Hearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

Have you ever felt stuck in the "gray zone" of hearing loss, unsure where to turn for help? Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Suzanne Picerno, a remarkable advocate and professional in the hearing healthcare field. Suzanne candidly shares her personal battles with undiagnosed hearing loss from grade school to college and how she finally sought help after a bout of vertigo. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-awareness and early diagnosis in managing hearing health. Through her creative work, "Eddie the Elephant's Magical Ear," Suzanne touches hearts, illustrating the emotional challenges and triumphs of living with hearing loss and the life-changing impact of hearing technology.Listen in as we discuss the transformative experience of living with cochlear implants and the substantial commitment they require. Suzanne shares her firsthand insights into transitioning from functional deafness to better hearing, offering a unique look at overcoming challenges and embracing new technology. As we congratulate Suzanne on her exciting plans to expand her practice to Arizona, we reflect on her resilience and passion for advocacy in the hearing healthcare world. The episode wraps up with an inspiring conversation on her ambitious future endeavors and the enriching knowledge exchanges that her journey entails. This episode is packed with heartfelt stories and valuable insights for anyone touched by hearing loss or the advancements in hearing technology. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

What if common medications like aspirin or antibiotics could be silently affecting your hearing? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Robert DiSogra, a trailblazer in the intersection between pharmacology and audiology. Dr. DiSogra has dedicated over 25 years to understanding how more than 2,000 drugs can impact auditory and vestibular health. His insights, shaped through collaborations with figures like Dr. George Osborne and Dr. Jerry Northern, have transformed educational courses and continue to influence audiologists worldwide.Our discussion highlights the hidden ototoxic risks lurking in everyday medications, such as ibuprofen and aminoglycosides. We unravel the critical importance of safe dosages and the consequences of ignoring the root causes of symptoms in favor of quick fixes. This episode encourages open dialogue with healthcare providers and stresses the need for careful diagnosis and treatment approaches. It’s a call for listeners to become proactive in conversations about their medication and health, emphasizing the need to understand the potential auditory side effects of popular drugs.We also navigate the complex world of dietary supplements and their claim to manage conditions like tinnitus. Reflecting on the 50 years since the Dietary Supplements and Health Education Act, we shed light on the placebo effect, anecdotal evidence, and the gaps in scientific backing for products like ginkgo and lipoflavonoids. In a powerful closing, we honor the life-saving role of blood donation, sharing personal stories of gratitude and the difference a single donation can make. This episode is a compelling journey through the nuanced connections between drugs, supplements, and hearing health, offering invaluable insights for both professionals and patients. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Imagine discovering that a simple misdiagnosis dramatically shaped your early years. That's exactly what happened to Dr. Mark Campbell-Foster, our guest and Director of Audiology Sales and Marketing at Redux. Mark takes us through his journey from a childhood misinterpreted as developmental delays to the revelation of his hearing loss at Children's Hospital Boston—a turning point that fueled both personal and professional growth. He navigates the intricacies of deaf culture, explores genetic underpinnings like Connexin 26 in his family, and stresses the life-changing importance of accurate diagnoses.As Mark recounts his high school years with hearing aids and the monumental transition to cochlear implants, we hear about the hurdles of living in a predominantly hearing world. The challenges are numerous, including the emotional and social aspects of needing to self-advocate. Mark shares the poignant moment when he realized hearing aids were no longer enough, prompting a life-altering decision for a cochlear implant. His story is a compelling mix of personal resilience and family adaptation, illustrating the emotional and practical aspects of embracing new hearing experiences.Mark's professional journey is equally inspiring, showing how he brings personal experience into his work with Redux. Mark celebrates the community and technological support that have been foundational to his success, highlighting the importance of connection and innovation in the field of audiology. Join us for this episode full of insights and inspiration as we explore the intersection of personal challenges and professional triumphs in hearing health. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Discover how to transform your hearing care practice with insights from Blaise Delfino, as we promise to reveal the keys to reducing hearing aid return rates drastically. Blaise opens up about his journey to achieving a return rate of less than 1%, sharing strategies that focus on enhancing patient satisfaction and making hearing aids financially accessible. By refining patient interactions and service delivery models, Blaise and his team not only retained more patients but turned them into advocates for better hearing. Learn how offering financing options like CareCredit can remove financial barriers, ensuring that hearing technology is accessible to all who need it.Explore the art of creating a patient-centered approach that doesn't just satisfy but truly engages. From the personal touch of handwritten thank you cards to the precision of real ear measurement and tympanometry, discover how these best practices can elevate the patient experience and reduce frustration. Setting realistic expectations about hearing aids—emphasizing improved speech clarity over mere sound amplification—keeps patients informed and content. By focusing on these strategies, we aim to increase referrals and establish a thriving practice that better serves its community while supporting patients on their hearing journeys. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Dr. Lori Zitelli, an audiology manager and adjunct instructor at the University of Pittsburgh, shares her expertise in interventional audiology and tinnitus management. She discusses how audiology can revolutionize healthcare beyond hearing loss, highlighting the inadequacies of standard screenings. The conversation touches on the serious link between tinnitus and mental health, including suicide risks. Dr. Zitelli emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluations and ongoing care, aiming for improved patient outcomes and emotional well-being.

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. David Fabry, Chief Hearing Health Officer at Starkey, as we explore the groundbreaking innovations in hearing aid technology. Discover how advancements in machine learning and deep neural networks are transforming these devices from manual tools into intelligent systems that automatically adjust to any acoustic environment, enhancing the user's auditory experience.Dr. Fabry takes us through an illuminating journey into the realm of artificial intelligence in audiology. By drawing parallels between a child's language acquisition and the learning process of deep neural networks, he vividly explains how these technologies have evolved to dramatically improve signal-to-noise ratios. We dive into the transition from traditional machine learning to modern DNN, highlighting how real-time processing and open real-time analysis are revolutionizing noise management by offering a fresh perspective on sound environments.In our final segment, we explore the significant role of AI in enriching hearing aid features, from binaural fusion to sound localization and the integration of voice assistants. With insights on the exponential growth of computational power and the pivotal role of apps like HearShare, we discuss how AI technologies foster user independence, safety, and improved quality of life. Tune in to uncover how these cutting-edge advancements are not only enhancing auditory perception but also redefining the future of hearing aids. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey, joins us to share his incredible journey both on the professional front and in his personal life. The conversation brings to light the pride he feels for his son William's progress in the NASCAR Xfinity Series—a journey fueled by discipline and dedication. Brandon also opens up about the profound impact of Starkey's founder, Bill Austin, whose mentorship continues to guide him in leading the company while preserving Bill's remarkable legacy.Moving beyond personal stories, we explore Starkey's transformation into a forward-thinking tech company. Brandon details how groundbreaking innovations like Edge AI—featuring AI and sensors—are redefining hearing aid technology. With advancements such as accelerometers for fall detection and vestibular diagnostics for fall prevention, the importance of educating audiologists and hearing professionals becomes paramount. Despite some initial skepticism, these pioneering features bring hope for significantly improved patient outcomes, emphasizing the potential of technology to enhance lives.We tackle the evolving landscape of the hearing aid industry, focusing on the rise of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. Brandon reflects on how OTC products have reshaped public perception and awareness. He candidly discusses the critical role of professional service, fitting, and maintenance in achieving optimal hearing outcomes, while cautioning against misleading marketing tactics. This engaging discussion highlights how innovation, mentorship, and patient care remain central to navigating the challenges and opportunities within the hearing industry. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Discover the truth about in-ear monitors (IEMs) with our acclaimed guest, Dr. Melissa Heche, as she dispels common myths and shares her vast expertise in audiology and sound engineering. You'll gain invaluable insights into why these devices, while excellent for sound isolation, are not standalone hearing protection. Dr. Heche, along with industry experts Blaise Delfino and Dr. Douglas Beck, guides us through the challenges musicians face when transitioning from traditional floor wedges to IEMs, and how proper selection and mixing can significantly enhance performance while safeguarding hearing.Join us for a deep dive into the world of touring bands and the pivotal roles of monitor and front-of-house engineers. Whether you're an aspiring musician or part of a garage band, you'll learn how to make informed choices when selecting IEMs from reputable brands like Ultimate Ears and JH Audio. Dr. Heche underscores the importance of consulting an audiologist experienced in music and sound systems to ensure optimal use of IEMs. With practical advice and resources, including her affiliations with New York Speech and Hearing, Melissa provides the keys to elevating your audio experience and protecting your hearing health. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Discover the transformative power of Starkey Edge AI hearing aids, as audiology veteran Dr. Douglas L. Beck joins us to share his revolutionary experience with this cutting-edge technology. With over four decades in the field, Dr. Beck's firsthand account of how these hearing aids leverage deep neural networks to enhance sound clarity, especially in noisy environments, offers a unique insight into the future of auditory technology. From bustling football stadiums to intimate dinners, Dr. Beck's journey reveals the profound impact of sound clarity over mere loudness, highlighting the advanced signal-to-noise processing capabilities of Starkey Edge AI.Join us as Dr. Beck uncovers how his experiences with these innovative hearing aids have reshaped his auditory world, offering seamless Bluetooth connectivity and exceptional noise reduction. Fitted by Bill Austin, Dr. Beck explores the intricacies of his unique hearing profile and the importance of precise fitting. This episode is packed with Dr. Beck's compelling insights into how Starkey Edge AI is setting a new standard in the auditory experience, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of hearing technology.Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Douglas Beck, an audiologist and co-host, along with Dr. Frank Lin, director of the Cochlear Center at Johns Hopkins, and Dr. Kristin Barry, explores the significant links between hearing loss and cognitive decline. They discuss the innovative Hearing Number Initiative, which simplifies hearing assessments, and highlight how untreated hearing loss raises dementia risks. The trio delves into the biology of hearing, emphasizing the holistic nature of listening and advancements in hearing aid technology aimed at improving quality of life.