Inner Ear Secrets: An Audiology Podcast

Hearing loss isn’t just a local issue — it’s a global one. Millions of people worldwide live without access to hearing checks, hearing aids, or even basic awareness of hearing health. When hearing loss goes untreated, the impact can last a lifetime.

In this season finale, we sit down with Dr Chris Waterworth, an audiologist who has worked across remote Australia and international communities, to explore what hearing care looks like on a global stage.

In this episode, we cover:

(Chris introduced at 1:08)

Hearing loss and vision loss are often treated as separate issues. But when they occur together, the impact on daily life can be profound — from communication breakdowns to safety risks, dual sensory loss can affect independence, mental health, and overall quality of life.

In this episode, we sit down with Lachlan Smith, a clinician who is both an audiologist and an optometrist, to explore the unique challenges and opportunities for care when hearing and vision loss combine.

In this episode, we cover:

Whether you are an audiologist, an optometrist, a student, or simply passionate about ageing well, this episode offers insights into supporting older adults with complex sensory needs.

Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube — and don’t miss the final episodes of Inner Ear Secrets Season 2!

Hearing and balance issues don’t exist in isolation. In complex adult cases, they can quietly shape a person’s safety, independence, and quality of life in ways that aren’t always obvious in clinic.

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Calabro, an occupational therapist from the regional Gippsland adults community team, to explore how OTs support clients beyond traditional hearing care.

In this episode, we cover:

(Emily Calabro introduction at 2:24)

Whether you are a student, new graduate, or experienced clinician, this episode offers a fresh perspective on hearing care that extends beyond the clinic walls.

Supporting a child’s communication is rarely a solo effort. In paediatric care, audiologists and speech pathologists often work side by side to make sure kids get the best possible start in life.

In this episode, we sit down with Ana Lopez Flores, a paediatric speech pathologist, to explore where these two professions meet — and how collaboration shapes real-world outcomes for children and families.

In this episode, we cover:

Where audiology ends and speech pathology begins (and where they overlap)

Why early intervention before age 3 is critical for language outcomes

The signs speech pathologists look for when referring children back to audiology

Practical ways audiologists and speech pathologists can collaborate for better results

(Ana Lopez Flores introduction at 1:41)

Whether you are an audiology student, speech pathology student, or clinician working with children, this episode offers valuable insights into the shared role of these professions in paediatric care.

Hearing loss in children is not always straightforward. Sometimes it is part of a much bigger story that can be linked to genetic syndromes, medical complexity, or early life risk factors such as NICU admission or exposure to ototoxic medications.

In this episode, we speak with Dr Valerie Sung, paediatrician and childhood hearing loss expert, to explore what happens when audiology and medicine come together.

(Dr Valerie Sung introduction at 3:25)

Tinnitus is more than just a sound. It is a mental and emotional journey. For many people, it can lead to distress, anxiety, and a deep sense of disconnection.

In this episode, we are joined by Associate Professor Margaret Osborne, clinical psychologist and convenor of the Master of Professional Psychology at the University of Melbourne, to explore the often overlooked psychological impact of tinnitus and hearing loss.

We team up with Laura Power, principal vestibular physiotherapist and founder of The Vertigo Co, to explore the ultimate inner ear–brain–body mystery: balance.

Welcome to Season 2 of Inner Ear Secrets!

From GPs and speech pathologists to physios, OTs, and mental health clinicians—hearing impacts far more than just ears. In this episode, we unpack how hearing influences communication, balance, cognition, and overall wellbeing. Plus, a personal story from Jamie Foo, an audiology student who shares her lived experience with sudden hearing loss—from both the clinician and patient perspective

Welcome back to Inner Ear Secrets! In our Season 2 kickoff, we share life updates—Sara's move to Queensland and new clinic job, Sabrina’s switch to government, and Aardra’s retail audiology role. We dive into the student-to-professional transition, and future goals. This is our final episode as hosts —stay tuned for the new University of Melbourne team. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @innerearsecretspod. Take care and keep listening!

Welcome back to the final episode of Inner Ear Secrets! Today, we will discuss effective communication strategies for people with hearing loss, focusing on helping grandparents. We will share our personal experiences and provide practical tips such as asking for repeats, positioning oneself for better hearing, and utilizing lip-reading. Tune in for valuable insights and tips to improve conversations with loved ones who struggle with hearing loss.