ListenUp!

Morgan Hutchings is the Senior Consultant of AuDExperts, a company that works with private practices by aligning their mindset, culture, science, and marketing. He earned his experience as the Director of Operations at Intermountain Audiology Hearing Clinics and was the Director of Accounts at AUDMA. His specialties include strategic analysis in the audiology field, core values identification, and what influences culture shift.

Many audiologists are so concerned with the care provided that they can lose sight of the practice itself. This is especially true for private clinics that have more freedom and higher expectations. Improving the quality of your clinic on every level can reap incredible rewards, both for your employees and your patients alike. Morgan Hutchings works to help private practices transform lives beyond the audiological care. His outside perspective has proven effective for many clinics, and now you too can learn from his insights. Dr. Mark Syms invites Morgan Hutchings, Senior Consultant at AuDExperts, onto the ListenUp! Podcast to discuss raising the bar among private audiology practices. They break down what most clinics do not realize about their patients, simple steps that can make a massive difference, and the resulting success stories. They also touch on how to keep the human element alive in your practice.

Dr. Laura Pratesi is the Doctor of Audiology and the Owner of Citrus Hearing Clinic, a practice she founded in 2018 to better serve her community. She was born with progressive hearing loss and uses her personal experience to inform her practice. She has worked in a variety of settings including private practice, hospitals, medical clinics, and alongside ear-nose-throat specialists.

Since starting her clinic, Dr. Pratesi has been named an Orlando Magazine Woman of the Year and has had publications featured in The Hearing Journal.

Running a private audiology practice comes with its own unique challenges and advantages. Freed from most common restraints, private clinics can tailor their services to the needs of their community. 

Dr. Laura Pratesi of Citrus Hearing Clinic wanted to bring her own hearing loss experiences to her treatment. Their specializations have grown to include aural rehabilitation, pediatric testing, balance therapy, and even patient education. Citrus Hearing Clinic lacks any financial or contractual obligations to certain manufacturers, enabling them to do what’s best for their patients. 

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms sits down with Dr. Laura Pratesi, a Doctor of Audiology and the Owner of Citrus Hearing Clinic, to discuss her private practice and views on audiology. They talk about her own experiences with hearing loss and how it has shaped her treatment. They also go through hearing aid technology, the relationship between patient and audiologist, and what Dr. Pratesi’s learned along the way.

Dr. Marlan Hansen is the professor and chair at University of Iowa’s Otolaryngology Department. He is a clinician-scientist trained in neurotology surgery and molecular neurobiology. His research includes multidisciplinary approaches to basic, translational, and clinical investigations that pertain to auditory neurobiology. He has also served as a resident at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and as a fellow at the House Ear Clinic.

While most people are familiar with the technology behind cochlear implants, few know about the surgical technology that makes it all possible. Cochlear implant surgeries require a high level of precision that is difficult to achieve consistently. More importantly, greater technology can ultimately improve the hearing experience of the patient.

Dr. Marlan Hansen has spent nearly two decades in research and clinical practice in neurotology. He has worked directly with iotaMotion to push the technology of cochlear surgeries forward. Now you can learn what is on the cutting edge. In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms talks with Dr. Marlan Hansen, a professor of otolaryngology at The University of Iowa, about the technology behind cochlear surgeries and how they are improving. They discuss the work iotaMotion is doing, why the new technology is so important, and how it helps both patients and clinicians. Lastly, they touch on the different disciplines that go into these important advancements.

Dr. Richard Gurgel is an Associate Professor at the University of Utah State, where he teaches neurotology. His clinical practice focuses on otology, performing a full range of surgeries and procedures. He performed a fellowship in neurotology at Stanford University and was a member of the Stanford Society of Physician Scholars. His specialties include acoustic neuromas, glomus tumors, and other skull base lesions. 

While audiologists clearly witness the effects of hearing technology on their patients, there is still a pressing need for new research. Not only does it give better information for practitioners, but it helps dispel myths in the hearing community. One of the most active researchers in the audiology space is Dr. Richard Gurgel.

Working for the University of Utah as an Associate Professor and researcher, Dr. Gurgel has helped write dozens of academic publications. His research has led him to all aspects of hearing loss, lending him pertinent insights into what patients need. He is keen to share his findings with audiologists and anyone who wants to know more.

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms invites Dr. Richard Gurgel, an Associate Professor at the University of Utah, to discuss his research and how it applies to hearing technology. They discuss cochlear implants and their long-term impact. They also touch on screenings, greater trends in hearing loss, and measuring the social consequences of hearing tech for patients.

Dr. Michael Page has more than 30 years of experience in clinical, academic, and surgical positions. He operates a professional consultancy where he specializes in training and education, helping his clients overcome their toxic workplaces. He has worked as President of the Utah Speech-Language-Hearing Association and as a member of the Primary Children’s Medical Center Bioethics Committee. 

Dr. Page has also held adjunct faculty positions at the University of the Pacific, Utah State University, Brigham Young University, and University of Utah. 

Audiology and communication are neighboring fields but rarely overlap. Each has its own experts and expectations — however, few people know the importance of truly listening like experienced audiologists. Dr. Michael Page has worked as a pediatric audiologist and worked for multiple universities. He knows the realities of audiology and has applied similar principles in helping workplaces learn how to communicate properly. So how do these two fields intersect and what does that look like in the real world? Dr. Mark Syms talks with Dr. Michael Page about hearing technology, pediatric practices, and the relationship between proper communication and audiology. Dr. Page describes how he helps workplaces overcome their toxic tendencies and how he got started as a consultant. They also touch on the research behind cochlear implants and why not every patient is happy with theirs. Hear it all for yourself on this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast.

As an award-winning audiologist and a prominent dementia educator, Dr. Al Turri is a recognized figure in his field. He is the Audiology Director of The Villages Health System, which he has led for a decade and worked with more than 20,000 people. 

Dr. Turri aims to minimize the everyday effects of hearing loss through both treatment and technology. He also co-authored Back to Active: Change Your Life with Total Hearing Health which details the role hearing plays in cognitive health.

As research illuminates the correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline, there grows a greater need for testing. There is little that can be done for prevention, but early screenings can help slow down the trajectory — this is especially important for aging communities that are at a higher risk. 

Dr. Al Turri is the Audiology Director at The Villages Health System in Florida, where he has worked with more than 20,000 patients. He has researched and personally seen the relationship between hearing loss and dementia. His practice has championed earlier testing, but what kinds of testing are more effective? What can audiologists do on their end to slow mental decline? In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms interviews Dr. Al Turri, the Audiology Director at The Villages Health System, to learn more about cognitive screens and hearing loss. They discuss the progression of hearing loss, including expectations for hearing aids. They move onto the topic of cognitive decline, what the research says about it, and which factors can lead to better long-term cognitive function.

Dr. Dusty Jessen is a CEO, professional speaker, author, and audiologist. She is the owner of 5 Keys Communication, an organization created to educate and empower people who are frustrated by hearing loss. She is also the owner of Columbine Hearing Care where she served as the Director of Audiology for 15 years. Her book, Frustrated by Hearing Loss? Five Keys to Communication Success, has been used by countless audiologists across the US and Australia.

Improving people’s hearing takes a lot more than technology. It requires treatment, practice, effort, and time, among other things. Audiologists know that patients need more holistic hearing care that leads to practical changes in their lives. So what truly makes the difference? Dr. Dusty Jessen believes there are five crucial steps for better hearing. As an author and audiologist, she has the experience necessary to know how to improve hearing from the ground up. Her five steps go beyond the doctor’s office and into the daily life of a patient. Now you can learn how to implement those five steps as well. Dr. Mark Syms invites Dr. Dusty Jessen, the Owner of 5 Keys Communication, onto the ListenUp! Podcast to talk about the five factors that lead to improved hearing. They talk about her own background and experience along with her advice for audiologists before breaking down each of the five steps and how each one builds towards better hearing and a better life.

As an audiologist for more than 50 years, Dr. H. Gustav “Gus” Mueller is an acclaimed figure in the industry and has served as a researcher, lecturer, and editor. He currently has a private consulting practice located on an island west of Bismarck, ND.

Dr. Mueller runs multiple monthly journal columns and has appeared on “Page Ten” in The Hearing Journal. He has co-authored 12 textbooks on diagnostic audiology and hearing technology.

On the last episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms spoke with Dr. Gus Mueller on hearing aids and different measurements. Now, they continue that conversation by discussing probe microphones.

Probe microphones are able to better detect what is audible, particularly in use with children. The invention changed the face of audiology, but many people are still unfamiliar with their use. Additionally, there is much more to learn about audiology applied to real world settings.

Dr. Mark Syms and Dr. Gus Mueller continue their discussion on hearing aids, hearing technology, and proper testing on this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast. They start with a discussion of probe microphones and how they are used before touching on topics like capturing subtle sounds, aided loudness, and why three decibels above or below is the sweet spot for audiologists.

As an audiologist for more than 50 years, Dr. H. Gustav “Gus” Mueller is an acclaimed figure in the industry and has served as a researcher, lecturer, and editor. He currently has a private consulting practice located on an island west of Bismarck, ND.

Dr. Mueller runs multiple monthly journal columns and has appeared on “Page Ten” in The Hearing Journal. He has co-authored 12 textbooks on diagnostic audiology and hearing technology.

Fitting people with hearing aids is a beautiful blend of subjective and objective, science and personal experience. Patients need trained doctors to ensure their hearing technology suits them best. The reality, however, is far more complicated. There is a tremendous amount of research being performed on how to properly measure hearing loss and how to treat it properly. Few people are more knowledgeable on these subjects than Dr. Gus Mueller. Dr. Mueller has spent 50 years in audiology, working in research, lecturing, writing, and even private consulting. His blend of academia and real world experience has made him a pioneer in the subject of hearing aids. His insights have helped shape the audiology landscape, and now he’s here to share with you. In this first installment, Dr. Mark Syms has a powerful interview with Dr. Gus Mueller to discuss the state of hearing aids and hearing measurements. They talk in-depth on the history of these subjects, how to help patients most effectively, and which practices are most useful. They also dive into detail on the science behind hearing and its real-world application. Hear all of this and much more on this episode of the ListenUp! podcast.

Dr. Patricia Gaffney is a professor at NOVA Southern University in Fort Lauderdale and the Director of the NSU United Kingdom Doctor of Audiology program. Her specialties are in vestibular diagnostics and treatment, teaching advanced vestibular course geriatric audiology and amplification. She is also a member of the AAA and previously served as the President of the Audiology Practice Standards Organization.

While there are professional guidelines that have been in place for decades, there were no practice standards in the industry until recently. The bottom line is well-established, but there is much less precedent for clear professional standards. If audiologists are to improve, they need goals and benchmarks to strive after. Fortunately, those standards are now being developed. Dr. Patricia Gaffney once served as President for the Audiology Practice Standards Organization. The organization is filled with leaders in the industry, working together as they attempt to define practice standards across the board. So what are these standards and how can it influence the landscape of audiological practices? Dr. Mark Syms speaks with Dr. Patricia Gaffney, a professor at NOVA Southern University in Fort Lauderdale, on this episode of ListenUp! to discuss audiology practice standards. They discuss what the Audiology Practice Standards Organization does and how they have defined their guidelines. They touch on Dr. Gaffney’s career, what the future holds for audiology practices, and the differences between guidelines and standards.