What does it take to build sustainable hearing care infrastructure in underserved regions of the world? In this inspiring interview, Andrew Bellavia is joined by Richard Brown, Chairman and President of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, and Alfred Mwamba, Executive Director of the Starkey Hearing Institute in Zambia, to explore the foundation’s evolution from mission-based outreach to a scalable, community-empowered model of hearing healthcare.Brown and Mwamba detail how the Starkey Hearing Institute is training local healthcare workers to become hearing care providers, especially in regions where audiologists are scarce or non-existent. They share the foundation’s efforts to ensure long-term care, improve professional recognition, and work in partnership with local governments and universities to expand services across Africa and beyond. Their conversation highlights the importance of dignity, respect, and community-rooted solutions in tackling global hearing loss.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).- https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing- https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

How well do hearing aids handle noisy, real-world environments? Dr. Bob Traynor sits down with Drs. Sheena Oliver and Eric Branda of WS Audiology to discuss a recent independent study conducted by Hörzentrum Oldenburg. The research compared speech understanding performance between Signia's Integrated Xperience (IX) hearing aids and another leading device featuring an AI co-processor.The conversation explores the implications of split processing and RealTime Conversation Enhancement in helping users follow group conversations—particularly in challenging acoustic environments. They also highlight the study's relevance to patient populations such as U.S. veterans, noting the recent availability of BCT IX devices through VA, DoD, and IHS channels.

• Press release: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-technologies/2025/signia-bct-ix-va-dod/

• Full research study can be viewed here: https://www.audiologyonline.com/articles/improving-speech-understanding-in-noisy-29273

Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).- https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing- https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

What if a digital tool could help bridge the gap between hearing loss and informed action?In this session from the 2025 Future of Hearing Healthcare Conference, Dr. Mel Ferguson of Curtin University introduces the Hear Choice project—a co-designed, evidence-based decision aid developed to empower adults with hearing loss. Backed by Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council, Hear Choice is designed to address long-standing barriers in the hearing care pathway, from lack of knowledge and stigma to limited care options.Dr. Ferguson outlines how the tool was developed through stakeholder engagement, usability testing, and ongoing clinical evaluation. Early feedback from users and clinicians suggests that Hear Choice not only improves understanding but may also prompt meaningful behavior change. Watch now to learn how this scalable, brand-agnostic resource could support better-informed decisions and earlier intervention in hearing healthcare.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).- https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing- https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Tinnitus is one of audiology’s greatest challenges—and opportunities. In this episode, Dr. Ben Thompson of Treble Health joins host Bob Traynor to share how he built a successful telehealth practice focused exclusively on tinnitus care. Ben outlines his journey from in-person visits in San Francisco to scaling a nationwide virtual clinic that now serves thousands of patients, and then to his next step: launching physical locations to support those who prefer face-to-face care.Throughout the conversation, Ben and Bob discuss best practices for growing the tinnitus side of an audiology practice—including effective counseling strategies, patient communication, and the importance of offering more than just hearing aids. They also touch on provider training, building treatment packages, and using telehealth tools and remote fittings to deliver high-quality care.Whether you're a clinician looking to strengthen your tinnitus offerings or simply curious about innovative care models, this episode is filled with practical insights, encouragement, and a look at where tinnitus care is heading next.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).- https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing- https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Advances in implantable technology are opening new possibilities for people living with hearing loss. In the third installment of our cochlear implant series, we welcome back Brent Lucas, CEO of Envoy Medical, to explore the latest advancements in hearing technology and patient care. He shares the latest updates on the company’s progress toward fully implantable hearing devices and discusses their mission to make solutions less visible, more functional, and ultimately more accessible.Lucas discusses the challenges and breakthroughs involved in bringing a fully implantable cochlear device to life—from clinical trials to FDA milestones. He also explores the broader impact of such technology on patient identity, lifestyle, and stigma reduction. For professionals and patients alike, this discussion offers timely insight into how technology and care models are converging to deliver a new era in hearing health.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).- https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing- https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Hearing care is evolving rapidly—are we ready for what’s next? In this conversation from the 2025 Future of Hearing Healthcare Conference, Andy Bellavia and Dave Kemp explore the trends reshaping hearing healthcare. From the growing influence of AI and consumer tech to the mainstreaming of OTC hearing aids, they discuss how new technologies are expanding access and improving outcomes for people with hearing loss.Dave shares insights on the convergence of consumer and clinical devices, the rise of neuromodulation therapies for tinnitus, and how automation and assistive roles are enabling hearing professionals to serve more patients effectively. They also examine global dynamics, like how countries without established care systems may leapfrog traditional models entirely.Whether you're a clinician, tech developer, or simply curious about where hearing care is headed, this discussion offers a timely and optimistic look at the innovations, business models, and mindset shifts needed to meet growing global demand.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).- https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing- https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Stigma remains one of the most enduring and complex barriers in hearing healthcare—shaping public perceptions of hearing loss, delaying help-seeking behaviors, and limiting the adoption of hearing technology across all age groups. Despite advances in treatment and expanded access through over-the-counter (OTC) devices, many people still hesitate to pursue care due to fears of looking old, feeling different, or being misunderstood.In this insightful panel discussion, consumers, clinicians, and industry leaders come together to explore how stigma shows up in clinical settings, family conversations, and broader societal messaging. Drawing on personal experience and professional expertise, the panel examines the subtle ways that language, product design, and even well-intentioned advice can reinforce stigma—and what can be done to replace those barriers with messages of confidence, connection, and empowerment.From the role of primary care physicians and educators to the impact of emerging technologies like hearable glasses and invisible hearing aids, the panel explores practical ways each stakeholder can contribute to reshaping the narrative. The discussion also highlights the importance of consumer storytelling, inclusive terminology, and consistent messaging across sectors to create a more accepting, proactive, and person-centered hearing care experience.Whether you’re a provider, policymaker, advocate, or someone navigating hearing loss yourself, this session offers meaningful insights into what progress looks like—and how we can all be part of it.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).- https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing- https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Modernizing audiology practice isn’t just about professional progress—it’s about improving patient care. In this session, moderator Dave Kemp leads a timely discussion with Dr. Alicia Spoor (Maryland), Dr. Kelley Linton (Arkansas), Dr. Brian Greenaway (Oregon), and Stephanie Czuhajewski, Executive Director of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), on the evolving legislative landscape shaping the future of audiology. Together, they share insights from recent efforts to update state practice acts, expand clinical authority, and remove outdated restrictions—efforts driven by a commitment to better access, continuity, and quality of care for patients.Through real-world examples, the panel explores what it takes to advance legislation—from coalition-building and political strategy to educating stakeholders and managing professional opposition. Whether already passed or still in progress, these initiatives reflect a growing movement to align audiology’s legal scope with its clinical training—empowering audiologists to practice at the top of their license and meet patients where they are.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

• https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing
• https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Cochlear implants remain vastly underutilized despite decades of evidence showing their ability to restore hearing and improve quality of life. In this episode, neurotologist Dr. Varun Varadarajan joins host Brian Taylor to explore the clinical, logistical, and cultural barriers that continue to limit access to cochlear implant care. Drawing on his background in music and neuroscience, Dr. Varadarajan shares his journey into hearing restoration surgery and offers insights into early intervention, the 60/60 referral guideline, and why timing matters for long-term outcomes.The discussion highlights several misconceptions that often delay or prevent patients from seeking cochlear implant evaluation—from concerns about age, surgery, and cost to misunderstandings about candidacy and device function. Dr. Varadarajan stresses the importance of individualized counseling, collaborative decision-making, and helping patients understand that cochlear implantation is a process, not a one-size-fits-all solution. He also addresses myths within the professional community, including hesitancy around residual hearing loss and outdated assumptions about surgical complexity.Beyond clinical considerations, Dr. Varadarajan shares practical strategies for building and expanding cochlear implant programs, including the importance of audiology partnerships, reimbursement planning, and aligning institutional goals. He also explains the value of the Cochlear Provider Network in connecting rural or underserved patients to implant services, and discusses how remote care and virtual follow-up are reshaping postoperative management.

Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

• https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing-
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-
• hearing- https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/
  

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