This Week in Hearing

By This Week in HearingHealth & Fitness

This Week in Hearing episodes

December 12, 2023 188 - From Clinical to Corporate Audiology: Panel Discussion
The transition from working as a clinical audiologist to taking on a role in a corporate audiology setting can be a major career shift. A group of audiology professionals discusses their own journeys from clinic to corporate and the challenges and rewards such a change can bring.
The panelists highlight the importance of being open-minded, embracing new adventures and diverse experiences that corporate audiology makes possible through increased travel and exposure to different clinical practices and cultures worldwide.
While corporate work comes with tradeoffs like increased time away from family, the group emphasizes the possibilities for expanding your horizons professionally and personally. They advise anyone considering the transition to connect with corporately-based colleagues to get insights on day-to-day realities. Panelists urge audiologists to see each role as part of a journey and collecting formative experiences, even if your first corporate audiology job isn’t your “dream position.” Overall the discussion focuses on encouraging audiologists to take the risk, knowing they can always return to clinic armed with new knowledge and perspectives to better serve patients.
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38 min
December 06, 2023 187 - HearUSA's Vision for Hearing Healthcare: Discussion with Company President, Nick Mengerink
HearUSA President Nick Mengerink outlines the company’s strategy to tackle the large unmet need in hearing care, including opening 25+ sleek “Centers of the Future” by March 2024. These revamped spaces feature welcome hubs for client intake, innovation walls showcasing the latest technology, and upgraded private consultation rooms to optimize appointments. The goals are improving accessibility, transparency and comfort to reduce hearing aid stigma.
As part of a wide ranging discussion, Mengerink emphasizes that the increase in insurance coverage and advancements in hearing care technology will persist in driving the industry's growth. He compares the potential for hearing care to attain mainstream status akin to routine dental and vision care. HearUSA is strategically leveraging contracts within the expanding managed care sector to make a broader impact on people's lives affordably.
Despite existing challenges, Mengerink remains hopeful due to the positive outlook of enhancing the visibility of hearing healthcare and meeting the rising demand.
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22 min
December 05, 2023 186 - Auracast Demo: Accessibility & Audio Sharing LIVE from EUHA Conference [Part 2]
In this video, Andrew Bellavia shares his experience demoing the new Auracast™ broadcast audio technology at the 2023 EUHA congress in Nuremberg, Germany. He visits the Bluetooth SIG booth to learn how Auracast™ enables audio sharing and accessibility in public spaces and has the opportunity to participate in a demo where he listens to different TVs and gate announcements in an airport scenario.
He then stops by the GN booth to see their implementation of Auracast™ in company's latest ReSound Nexia hearing aids, allowing direct streaming from a Bluetooth® LE Audio enabled Windows PC. He demos music streaming and Teams calls, highlighting the sound quality and microphone capabilities.
Both demos showcase the low latency and enhanced experience Auracast can provide and the potential for the technology to improve accessibility, audio sharing, and direct connectivity.
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***The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. The Auracast™ word mark and logos are trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc***
20 min
December 04, 2023185 - Exploring Innovation in Hearing Care: LIVE from EUHA 2023 [Part 1]
In this special episode, host Andrew Bellavia engages in discussions with several prominent hearing aid companies at the 2023 EUHA conference in Nuremberg, Germany, exploring the trajectory of hearing care advancements.
Conversations with GN revolve around enhancements in speech in noisy environments, connectivity facilitated by Auracast, and discreet design elements. Signia's focus includes their approach to combating stigma through iconic styles while maintaining leadership in audiology. Starkey delves into their vision for multifunctional "Jarvis in the ear" devices, offering health monitoring and access to information. Phillips contributes insights regarding utilizing a consumer brand to instill trust while preserving professional fitting services.
The primary themes center on connectivity enabling interaction with future AI assistants, comprehensive health tracking for holistic wellness insights, and overcoming stigma through superior audiology and diverse device designs. Companies are actively expanding awareness and accessibility to care through innovative avenues.
*Stay tuned for Part 2, where Andrew has the opportunity to demo Auracast with Chuck Sabin of Bluetooth SIG and also discuss connectivity with GN Group's Principal Engineer, Thomas Olsgaard.
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35 min
November 30, 2023184 - Innovations and Future Potential of the OTC Hearing Aid Market
Ron Ganot from Tuned and Delain Wright from Intricon join Amyn Amlani in a discussion about the current status and future potential of the over-the-counter (OTC) hearing device market. Despite slower adoption rates than expected, the conversation highlights that the category is in its early stages, anticipating significant advancements in technology, services, and accessibility channels to cater to diverse consumer segments.
Ganot showcases Tuned's software platform that leverages AI to assist users in hearing aid fitting, education, and troubleshooting. This technology benefits self-service initiatives and hybrid professional practices.
Wright emphasizes the importance for professionals to embrace OTC options alongside traditional models. He predicts rapid evolution in personalized care and remote capabilities. Wright advocates positioning these solutions as part of a continuum of hearing healthcare, catering from mild difficulties to more complex needs.
Both guests highlight OTC as an entry point leading to quality care. They elaborate on a future where diverse high-quality choices and enhanced support systems can boost acceptance of hearing aids.
However, achieving widespread success requires ongoing consumer-focused research and innovative solutions. Both speakers emphasize the pivotal role of professional groups in integrating OTC options appropriately into standard practice. They stress the need for customizable channels to enable individuals to discover optimal paths to better hearing health.
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51 min
November 28, 2023183 - Bridging the Gap in Hearing Care Accessibility: Technology, Perception, and Adoption
Despite increased availability of hearing devices, their adoption remains disappointingly low globally. This week, joined by Dr. Sophie Brice and Dr. Brent Edwards, Andrew Bellavia leads a discussion on global accessibility in hearing care, shedding light on the reasons behind the gap, focusing not only on those diagnosed with hearing loss but also individuals encountering situational struggles.
Tailored approaches catering to diverse needs and perceptions are crucial for boosting adoption rates. The discussion emphasizes leveraging tele-audiology, AI-driven recommendations, and innovative support strategies to bridge this gap effectively.
Dr. Edwards, Director of the National Acoustic Laboratories, sheds light on the complexities of user satisfaction, highlighting the substantial time audiologists invest in counseling. Professional shortages pose a barrier, prompting a reevaluation of access policies. Dr. Brice, digital health scientist and teleaudiologist, underscores the significance of offering supportive options instead of disregarding reports of hearing difficulties outright. Valuable insights emerge from understanding why some decline hearing devices.
Their advocacy focuses on disseminating adaptable, high-quality care through varied channels. While the road to widespread accessibility might be long, the positive impact on millions with hearing needs justifies the efforts undertaken. Join us as we unravel the potential of accessible hearing care and its transformative impact on individuals worldwide.
Resources:
1) Editorial in AudioXpress breaking down OTC hearing aid adoption in the first year
2) TWiH interview with Dr. Janice Trent of ASHA discussing their recent OTC survey.
The ASHA OTC study itself
3) TWiH episode on telehealth with De Wet Swanepoel and Vinaya Manchaiah
4) Paper: Emerging Technologies, Market Segments, and MarkeTrak 10 Insights in Hearing Health Technology
5) Paper: Reasons for the non-use of hearing aids: perspectives of non-users, past users, and family members
6) Paper: Behavior Change in Chronic Health: Reviewing What We Know, What Is Happening, and What Is Next for Hearing Loss
7) TWiH episode with Dr. Victor Bray discussing shortage of audiologists
Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and Twitter.
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https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/
52 min
November 22, 2023 182 - Over-the-counter (OTC) Hearing Aids and the Evolution of Hearing Enhancement with Matt Skindzier of Knowles
Over the past 70 years, the field of hearing augmentation has seen remarkable advancements, transitioning from archaic ear trumpets to discrete digital aids with personalized features like Bluetooth connectivity and mobile app customization. Knowles Corporation's invention of balanced armatures has been pivotal in driving the industry towards high-performance hearing solutions and premium sound offerings. This week, Amyn Amlani hosts Matt Skindzier, the Senior Director of Product Marketing at Knowles Corporation.
The 2022 FDA decision permitting over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss signifies a significant milestone, making hearing aids more accessible and affordable. These aids serve as a vital solution for those with untreated hearing loss, especially in areas lacking audiological services or for individuals without healthcare access.
While OTC hearing aids show promise, their uptake continues to be hindered by challenges like high costs, social stigma, and limited awareness, reducing widespread adoption. Yet, the growing market provides prospects for enhanced consumer choices, advanced features like Bluetooth streaming, and greater availability of personalized sound experiences. Looking ahead, the integration of personalized soundscapes and innovative technologies into standard hearing aid development offers a promising future. Consulting audiologists for tailored solutions remains crucial, but OTC hearing aids represent a significant opportunity for heightened awareness, broader adoption, and a notable shift towards increased accessibility and interest 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 Twitter.
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30 min
November 20, 2023181 - Giants of Audiology: Interview with Robert Sweetow, PhD
Dr. Robert Sweetow is an accomplished clinician, educator, and researcher in audiology. His career has been marked by a dedication to patient care, teaching, and research that has been widely acknowledged within the global community of audiologists. Recognized for his substantial contributions spanning aural rehabilitation, hearing aids, tinnitus, counseling, and forensics.
He currently holds the position of Professor Emeritus, Otolaryngology, at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine.
Among his noteworthy contributions to audiology is the creation of LACE (Listening and Communication Enhancement), a self-paced program highly regarded for its evidence-based approach in assisting individuals with hearing loss. This initiative, alongside his advocacy for enhanced hearing aid fitting through patient education, reflects his deep dedication to progressing research, education, and clinical practices in audiology. Moreover, Dr. Sweetow has introduced innovative assessment models and comprehensive treatment programs designed to improve overall audiological care.
Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and Twitter.
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1 hr 3 min
November 15, 2023180 - Acclaim® Fully Implanted Cochlear Implant Clinical Trial: Envoy Medical CEO Offers Latest Company Updates
In this week's episode, Brian Taylor revisits the topic of cochlear implants and sits down for a follow-up conversation with Brent Lucas, CEO of Envoy Medical. Expanding on their previous discussion from last year, the interview explores the company's latest advancements.
The discussion highlights the outcomes of a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic involving the Acclaim fully implanted cochlear implant, shedding light on the surgical process, positive results, and unexpected findings. Notably, the Acclaim cochlear implant's fully implanted design opens up the possibility for users to wear potentially wear a hearing aid on the same side, presenting an intriguing option for patients.
Brent Lucas also further shares insights into Envoy Medical's recent listing on Nasdaq (COCH), emphasizing the company's commitment to controlling its own destiny in the hearing implant industry.
For those seeking more information, Envoy Medical's Acclaim implant and other technologies, visit the company's website: https://www.envoymedical.com/
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14 min
November 13, 2023179 - Could Severe Tinnitus be Treated with a Brain Implant? New Technology Under Development Holds Promise
Neurosoft Bioelectronics is leading the way in the development of sophisticated soft implantable electrodes designed to interact with the brain and address severe neurological disorders. In this week's discussion, host Bob Traynor engages in a conversation with CEO Nicolas Vachicouras, delving into the company's pioneering initiatives to create an implantable brain interface device aimed at treating severe tinnitus.
The technology employs ultra-thin, flexible electrodes capable of both recording brain activity and delivering personalized electrical stimulation patterns, guided by AI algorithms. The overarching objective is to regulate hyperactive networks associated with conditions such as tinnitus through a closed-loop system. Human trials have substantiated the safety and effectiveness of these electrodes in recording brain activity. Neurosoft's strategic roadmap includes the launch of a product for epilepsy and the initiation of a specialized feasibility study for treating severe tinnitus.
With a minimally invasive implantation procedure, this technology holds the potential to offer long-term relief for individuals grappling with chronic tinnitus. Neurosoft envisions introducing new treatment options within 4-5 years, pending further development and regulatory approval.
More information on the technology can be found on the company's website: https://neurosoft-bio.com/index
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24 min

About This Week in Hearing

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The place where subject matter experts across the "World of Hearing" come together to discuss all things hearing health, hearing aids, hearables, consumer audio, and everything in-between.