traverse the world of audiology with Dr. Taddei, we also discuss a critical aspect often overlooked - the importance of protecting our hearing. Dr. Taddei, with his wealth of knowledge, emphasizes the significance of a hearing test before fitting a hearing aid, and the process of real ear measurements. What's more, we learn about the corrective power of hearing aids and the necessity of safeguarding our hearing by limiting exposure to hazardous levels of noise. Strap in and get ready to uncover the exciting world of audiology as we venture on this fascinating auditory journey!

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Ever wondered about the remarkable journey of a musician, the trials, tribulations, and the triumph over hearing loss? Join us in a revealing and deeply personal conversation with our guest, Ralph Brodt, the owner of Nazareth Music Store and an accomplished musician. Ralph takes us down memory lane as he shares the intriguing history of his family business that began in 1960 and his own entry into the world of music. His experiences as a music teacher, his passion for performance, and an intriguing discussion about his journey to getting hearing aids make for a captivating narrative.

Ralph opens up about the challenges he faced as a musician with hearing loss and the solace he discovered in hearing aids. From custom earplugs to advanced hearing instruments and their integration with his iPhone, hear firsthand how these devices transformed his professional and personal life. Join our enlightening discourse as we explore the impact of hearing aids on Ralph's communication skills and overall quality of life. Experience the world of music through the ears of a musician and business owner who refused to let hearing impairment play a discordant note in his life. This episode promises an inspiring blend of passion, perseverance, and the power of technology.

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