Occupational hearing conservation is often viewed as a compliance requirement—but it also represents a significant opportunity for audiologists and hearing care professionals to expand patient care, strengthen community outreach, and grow their practices.In this episode, Brian Felsen, Chief Hearing Loss Preventionist at Your Ears Rock, discusses the growing impact of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus across workplaces, schools, entertainment venues, and recreational activities. He shares practical strategies for integrating hearing conservation into clinical practice while creating new opportunities to expand patient care and grow hearing healthcare businesses.Topics discussed include:

• The growing prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus
• Why hearing conservation should be part of every patient interaction
• Business opportunities in occupational audiology and hearing protection
• Custom hearing protection and branded hearing conservation programs
• Community outreach strategies for audiologists and hearing instrument specialists
• Lunch-and-learn programs for local employers and organizations
• Educating patients about hearing protection beyond the workplace
• The importance of proper hearing protection selection and fit
• Innovative hearing conservation initiatives, including the "Quietest Vehicle on Earth"

Whether you work in private practice, occupational audiology, or hearing healthcare management, this discussion offers practical ideas for expanding services while helping patients protect the hearing they have for life.

• Learn more about Your Ears Rock: https://yourearsrock.com

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From newborn hearing screening to ototoxicity monitoring and occupational hearing conservation, objective hearing assessments play an important role across the continuum of care. hearX's digital OAE device is helping bring these capabilities to more clinicians, schools, hospitals, and community-based programs through a combination of portability, affordability, and cloud-connected technology.The conversation explores the growing role of OAEs in routine audiologic practice, the importance of objective hearing assessment, and opportunities to expand hearing care access through digital health and teleaudiology solutions.

Topics include:● school screening, ● newborn hearing testing, ● occupational health, ● ototoxicity monitoring, ● speech-in-noise testing, ● extended high-frequency audiometry, and ● the future of accessible hearing healthcare.Joining host Bob Traynor are Dr. De Wet Swanepoel, Professor of Audiology at the University of Pretoria and co-founder of hearX, and Clarice Myers, Audiologist and hearing health researcher, who brings experience from large population-based hearing studies and community hearing care initiatives.

• To learn more about the hearX and the company's suite of hearing screening, diagnostic, and teleaudiology solutions, visit: https://hearxgroup.com

This week, host Bob Traynor is joined by Sheena Burks, Chief Clinical Officer at WSA, and Dr. Eric Branda, Head of Audiology and Research, for an in-depth discussion on the unique hearing healthcare needs of U.S. veterans and how new technology is helping address one of audiology's greatest challenges: understanding speech in noisy environments.The conversation explores the realities facing VA audiologists, including high patient volumes, administrative demands, and the need to deliver efficient, high-quality care. The guests discuss Signia's Integrated Experience (IX) platform, multi-beam directional processing, instant-fit hearing solutions, AI-enabled personalization, and how these innovations are designed to improve communication for veterans while streamlining clinical workflows. They also examine the future of government hearing healthcare, the role of student education, and the importance of making advanced technology accessible across the VA and other federal healthcare systems.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.- https://x.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinhearing/- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearingVisit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

What does the future of hearing restoration look like? Are we approaching a world where hearing loss can be treated with pharmaceuticals rather than simply managed with hearing aids?Originally presented at the Future of Hearing Healthcare (FHH2026) conference, this expert panel explores the latest advances in inner ear therapeutics and what they could mean for the future of hearing healthcare.Topics discussed include:

• The recent momentum in inner ear therapeutics and gene therapy
• Preventing chemotherapy-induced hearing loss
• New treatments for Ménière's disease, tinnitus, and age-related hearing loss
• Why better diagnostics and AI may transform hearing healthcare
• The challenges of drug delivery to the inner ear
• The role of small molecules versus gene and cell therapies
• How therapeutics may change the future role of audiologists and hearing care professionals
• What the panelists are most optimistic about over the next decade

Panelists:

• Dr. Brian Taylor (Moderator)
• Jonas Dürfjeld Johnsen – Acousia Therapeutics
• Hugo Peris – Spiral Therapeutics
• Jonathan Kil – Sound Pharmaceuticals
• Celia Belline – Cilcare

From breakthrough science to real-world clinical implications, this discussion provides a fascinating look at one of the fastest-evolving areas in hearing healthcare and what it could mean for millions of people living with hearing loss.

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New research is providing one of the first detailed looks at the clinical performance of Nuance Audio Glasses, an over-the-counter hearing solution that has generated significant interest since its launch.

In this episode, host Shari Eberts sits down with Dr. Tami Harel, Chief of Audiology at Nuance Audio, to discuss the newly published findings, what they reveal about speech understanding in noise and listening effort, and where this technology may fit within the evolving hearing care landscape. The conversation explores a recently published study from Western University's National Centre for Audiology, which found that the device significantly improved speech recognition in noise while reducing listening effort compared with the unaided condition. Dr. Harrell explains how the glasses use multiple microphones, open-ear speakers, and beamforming technology to address one of the biggest challenges for people with hearing loss: understanding speech in noisy environments.Beyond the clinical findings, the discussion examines why many adults wait nearly nine years before seeking hearing treatment, the stigma surrounding mild hearing loss, the relationship between hearing, vision, and healthy aging, and how new form factors may encourage earlier adoption of hearing technology. Dr. Harrell also shares insights into the future of Nuance Audio and the next generation of its hearing glasses.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.

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Are today’s routine audiologic evaluations keeping pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of hearing healthcare?In this panel discussion from the 2026 Future of Hearing Healthcare Conference, moderator Dr. Bob Traynor is joined by Dr. Jay Hall, Dr. Frank Musiek, and Dr. De Wet Swanepoel to examine whether the traditional audiologic test battery is still sufficient for today's patients—or if it's time to rethink how hearing is assessed.The conversation explores the growing role of speech-in-noise testing, otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), central auditory screening, teleaudiology, and AI-driven diagnostic workflows, while discussing how these innovations could make hearing care more patient-centered, scalable, and globally accessible. The panel also challenges long-held clinical assumptions and considers how diagnostic evaluations may extend beyond the traditional sound booth to better reflect real-world listening needs.Whether you're an audiologist, hearing healthcare professional, student, or industry leader, this discussion offers valuable insights into the future of diagnostic hearing care.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.

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Can an OTC hearing aid really deliver premium features at an affordable price?This week, host Bob Traynor sits down with Dr. Heather Andrews, Director of Audiology at Cearvol, to explore the new Cearvol Wave OTC hearing aid. The conversation highlights the innovations that helped the device earn 17 awards following its debut at CES 2026, as well as Cearvol’s approach to blending consumer electronics design with hearing technology to make hearing care more accessible and approachable.The conversation covers the Wave’s AI-powered sound processing, touchscreen charging case, direct TV and audio streaming capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity, and audiologist-supported OTC model. Heather also shares her journey as an audiologist in the VA healthcare system to the OTC hearing aid market and explains why she believes audiologists play an important role in improving access to hearing technology.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.- https://x.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinhearing/- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearingVisit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

From artificial intelligence and OTC hearing aids to emerging technologies and clinical innovation, the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) 2026 Annual Convention, held April 22–24, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, offered a firsthand look at where hearing healthcare may be headed next.Recorded live from the convention floor, Andrew Bellavia discusses the biggest conversations, trends, and observations from this year's conference. Drawing on conversations and observations from the event, Andrew highlights some of the technologies, innovations, and industry trends that generated interest among exhibitors and attendees alike.The conversation explores advances in hearing technology, changing approaches to care delivery, the continued evolution of OTC hearing devices, artificial intelligence, and other topics shaping the profession. Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.- https://x.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinhearing/- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearingVisit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

For people living with hearing loss, navigating healthcare settings can be one of the most stressful communication challenges they face. In this panel discussion from the 6th Annual Future of Hearing Healthcare Conference, moderators Shari Eberts and Gael Hannan are joined by advocates Tony Iacolucci and Peggy Ellertsen to explore the urgent need for better communication access throughout the healthcare system.Together, they discuss the real-world barriers patients with hearing loss encounter during medical appointments, surgeries, emergency care, and telehealth visits — from limited awareness among providers to inconsistent accommodations and inaccessible communication practices. The conversation highlights the growing effort to improve healthcare accessibility through advocacy, education, technology, and systemic change.The panel also introduces the work behind Healthcare with Hearing Loss, an initiative focused on empowering patients, educating providers, and advancing practical solutions such as Communication Access Plans (CAPs), speech-to-text technology, and improved healthcare policies. Throughout the discussion, the speakers emphasize that effective communication in healthcare is not just about convenience — it is essential for patient safety, dignity, and quality of care.To learn more and access additional resources mentioned during the discussion, visit:

• https://www.healthcarewithhearingloss.com/

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What happens when Widex adds a dedicated AI chip to its signature natural sound platform?

Andrew Bellavia travels to WSA headquarters in Copenhagen for an early hands-on look at the new Widex Allure AI RIC and Compass Cloud 2.0. Andrew sits down with Sonnie Harris and Karen Hougs from WSA for an in-depth discussion on the technology behind the new Widex Allure AI RIC, Compass Cloud 2.0, and the future direction of the Widex platform. Along the way, he shares his impressions after testing the devices in restaurants, hotel bars, live music venues, and other real-world listening environments.

Topics discussed include:

• How the new Allure AI RIC builds upon the existing Widex Allure platform
• Widex’s approach to AI and why the company resisted “artificial” sounding processing
• The new Clarity Boost mode and real-world speech-in-noise performance• PureSound processing and low-delay audio design
• Music listening impressions from jazz, rock, and classical concerts
• Auracast readiness, LE Audio, and connectivity updates
• Battery life and dual-chip architecture
• Compass Cloud 2.0 and how clinician feedback shaped the new workflow updates
• The future of cloud-based fitting systems and personalized hearing care

Andrew also compares the Allure AI RIC with other premium hearing aids during real-world listening experiences, with a particular focus on live music performance and listening comfort.

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