Hearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

What happens when a passionate employee who studied business and entrepreneurship in college leads the influencer marketing program at a thriving business? Spoiler alert: magic ensues. Our guest this week is Adam Sierra, an instrumental part of the team at Weave, the all-in-one patient communication and engagement platform. Together, we uncover the power of partnerships and discuss the importance of human connections in business. We shed light on the critical role of patient communication for small business owners, especially those in hearing care. Debunking the misconception that influencer marketing is exclusive to large corporations, we delve into how micro influencers are a game changer for word of mouth growth. You'll also learn about Weave's novel approach of allowing hearing care providers to text their patients, offering a truly personalized experience. The journey doesn't end there. We traverse the challenging terrain of customer service and reveal how Weave's integration with Sycle has revamped the patient experience. You'll hear about the multitude of ways Weave can streamline your business operations, from managing your phone system and Google reviews to scheduling reminders. And to put the cherry on top, we explore the concept of the E-Myth and how robust systems and processes can empower business owners to run their establishments more efficiently. Tune in for this insightful and enlightening conversation with Adam Sierra! Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Are you ready to revolutionize your hearing care practice? Join us as we chat with Kelsey Fleming, the Vice President of Sales and Enterprise at Sycle, to uncover how her passion for helping hearing care practices know and grow their business is transforming the industry. Kelsey shares her insights on finding the right balance between technology and high-touch interactions to create the ultimate patient experience. Discover how Sycle's high tech, high touch approach is making a difference for thousands of hearing care providers and clinics across the nation.As technology advances and younger generations enter the hearing care market, meeting and exceeding patient expectations is more important than ever. Kelsey and Blaise uncover how systems like Sycle can create a positive experience for patients and why providers need to be willing to show up and meet their needs. We discuss the wealth of information available to patients and how they are becoming very accustomed to immediate gratification. Don't miss our conversation on how Sycle offers dozens of features and tools that can help any practice meet and reinforce those patient expectations, and the importance of focusing on just two to three things at a time to remain nimble and ready to adapt to changing patient expectations.Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Ever wonder how cognition, audition, and amplification are all interconnected? Discover the fascinating connection in this week's Hearing Matters episode, where we also explore the challenges of diagnosing auditory processing disorders with no hearing loss on an audiogram. Learn about the groundbreaking research of Dr. Anu Sharma and Dr. Hannah Glick, and how cross-modal recruitment plays crucial role in cognition, audition, and amplification.Neuroplasticity and its relation to auditory processing disorders in children and age-related hearing loss in older adults are discussed in this enlightening conversation. Find out about the common cause hypothesis, which links age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline, and the importance of effective management of auditory processing disorders. We also delve into hearing technology such as FM systems, hearing aids, and pocket talkers that can improve signal-to-noise ratio and help the brain focus on what to pay attention to.Before you consider any solutions for auditory processing disorders, it's crucial to get a proper diagnosis from an audiologist or licensed hearing healthcare professional. We discuss the significance of low gain hearing technology, and highlight the National Council on Aging 1999 study, which emphasized the benefits of correcting hearing loss. Providing auditory access to the acoustic world can help individuals thrive - don't miss out on this insightful episode as we unravel the mysteries of cognition, audition, and amplification. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

What if you could protect your hearing aids from moisture damage, ensuring their longevity and reliability? Join us as we uncover the secrets behind waterproof hearing aid technology with Starkey's Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. Dave Fabry, and Brian Dahl, Vice President of Quality and Regulatory at Starkey. Discover the fascinating history of hearing aid technology, the journey of miniaturization, and the groundbreaking features of Starkey's new Genesis AI hearing aid, designed to be truly waterproof.Dive into the world of IP68 waterproofing standards and learn how Starkey pushes the limits of their devices to meet these rigorous requirements. Dave and Brian discuss Starkey's extensive suite of tests, simulating real-world patient use, and share their approach to waterproofing that involves multiple layers of protection to keep moisture out. Delve deeper into the engineering and testing behind this revolutionary technology.Finally, get practical tips on maintaining and protecting your waterproof hearing aids. As miniaturization continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in hearing aid design, it's essential to understand how to properly care for these devices. Don't miss this episode packed with valuable information for anyone interested in the latest advancements in hearing aid technology.Click here for full transcript!  Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Feeling the weight of stress as a hearing care provider or audiology and speech-language pathology student? It's time to prioritize your well-being and make your health a top priority. In celebration of Men's Health Month, we share our personal experiences and discuss the importance of self-care and stress management in the hearing healthcare field. Discover seven steps to manage stress and improve your overall well-being, from getting adequate sleep and exercise to incorporating life hacks like morning sunlight and proper hydration.Join us as we discuss the importance of hard work without sacrificing your health, and learn how to practice mindfulness and self-care in your daily life. We'll explore the effects of alcohol on sleep, the dangers of sleep deprivation, and the benefits of morning workouts and walks. Plus, we share life hacks for managing stress, such as getting morning sunlight, delaying caffeine intake, and staying properly hydrated. Tune in for an informative and insightful conversation on how to take charge of your mental and physical health as a hearing care provider or student. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month! Our team (and fellow audiologists/hearing care professionals) have the opportunity to GIVE the gift of hearing every day! On this episode, we celebrate Better Hearing and Speech Month with Bob Burg! For our fellow hearing care professionals and private practice owners, this episode is for you! Can a subtle shift in focus really make that big of a difference in your business? And, when combining this shift in focus with five proven Laws of Success, can your business really become a lot more fun; a lot less stressful; and much more beneficial to your clients?Our guest says, “Absolutely, yes!”Bob Burg is a sought-after speaker at company leadership and sales conferences sharing the platform with everyone from today’s business leaders and broadcast personalities to even a former U.S. President.Bob is the author of a number of books on sales, marketing and influence, with total book sales of well over a million copies. His book, The Go-Giver, coauthored with John David Mann, itself has sold over a million copies and it has been translated into 29 languages.His and John’s newest parable in the Go-Giver Series is The Go-Giver Influencer.Bob is an advocate, supporter and defender of the Free Enterprise system, believing that the amount of money one makes is directly proportional to how many people they serve. He is also an unapologetic animal fanatic, and is a past member of the Board of Directors of Furry Friends Adoption, Clinic & Ranch in his town of Jupiter, Florida. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Happy Better Hearing and Speech Month! To celebrate better hearing month, we wanted to share Starkey Sound Bites latest podcast episode. Our team has listened to this episode a few times now, and we really appreciate the message. In this episode, Starkey President and CEO, Brandon Sawalich, and Dr. Dave Fabry  highlight growing opportunities for hearing healthcare professionals to help more people than ever before. This May, which is the first Better Hearing and Speech Month since the FDA created a new category for OTC hearing aids, Sawalich reflects on how hearing healthcare professionals can take advantage of OTC as a steppingstone towards greater awareness about hearing health. He and Dave also chat about Starkey’s latest hearing technology, Genesis AI, and how it stands up to the competition.Link to Full Transcript.  Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

HearingTracker was launched in 2013 as the world’s first truly-independent shopping resource for hearing aid consumers. Prior to HearingTracker.com, there was no online resource that allowed consumers to provide written feedback and ratings on specific hearing aid models. Information was very limited, and at the time, consumers had almost no way to do their own product research. HearingTracker is comprised of a small passionate team who live and breathe all things hearing healthcare. Collectively, they bring a unique balance in their professional and consumer backgrounds; Abram is a Doctor of Audiology, Martin is a former manufacturing insider, and Dave is a bilateral cochlear implant wearer.Over the past few years, HearingTracker.com has welcomed millions of people—from all over the globe—to provide their input and participate in their online community. Along with providing consumers information regarding the latest hearing technology, they recently announced their partnership with HearAdvisor. There is much confusion surrounding hearing aids, all the options, and which devices work best. In this episode, we discuss how a team of audiologists and PhD's came together to create a way for you to hear and compare hearing aids online. Watch to learn more about Hear Advisor, their test lab, how they make recordings, the metrics they use to predict hearing aid performance, and more! Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

HAPPY BETTER HEARING AND SPEECH MONTH!!!Each May, Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM) provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role of ASHA members in providing life-altering treatment.For 2023, ASHA'S theme is “Building a Strong Foundation”Our team urges anyone concerned about their hearing (or that of a loved one) to seek a hearing evaluation from a certified audiologist. Private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare generally cover evaluations. People can take this step even if they think they can’t afford hearing aids or other hearing services. Audiologists can advise people on ways to make hearing aids more affordable, and various organizations offer financial assistance.Aside from hearing aids, audiologists can also identify other ways to improve a person’s listening and communication skills. They can also help families support loved ones with hearing loss.Signs of hearing loss in adults include the following:Difficulty following conversationsDifficulty hearing in noisy environmentsHearing ringing, roaring, or beeping in one or both earsFailure to respond to spoken wordsMuffled hearingConstant frustration hearing speech and other soundsAvoidance of conversation Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Do you...Frequently ask others to repeat themselves? Turn the TV or radio to a volume others find loud? Struggle to hear on the phone?Have trouble understanding conversations in noisy places?Answer or respond inappropriately in conversations?Have difficulty hearing women and children's voices?Feel like others are mumbling or garbling their words?Miss important information in meetings? Avoid social situations that you once found enjoyable?Are your regularly told by others that you should get your hearing checked? Hearing loss has many causes, but when it comes on gradually, the signs can be difficult to identify as our bodies adjust over time. If you experience any of the signs of hearing loss we discussed in this episode, schedule your annual hearing evaluation with your local hearing healthcare provider. Not sure where to start? Feel free to send us an email and we will connect you with a trusted local hearing healthcare provider to assist you on your new hearing journey!  Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast