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About the Hearing Matters Podcast
 
The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son, Blaise Delfino, M.S. – HIS, and Dr. Gregory Delfino, Au.D., CCC-A, who treat patients at Audiology Services in Bethlehem and Nazareth, PA. 

On this episode, Blaise Delfino talks with Dr. Sarah Burdak, Chief Audiology Officer at Starkey Hearing.

A Quarter Century of Care

Dr. Burdak has been an audiologist for more than 25 years. She had chronic ear infections as a child and eventually had hearing loss in her left ear. That’s what led her to the field. She loves the combination of science and patient care. She says no two patients and no two hearing losses are the same. 

Turning Ideas into Products 

Dr. Burdak works primarily in research and development. She gets input from patients on what they need and translates that into meaningful products that serve real problems that people with hearing loss are experiencing. She particularly likes working with veterans. The most common service-related health problems of veterans are tinnitus followed by hearing loss. “Starkey is changing the dynamics of hearing technology by making devices that people actually want to wear.

Educating the Public

Most people wait for seven to ten years before seeking help for a hearing loss. The stigma associated with wearing hearing aids is a large part of the problem. They are no longer the large, ugly devices that no one wants to wear. Starkey focuses on getting the message out that hearing aids are now small with state-of-the-art technology. The company has the newest videos on the internet and works with other media outlets to let people know all the advantages of the latest hearing technology. 

The Benefit of Telehealth

Dr. Burdak says COVID-19 taught hearing healthcare providers that telehealth is no longer a convenience, but a necessary part of the practice of audiology. She says research has shown that one in three people experiencing hearing loss would have addressed it sooner if telehealth had been available. It is also important for elderly people, those who may not have transportation and for caregivers who have jobs in addition to caring for loved ones. She stresses however that initial appointments must be done in person.

Helping Vets

Dr. Burdak says veterans need state-of-the-art technology with all the accessories possible. Besides tinnitus and hearing loss, many vets suffer from other maladies including PTSD. They have a greater incidence of cognitive and memory impairments, chronic pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and vision problems. It is important the veterans and their families learn about all of the technology available to them. 

OTC vs. Audiology-issued Hearing Aids 

Dr. Burdak says it’s imperative that people with hearing loss do not buy over-the-counter hearing instruments but see a hearing healthcare provider. Hearing aids are a medical device that need to be fitted by a professional. Hearing loss can be caused by medical conditions that could result in total hearing loss if not addressed. OTC hearing aids may have unintended consequences that can make

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