Starkey Sound Bites: Hearing Aids, Tinnitus, and Hearing Healthcare

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In this episode of Starkey SoundBites, Dr. Dave Fabry, Starkey's Chief Hearing Health Officer, interviews Dr. Kristy Lowery, Audibel's Director of Clinical Operations, about the importance of hearing aid accessories. They discuss how accessories can enhance the benefits of hearing aids and provide specific examples of how accessories like the TV Streamer, Table Mic, Remote Control, and Remote Mic can improve the listening experience in various situations. They emphasize the need for clinicians to recommend accessories to their patients, as they can significantly improve their hearing journey!  

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Dr. K. Renee Horton, a NASA scientist, author, and hearing aid wearer, discusses her experience with hearing loss and the impact of wearing her new Starkey Genesis hearing aids. She shares that she initially resisted wearing hearing aids when she was diagnosed with hearing loss at a younger age due to stigma and concerns about how others would view her and her capabilities. However, after being fitted with the hearing aids, she was amazed at all the sounds she was missing. 

She also noticed improvements in her ability to hear and communicate in various environments, including during public speaking engagements and her book signings and giveaways. Dr. Horton emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of the brain in hearing and encourages individuals with hearing loss to seek professional help and not let stigma or concerns hold them back from improving their hearing. She also highlights the importance of staying updated with the latest hearing aid technology and working with healthcare professionals to find the right fit. 

You won’t want to miss this engaging and entertaining episode!

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In this episode of Starkey SoundBites, host Dave Fabry interviews Brandon Sawalich, the president and CEO of Starkey, about the future of the hearing industry. Sawalich reflects on the advancements in technology in 2023 and discusses the importance of patient-driven care in 2024. He emphasizes the role of hearing professionals in providing personalized service and highlights the need for continued investment in oneself and the adoption of new products and technologies. Sawalich also addresses the impact of over-the-counter hearing aids and the future of private practice. He concludes by discussing the potential of Bluetooth low energy audio and the My Starkey app, as well as the importance of caring for patients and differentiating oneself through exceptional service.

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Have you questioned your understanding of the hearing care professional's journey with their patients? Join us as we delve into this intricate journey with Michael Tease, Chief Retail Officer for Audibel. We explore how each professional's commitment to their patients leads to life-altering improvements in hearing loss treatments. Michael shares how his diverse background, spanning from law to the hearing aid industry, as well as his family history of hearing impairment, shaped his understanding of hearing loss and the dedicated professionals treating it.The conversation also dives into how retail strategies are revolutionizing the healthcare sector. Michael reveals how they've implemented these strategies at Audibel, from merchandising displays to a hybrid model of care that includes telehealth services. This intersection of healthcare and retail shows how it not only benefits patients but also provides a competitive advantage for hearing care providers.Topics such as the tech-savvy baby boomer generation, the impact of social media, and changing expectations surrounding hearing aids are all discussed. This episode concludes with a look at the connection between hearing aids and preserving cognitive function in the aging population. It's a conversation about how new technologies are changing perceptions and the importance of staying mentally engaged. Don't miss out - tune in and be a part of this enlightening conversation!

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In this episode of Starkey Sound Bites, host Dr. Dave Fabry interviews Dr. Seth Dobrin, an expert in artificial intelligence (AI) and a hearing aid user. They discuss Dr. Dobrin's journey to getting hearing aids, the stigma associated with hearing loss, and the positive impact that hearing aids have had on his life. They also delve into the topic of AI, including the potential benefits and challenges it presents.

Dr. Dobrin emphasizes the importance of responsible AI and human-centric design, particularly in the context of healthcare and the workforce. He predicts that AI will create more jobs in the future. Dr. Dobrin also shares his wishes for the future of hearing aids, including seamless translation capabilities and the integration of health monitoring features.

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Ever wondered how hearing aid software products are developed and improved based on user feedback? Dr. Dave Fabry talks to Laura Woodworth, Principal Product Manager at Starkey, about her journey in working to create Starkey’s Pro Fit fitting software. Laura's story starts from her time in speech pathology, transitions into a clinical fellowship year at Starkey, and lands into her current role focused on creating the best fitting software in the industry.    We dig deep into the fascinating process of developing Pro Fit, a software that marries feedback from customers and stakeholders. Laura emphasizes how the team at Starkey integrated 'Aha moments' into their creation process to solve common issues. Our conversation also veers towards Telehear, the innovative collaboration between the fitting software and mobile app, which offers clinicians comprehensive data for informed decisions. Laura also shares her thoughts on the growing importance of Telehealth and how My Starkey enhances the user experience with self-check and diagnostic tools. Prepare to be inspired and informed as you journey through this narrative of development, innovation, and user-centric strategy. 

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This episode promises a deep understanding of the intricacies behind Starkey's operations, straight from the voice of our Chief Sales Officer, Jeff Geigel. We navigate the European landscape discussing Starkey's growing presence in markets like France and Germany. Listen as we share our experiences from the significant annual European Congress (EUHA), an event that allows us to connect with partners, employees, and customers to showcase how we prioritize patients in our daily operations.Here's a fascinating fact about the current hearing aid landscape - customer expectations show intriguing variations across different regions. Jeff provides a richly detailed exploration of how our Genesis AI technology has been meeting and exceeding these expectations, driving impressive user acceptance and satisfaction. We share our thoughts on the importance of delivering natural sound, spatial awareness, and soft speech intelligibility, and the unique benefits of our wireless CICs in different markets. EUHA plays a critical role in this context, serving as a platform to gather invaluable feedback from customers worldwide.Have you ever wondered about the future of hearing aid technology and the role of professional interventions in different markets? We wrap up the discussion with an engaging conversation about Starkey's future plans for development and international expansion. Jeff discusses the specifics, covering Edge Mode, Self-Check features of Genesis AI, and the strategic use of Kevlar in the snap-fit process. As we appreciate the collaborations and insights that have significantly contributed to increasing the adoption of our technology, we promise you an enlightening journey through the world of Starkey and hearing aid technology.

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Join us on a unique journey as we chat with Derek Johnson, the man behind the Insta-famous duck, Ben Afquack. Derek's not your typical IT professional - he's leveraged his creative flair and duck-loving passion to make serious waves on social media. If you've ever wondered how to cut through the noise and stand out in the crowded digital landscape, Derek's story is sure to inspire. The secret sauce? Authenticity, a consistent theme, and quality content. We discuss how these elements can help you build a strong following on social media, whether you're promoting a business or a pet. But it's not just about numbers - Derek stresses the importance of resonating with your audience. Learn how to avoid filler content and make every post impactful and engaging.But let's not forget about the star of the show - Ben Afquack. Learn how Derek balances internet fun with social good, using his platform to support mental health resources and grow a small business. So, whether you're a social media newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insights that are sure to ruffle your feathers (in the best possible way).

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Strap in for an adrenaline-charged dialogue with up-and-coming race car driver, 16-year-old William Sawalich. He's not just about speed and precision on the track, but also an animal lover, drum enthusiast, and an advocate for hearing health and hearing protection. William shares his journey from racing quarter midgets and Legend Cars to stepping into the fast-paced ARCA Series, all while delving into the significance of hearing health in his journey.The conversation takes an exciting turn as we discuss the art of balancing communication with noise exposure with his crew, which is a daunting challenge faced by many in the sport. However, with his custom SoundGear racing ear molds, William is able to effectively communicate with his team while on the track. We explore his victories in the ARCA Series, a pit stop before he shifts gears to the NASCAR Xfinity series. Fasten your seat belts for an exhilarating ride into the world of motorsports guided by William Sawalich's unique perspective.

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Ever wonder how your hearing and balance play a significant role in preventing falls, especially for older adults? Our latest podcast episode brings you an enlightening conversation with Dr. Richard Gans, a global authority on hearing and balance. A personal journey driven by his mother's struggle with intractable Meniere’s disease led him to audiology and shaped his commitment to understanding and treating vertigo. He reflects on the early days of Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and Electrocochleography (ECOG), while emphasizing his drive and desire to earn his PhD.

As we mark Fall Prevention Awareness Week, we delve deeper into the labyrinth of the audio-vestibular system. This complex network, akin to a duplex, comprises of the cochlea, or the flat, and the vestibular system, or the townhouse. Dr. Gans shares his transition from retail to a medical model in his practice, highlighting the importance of healthcare providers to stay relevant. As we round up our conversation, we underscore the imperative of collaborative healthcare and discuss patient validation and take inspiration from the optometry model that exemplifies team-based care. Tune in for an insightful discourse on the correlation between hearing-balance and fall prevention!

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