Audiologists took to Capitol Hill on Thursday, September 25, 2025, to advocate for better patient access to hearing and balance care as part of ADA Lobby Day in Washington, D.C.Held during the Academy of Doctors of Audiology’s AuDacity conference, the event brought hundreds of audiologists, students, and supporters together to meet with legislators and promote the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act (MAAIA). The bill seeks to modernize Medicare by recognizing audiologists as practitioners, removing the outdated physician referral requirement, and allowing them to practice to the full extent of their training.In this episode, host Andrew Bellavia speaks with participants and policy advocates to explore why this legislation matters, how it impacts patient care, and how advocacy—both in Washington and back home—can help move the profession forward.👉 Learn more and get involved: ADA provides advocacy resources, including information on MAAIA and how to contact your legislators, at https://www.audiologist.org/resources/advocate/advocacy-resources.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-hearing

Visit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

How do you help people truly understand what modern hearing aids sound like?In this episode, Bob Traynor speaks with Rob Koch, Founder and CEO of AHead Simulations, to introduce ALEX (Audio Listening EXperience) — the company’s newest innovation designed to make hearing aid technology more tangible and relatable for patients, families, and the public.Building on the success of CARL, AHead’s training mannequin used worldwide to teach hearing aid fittings and verification, ALEX brings that same simulation technology into clinics and communities. The device allows users to experience what hearing aids can do in real time, helping clinicians demonstrate advanced features and reduce stigma around hearing loss and amplification.Koch explains how ALEX is helping bridge the gap between innovation and understanding — creating new ways for professionals to educate, engage, and inspire confidence in hearing solutions.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-hearing

Visit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Professional soccer players Rylee Foster and Trip Neil share their inspiring journeys of living—and thriving—with hearing loss, both on and off the field. Foster, a Phonak Ambassador and the first athlete with hearing loss to sign with a Division I professional women’s soccer team, uses her platform to raise awareness and advocate for hearing health. Neil, founder and COO of Dallas Trinity FC, brings his perspective as both a player and sports executive, emphasizing how communication, inclusion, and leadership help create more supportive environments for athletes with hearing challenges.Hosted by Shari Eberts, this discussion explores how hearing loss impacts communication, teamwork, and focus in competitive sports, along with the mental and physical strain of hearing fatigue. Both Foster and Neil reflect on the lessons they’ve learned through their experiences—how hearing loss has strengthened their resilience, sharpened their awareness, and deepened their commitment to advocacy and accessibility in athletics.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-hearing

Visit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Live from the Academy of Doctors of Audiology conference, Andrew Bellavia catches up with John Luna of Nuance Audio, winner of the 2025 Hearing Technology Innovator Awards 'Innovator of the Year' title. Luna discusses how the recognition is driving new interest in their hearing glasses and shares how the technology is expanding into both audiology and vision care channels.

What happens when people report real hearing difficulties, but their audiograms show “normal” results?In this episode, Brian Taylor speaks with Dr. Brittan Barker and Dr. Aryn Kamerer from Utah State University about their recent research on adults with unexplained hearing concerns. Despite normal test results, many of these individuals struggle with everyday communication, particularly in noisy environments. The discussion explores patient experiences, the clinical “conundrum” faced by audiologists, and why listening to patient narratives is critical for improving careDiscover the three major themes from their study: dismissive healthcare experiences, misaligned testing methods, and the lengths patients go to find answers. The conversation highlights how clinicians can take practical steps toward more person-centered care and better outcomes.**link to their recently published research in the International Journal of Audiology can be found here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2404150Be 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-hearing

Visit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Rock guitar legend Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big, Racer X) joins host Shari Eberts to share his personal journey with hearing loss and how it has shaped his life, both on and off the stage. He opens up about the challenges of understanding speech compared to music, the role of hearing aids in his daily life, and how he has learned to advocate for his needs by asking people to speak slowly, clearly, and face him.As a Phonak ambassador, Paul is passionate about breaking down stigma and encouraging conversations around hearing health. He discusses how gradually adapting to hearing aids changed his perspective, why prevention and protection remain critical, and how technology can empower people to stay connected. From on-stage strategies to practical tips for everyday listening, Paul highlights the ways hearing care can improve quality of life.This candid conversation goes beyond music—it’s about resilience, awareness, and finding joy in sound again. Whether you’re a musician, a student of hearing health, or simply someone navigating life with hearing loss, Paul’s story offers valuable insight and inspiration.

Learn more and connect with Paul Gilbert:

• Website: paulgilbert.com
• Instagram: @paulgilbert_official
• X: @PaulGilbertRock

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-hearing

Visit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

What does it really take to keep a private audiology practice running smoothly? In this episode, Operations Manager Carla Taghvaei of A&A Audiology in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the daily challenges and rewards of managing a growing clinic.Carla shares how her practice organizes patient scheduling, handles insurance and third-party billing, manages staff training, and creates a welcoming experience for every patient who walks through the door. She explains why consistency, communication, and proactive planning are essential to success—and how even small details, like confirming appointments or checking equipment orders, can make a big difference in patient care.Whether you’re an AuD student, new graduate, or someone aspiring to own or operate a private practice, this conversation provides candid insights into balancing business operations with a patient-first philosophy. Carla also offers advice on leadership, team management, and the importance of building trust with both staff and patientsBe 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-hearing

Visit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Comedian D.J. Demers joins Gael Hannan to explore the intersection of humor and hearing loss. Known for his appearances on America’s Got Talent, late-night talk shows, and his Canadian sitcom One More Time, Demers has built a career making audiences laugh while also normalizing conversations about hearing aids and everyday challenges of hearing loss.In this conversation, he shares how stand-up comedy helped shape his identity, the impact of portraying a hard-of-hearing character on television, and some of the awkward (and hilarious) moments that come with performing live. The discussion also touches on media representation, the evolving visibility of hearing loss, and Demers’ future projects.

Learn more about D.J. Demers on his website https://www.djdemers.com/

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/Audio podcast can be found on all major platforms, including Apple & Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisweekinhearing

Can regenerative medicine move beyond managing symptoms to actually restore natural hearing?Brian Taylor speaks with Simon Chandler, CEO of Rinri Therapeutics, about the company’s pioneering cell therapy for hearing loss. They discuss Rincell-1, Rinri’s first-in-human clinical trial, and how regenerative medicine could complement or even surpass today’s treatments like hearing aids and cochlear implants.The conversation also explores Rinri’s innovative surgical delivery approach, trial design, and future pipeline, including next-generation therapies aimed at restoring hair cells. Chandler shares his vision for how regenerative medicine could reshape hearing care and open the door to restoring hearing for millions worldwide.Learn more about Rinri and Rincell-1 at: https://www.rinri-therapeutics.comBe 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-hearing

Visit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

What if a regenerative therapy could not only halt sudden hearing loss but also help the inner ear repair itself? Dr. Reimar Schlingensiepen, CEO of Berlin-based biotech AudioCure, joins Brian Taylor to discuss AC102, the company’s lead compound now in Phase 2 clinical trials for sudden sensorineural hearing loss. With limited treatment options available today, the drug is being closely watched as a potential breakthrough in hearing healthcare.Dr. Schlingensiepen explains why sudden hearing loss should be treated as a medical emergency, the shortcomings of current steroid-based approaches, and how AC102 works at the cellular level to prevent programmed cell death and restore critical connections in the auditory system. He also highlights the progress of ongoing clinical trials and discusses how AC102 could potentially improve outcomes for patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery by reducing insertion-related trauma.The discussion further touches on broader applications, including recent preclinical findings published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. In that study, AC102 nearly eliminated tinnitus symptoms in an animal model of acoustic trauma while supporting repair of damaged synaptic connections in the inner ear. These results point to the potential for regenerative medicine to reshape treatment of auditory disorders that remain poorly served today.Reference for recently published study on AC102:

• Tziridis K, Rasheed J, Kwiatkowska M, Wright M, Schlingensiepen R. A Single Dose of AC102 Reverts Tinnitus by Restoring Ribbon Synapses in Noise-Exposed Mongolian Gerbils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025; 26(11):5124. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26115124

Learn more about AudioCure and AC102 here: https://www.audiocure.com/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-hearing

Visit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/