This Week in Hearing

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/

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

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.

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

Author and advocate Shanna Groves shares the emotional reality of living, parenting, and communicating with progressive hearing loss. In this conversation with Shari Eberts, the creator of Lip Reading Mom discusses her experience growing up with an undiagnosed hearing loss, navigating motherhood and professional life with hearing challenges, and ultimately receiving a cochlear implant in 2025.Shanna reflects on the emotional process of accepting hearing loss, the communication fatigue that often comes with relying on lip reading, and the importance of finding confidence, community, and self-advocacy along the way. She also explains how advancements in technology — from hearing aids to cochlear implants and video communication platforms — have helped reshape both her personal and professional life.The discussion also explores Shanna’s work teaching lip reading classes, her Deafinitely Talking Podcast, and the inspiration behind her new book How I Hear: Confessions of a Lip-Reading Mom. Throughout the conversation, she shares honest insights about grief, resilience, parenting, identity, and why authentic hearing loss stories matter for people at every stage of their journey.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 if phone calls and video chats could finally adapt to the way people with hearing loss actually communicate?In this conversation, Gael Hannan speaks with Paul Lee, COO of InnoCaption, about the company’s latest accessibility innovations designed to improve communication for people with hearing loss. From AI-powered text-to-speech tools and predictive communication features to the launch of the new InnoCaption Video app with live captions for video calls, the discussion explores how advances in AI and accessibility technology are reshaping everyday communication experiences.Paul explains how InnoCaption’s FCC-funded captioned calling service works, including its combination of automated speech recognition and live stenographers, and discusses the company’s newly introduced AI Refine feature that helps users quickly generate natural-sounding responses during phone calls. The conversation also explores how these tools may benefit cochlear implant users, Deaf ASL users, and anyone navigating communication barriers in daily life.The discussion also highlights the emotional and social impact of communication accessibility, including how captioned video calls can help improve understanding between people with hearing loss and their friends, family members, and colleagues.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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Visit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

For a limited time, podcast listeners can get free full access to the 6th annual Future of Hearing Healthcare Conference.

Join us May 13, 20, and 27 for 23+ expert-led sessions covering the technologies, trends, and innovations shaping the future of hearing care. Attendees can earn CEUs, explore new developments, and enter to win thousands of dollars in giveaways.

Can’t attend live? All sessions will be available on-demand for 30 days.

👉 This is a podcast-only offer. Click the link below to register.

https://www.accelevents.com/e/u/checkout/fhh-2026/tickets/order?access=podcast

⏳ Offer expires Monday, May 4.

What does hearing have to do with performance on the pickleball court?Live from the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) Conference 2026 in San Antonio, Shari Eberts speaks with Christine Jones, Vice President of Marketing, Wholesale U.S. at Sonova, about Phonak’s new partnership with USA Pickleball and the launch of the nationwide “Hear to Win” campaign.The initiative aims to encourage a more proactive approach to hearing health by highlighting the role hearing plays in social connection, communication, and active lifestyles. With nearly 20 million players in the U.S., pickleball offers a fast-growing platform to engage consumers through tournaments, courtside activations, and digital outreach—including hearing screenings, technology demonstrations, and connections to local providers.In the conversation, Jones discusses how hearing technology is being positioned as a performance enabler in both sports and everyday environments, and how the campaign is designed to bring greater awareness to hearing health through community engagement and real-world experiences.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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Visit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

What does it take to compete at the highest level of sport while growing up with hearing loss?In this conversation, U.S. ski jumper Estella Hassrick shares her journey—from being diagnosed with hereditary cochlear dysplasia at age three to competing on the U.S. national team. She discusses the realities of hearing loss in high-performance sports, including the challenges of wearing hearing aids under a helmet, navigating school and training environments, and adapting along the way.Estella also reflects on how hearing technology has evolved over her lifetime, her experience working with audiologists, and the role of support systems—including her partnership with Widex. Throughout the discussion, she offers perspective on resilience, identity, and what it means to pursue ambitious goals while managing hearing loss.Her message is clear: hearing loss may change the path—but it doesn’t define the outcome.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