ListenUp!

Dr. Maura Cosetti is an experienced audiologist with clinical specializations in adult and pediatric hearing disorders. She is the Director of the Ear Institute of New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai, which is one of the most advanced hearing centers in the United States. She is also the Director of their Cochlear Implant Program, both an academic and clinical program for patients of all ages. 

Along with these titles, Dr. Cosetti has performed invaluable research on hearing loss through the use of virtual reality. She leads the Otology-Neurotology Fellowship Program at Mount Sinai and Co-chairs the William House Cochlear Implant Study Group.

The broader field of audiology can be incredibly diverse with multiple facets of research. One facet that is often overlooked is the relationship between balance and hearing loss. We all know that our balance is calibrated with inner-ear fluid, but the intricacies and relationships are still being heavily researched. There’s one new tool, however, that might surprise you. 

Dr. Maura Cosetti and her research staff at Mount Sinai have been looking into vestibular problems and analyzing partial deafness. Among their instruments is virtual reality, which allows them to look at sensory integration in a new way. Their facility is among the most advanced in the United States, and now they open up about their research and their unusual methods.

Dr. Mark Syms talks with Dr. Maura Cosetti, the Director of the Ear Institute of New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai, about her research on vestibular problems and their use of virtual reality. They discuss the finer details of vestibular problems and how it relates to balance. They then go through discussions on subcategorization of hearing loss, what qualifies as normal hearing, and neurocognitive function. Check it all out on this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast!

Dr. Paula Folkeard is a registered audiologist and the Research Manager for Western University’s audiology department, where she’s served for more than 12 years in total. Dr. Folkeard has worked in both the higher education and clinical fields of audiology. She also worked as an audiologist for the London Ear Clinic before entering into her research. Much of her work is centered on adult amplification and the devices themselves.

Dr. Susan Scollie is an audiology research professional and Professor for Western University’s audiology department. She is considered a global leader in the world of personalized methods for pediatric hearing aids. Her areas of interest include hearing aids, pediatric audiology, and simulation in an educational environment. She has had over 12 publications and has received multiple awards for her work, including the Marion Downs Pediatric Audiology Award.

The research behind hearing aids, especially in comparison to other medical tools, is rapidly evolving and growing. A greater push is being made for hearing technology to not only amplify but maintain the quality of sound as well. Since hearing aids are so closely tied to quality of life in a practical sense, every step towards improvement can help patients lead more fulfilling lives. 

Dr. Paula Folkeard and Dr. Susan Scollie are both at the National Centre for Audiology, leading teams that are performing this valuable research. They have worked with Earlens and other companies to improve both the methodology and the underlying technology for better hearing instruments. Today, they step out of the lab to discuss their work.

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms hosts Dr. Paula Folkeard and Dr. Susan Scollie of the National Centre for Audiology at Western University to discuss hearing aids and the research that goes into them. They go through the tests and approaches they’ve used as well as the interesting results and conclusions they’ve found. They also touch on topics such as hearing quality, patient response to different hearing levels, and the current limitations for hearing aids.

Dr. Marshall Chasin is an audiologist with a passion for helping musicians and the Director of Auditory Research at the Musicians’ Clinics of Canada, serving there for more than 35 years. He keeps himself busy with multiple other positions in audiology, including his roles as an Adjunct Professor for the University of Toronto and Associate Professor at Western University.

Dr. Chasin is also a prolific author, having written 7 books and over 200 articles in his Hearing Review. He has received several notable awards for his work such as the 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Award and Canada 150 Medal in 2017.

Few people appreciate and use their hearing as much as musicians. Both the performer and casual enjoyer are reliant upon their hearing to engage with music, something they can often take for granted. When people become aware of their hearing loss, it can be too late to fully reverse the effects. The best method is prevention, starting early to keep what’s most important.

Dr. Marshall Chasin has studied the overlap between music and audiology extensively, currently working at a clinic designed for musicians. Along the way, he’s found the underrepresented truth behind the two and the best ways to maintain your hearing as a musician. He’s written repeatedly on the topic, and is here to tap into his wealth of knowledge.

Dr. Mark Syms takes the time to interview Dr. Marshall Chasin, the Director of Auditory Research at the Musicians’ Clinics of Canada, to discuss hearing loss in music and how to avoid it. They start with the misconceptions behind music’s capacity to damage and how to actually prevent any further loss. They also go through what volumes are safe, the technology that can help you monitor them, and if genetics play a role. Hear all of this on this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast.

Dr. Boaz Ben-David is an Associate Professor of Pyschology at Reichman University in their Interdisciplinary Center, teaching the complex dynamic between sensory input and cognition as we age. He also holds adjunct positions at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute as well as the University of Toronto, where he served as a postdoctoral fellow. He has a passion and expertise in multiple intersecting fields, including neuropsychology, communication, and the effects of aging. Dr. Ben-David received his PhD in cognitive psychology from Tel Aviv University.

We all grow older, and as we do, our mental and physical functions are no longer as keen as they once were. However, the scientific community is still learning a great deal about how this happens. Which biological conditions are related to each other and how do they play into our ability to interact with people? One important relationship is between hearing and cognition, which has been the area of study for Dr. Boaz Ben-David.

As a professor and researcher, Dr. Ben-David has studied the overlap between these fields with some incredible discoveries. His research has been applied both theoretically and practically at locations such as the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. He’s learned a great deal over his career and is eager to share his knowledge with those who will listen.

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms sits down with Dr. Boaz Ben-David, an Associate Professor of Psychology at Reichman University, to discuss the correlation between aging, cognition, and hearing. They go over the corresponding effects and how difficult listening environments can have an impact on cognitive load. They also touch on the current tests for hearing, including the need for innovation and expansion. Tune in to hear all this and even more!

Dr. Douglas L. Beck is a well-known figure in audiology and the Vice President of Academic Sciences for Oticon, a company that manufactures adaptive hearing solutions for the modern age. Dr. Beck is a prolific author on the subject, having 185 different publications to date. He’s been with the Oticon since 2005, where many of his research and publications were sourced. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at State University of New York at Buffalo and the Senior Editor of Clinical Research at Hearing Review.

Most people are able to identify the difference between hearing and listening, but how does it play out in a clinical setting? People who experience hearing loss don’t even know what they can’t hear, meaning there’s a failure to self-diagnose and understand the extent of their loss. For audiologists, much of their job is identifying that distinction and finding what the patient truly needs.

Dr. Douglas L. Beck has done considerable research and writing in this field, experiencing how hearing and listening play out differently across people. It has led him and his team at Oticon to challenge their preconceived notions and dig deeper into the science of it. Now, Dr. Beck explains his findings and his thoughts with you.

Dr. Mark Syms interviews Dr. Douglas L. Beck, the Vice President of Academic Sciences at Oticon, to talk about hearing loss and the distinction between hearing and listening. They go over the common problems they encounter in their work, the current technology for measuring hearing loss, and the overlooked factors that lead to dementia. They also touch on hearing aids and how they can be optimized. Hear the rest on this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast.

Dr. Elizabeth Heinrichs-Graham is a cognitive neuroscientist and the Director of the Cognitive and Sensory Imaging Laboratory for Boys Town National Research Hospital. In this role, she uses neuroimaging methods like magnetoencephalography (MEG) and structural MRI to identify brain function and dysfunction in people of all ages.

Dr. Heinrichs-Graham employs a multidisciplinary process in her research when exploring the link between behavior and complex brain structure. She received her doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and performed her postdoctoral fellowship in neural and cognitive development.

While hearing is only one of our senses, it’s one of the most important. So much of our cognitive behavior is shaped and molded by our ability to hear and vice versa. Our bodies are interconnected frameworks where it’s truly difficult to isolate only one area of study without examining the others. This is where audiology turns to neuroscience to fill in the gaps that narrow research cannot solve.

Dr. Elizabeth Heinrichs-Graham has applied herself to cognitive research, especially in children and their development. Her work closely overlaps with audiological research, including auditory processing and its impact on cognitive behavior. She and her team are at the forefront of new findings in their field, getting a glimpse of what’s on the horizon.

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms talks with Dr. Elizabeth Heinrichs-Graham, the Director of the Cognitive and Sensory Imaging Laboratory at Boys Town National Research Hospital. Together, the two discuss the cognitive development in children and adults along with the influence hearing has on the process. They also touch on what the future of research and technology might reveal about us.

Anthony “Tony” Manna is President of Cochlear’s North American division, having served the company for over 16 years. In his role, he oversees the development and execution of strategy for their North American operations. During his time at the company, he has held a myriad of roles, starting in sales and working up to the President of Cochlear’s Bone Anchored Solutions. His background is in sales for various medical equipment companies, including Gyrus and Cabot Medical.

The industry behind medical devices can be difficult to traverse when it comes to balancing profit and health. There’s always going to be pressure on one side or the other, leading to difficult questions for companies in the field. However, cochlear implants are different from most other medical instruments. Their newer technology and important function makes them a unique product from a business perspective.

Tony Manna has learned this over the 16 years he’s spent with Cochlear of North America. He personally found the industry less cutthroat than he was anticipating, learning both the science behind and the benefits of cochlear implants. Now, he shares those takeaways with you.

Dr. Mark Syms hosts Tony Manna, the President of Cochlear’s North American division, to talk about the business and the science behind cochlear implants. The two go through the qualifications, the new software in the industry, and the greatest hurdles facing implants today. They also touch on the lingering effects of the pandemic on the business side and how it’s changed the market. Hear the rest on this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast.

Dr. Hannah Glick is a cognitive neuroscientist and an Affiliate Professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Her professional experience extends to multiple different industries, including healthcare, academic, government, and entrepreneurial settings. She received her triple PhD from the University of Colorado Boulder in behavioral neuroscience, cognitive science, and speech, language, & hearing science. Additionally, she has worked for multiple notable companies in audiology such as Advanced Bionics and Cochlear.

It can be easy to attribute hearing loss exclusively to the biological condition. After all, if there’s been damage or a steady decline, that should explain why hearing has been diminished. The reality, however, is that hearing loss comes from a variety of factors. Many of these are only now being researched and looked into, which ultimately transforms the way we treat hearing loss.

Dr. Hannah Glick has taken a broader view in her approach to audiology. She graduated with a triple PhD in behavioral neuroscience, cognitive science, and speech, language & hearing science. Her education and experience have directed her research and work to unique places, offering her a different perspective on hearing loss. 

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms talks with Dr. Hannah Glick, who works with the University of Colorado Boulder, to discuss hearing loss and the social and neurological factors that lead to it. They talk about the research she’s performed, what it says about brain activity, and neuroplasticity in adults. They also go over the importance of proper socialization in patients and the support they need.

Christine Menapace is the Vice President of Clinical Affairs for Cochlear, the global leader in implantable hearing solutions. Christine is an expert in clinical audiology, specifically in the field of implantable hearing technology. She has worked with Cochlear for over 25 years collectively, and she previously served as the Director of Clinical Studies. In her current role, she leads a team of 40 professionals that focus on clinical strategy.

As cochlear implants become more accessible than ever, a new issue arises: How do you choose the right candidates?

It’s a more difficult question than it first appears. Cochlear implants are a powerful tool but are not always a perfect fit for every patient. Additionally, attempting to use cochlear implants with uncooperative candidates can be just as ineffective as an incompatible patient. There’s a lot that goes into finding the proper candidates and tuning the technology. For years, the company Cochlear has been at the forefront of implant technology, and now Christine Menapace is here to share what they’re doing to find the right patients. 

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms sits down with Christine Menapace, the Vice President of Clinical Affairs at Cochlear, to discuss how to evaluate candidates for cochlear implants. They go through the current systems and studies around cochlear implant solutions along with the technology itself. They also discuss how often candidates should be reassessed for implants. Check out this episode to hear all this and more!

Dr. Ned Stolzberg is the Executive Medical Director at Hospice of the Valley (HOV), Arizona’s leading provider of end-of-life care. Dr. Stolzberg has worked with HOV since 2007, overseeing the staff of physicians and nurse practitioners. Previously, he served as a palliative care consultant in hospitals. 

Dr. Stolzberg earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts, where he was awarded the Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Medical Student. After graduating, he performed his residency at Phoenix Baptist Hospital.

Hospice is an underappreciated and underutilized branch of the medical world. It’s understandable: the field itself is loaded with difficult topics and memories for many people. However, the subject doesn’t have to be so grim. In fact, hospice is designed to give as much peace and gentleness to the patients — and their families — when they need it most. If anyone knows the good that hospice can provide, it’s Dr. Ned Stolzberg.

Dr. Stolzberg is a medical director for Hospice of the Valley, a not-for-profit organization that works throughout central Arizona. He’s witnessed firsthand, both in his professional and personal life, the benefits of hospice done right. He’s a proponent of the service and is eager to explain why it should be used more.

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms interviews Dr. Ned Stolzberg, the Executive Medical Director at Hospice of the Valley, to talk about hospice and how it can be better utilized in the medical world. They go over the origins of the field and how it got started in Arizona. They also dive into the correlations between hearing, dementia, and hospice, as well as the criteria for patients. Check out this episode to hear it all for yourself!