This Week in Hearing

Andrew Bellavia joined Phonak ambassadors — Olympian Aaron Small and pro skier Robin Gillon — on stage to share honest conversations about hearing loss, stigma, and the role technology plays in staying connected — on and off the field. Both athletes spoke candidly about the challenges they’ve faced, how hearing aids have supported their performance and confidence, and the importance of visibility and advocacy in breaking down outdated perceptions of hearing loss.Their conversation underscored how access to hearing technology can empower individuals in every aspect of life — from communication and safety to identity and self-belief. The discussion took place during Phonak’s EUHA 2025 announcement of its new Audéo Infinio Ultra hearing aid, highlighting the connection between innovation, advocacy, and lived experience within the hearing community.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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Early detection of hearing loss shouldn’t stop at birth. In this episode, Dr. Bob Traynor speaks with Dr. James W. Hall III, an internationally recognized audiologist, educator, and author with more than 40 years of experience in clinical and academic audiology. Together, they discuss a new evidence-based approach to preschool and early school-age hearing screening that goes beyond traditional pure tone testing.Dr. Hall explains why combining Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs) with tympanometry provides a faster, more objective, and more accurate way to identify hearing loss before it impacts speech, language, and learning. Drawing from large-scale studies and decades of expertise, he outlines how clinicians, pediatricians, and schools can apply this updated method to close the gap between newborn screening and school-age identification — ensuring no child with hearing loss is overlooked.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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With the Atom X, Audien introduces a new touchscreen-based hearing aid designed for simplicity and accessibility. Andy Bellavia speaks with Audien Hearing CEO Ishan Patel about the device’s key features and the company’s broader mission to make hearing care more approachable for people around the world.In this conversation, Patel explains how user feedback from over a million customers shaped the design of the Atom X, which replaces traditional buttons and smartphone apps with an intuitive touchscreen charging case. Andy shares his impressions after testing the device, discussing how its straightforward controls, sound performance, and streaming functions align with Audien’s goal of removing barriers to hearing aid adoption.Together, they explore how innovations like the Atom X represent a shift toward simpler, more affordable solutions in the growing over-the-counter hearing aid market—and what that could mean for expanding access to hearing care globally.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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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