Welcome to the Hearing Matters Podcast with Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS! We combine education, entertainment, and all things hearing aid-related in one ear-pleasing package! In each episode, we'll unravel the mysteries of the auditory system, decode the latest advancements in hearing technology, and explore the unique challenges faced by individuals with hearing loss. But don't worry, we promise our discussions won't go in one ear and out the other! From heartwarming personal stories to mind- ...
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Real stories, raw struggles, and the journey to success—together. "The Trail Blaiser" is a podcast for men and women navigating the highs and lows of life—fatherhood, motherhood, career, business, and personal growth. This podcast creates a space where real conversations happen, where challenges are shared, and where the journey is valued just as much as the destination. We’ll sit down with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and everyday people who are grinding through life, sharing their expe ...
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Intimacy and Hearing Loss with Gael Hannan
50:02
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50:02Send us a text When communication becomes challenging, how do we maintain the deep, meaningful connections that make life worth living? This provocative question lies at the heart of our conversation with Gael Hannan, writer, advocate, and bimodal hearing device user who brings remarkable insight into the intersection of hearing loss and intimate r…
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Policy in Action: How Bridget Dobyan is Advancing Hearing Healthcare
34:37
34:37
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34:37Send us a text Bridget Dobyan, Executive Director of the Hearing Industries Association (HIA), joins us to share her remarkable journey from childhood hearing loss to becoming a powerful advocate for hearing health policy. Diagnosed with cholesteatoma at age 8, she experienced sudden hearing loss at 11 when the condition severely damaged the bones …
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Hearing Loss and Cognition with Madison Levine, BC - HIS
40:54
40:54
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40:54Send us a text The connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline represents one of the most crucial health discoveries of our time—yet it remains surprisingly under-discussed in mainstream wellness conversations. Madison Levine, BC-HIS, founder of Levine Hearing and second-generation hearing care professional, joins us to explain why this m…
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Professional Ethics in Hearing Healthcare with Dr. Michael Page
41:53
41:53
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41:53Send us a text What's the difference between following ethical codes and living ethical principles? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Douglas Beck sits down with Dr. Michael Page, lead ethicist and author, to explore the complex ethical terrain healthcare professionals navigate daily. Dr. Page draws a crucial distinction that transforms h…
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Auracast and Accessibility: Exploring Starkey's Latest Innovations
37:01
37:01
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37:01Send us a text Step into the future of hearing technology as Dave Fabry and Holly Schissel unveil Starkey's groundbreaking Edge AI platform and accessories that are revolutionizing the hearing experience. This fascinating deep dive showcases how cutting-edge innovation is removing barriers for people with hearing loss in ways previously unimaginabl…
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Navigating Managed Care in Audiology with Dr. Noël Crosby
30:26
30:26
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30:26Send us a text When you hear "managed care" in audiology, what comes to mind? In this eye-opening conversation between Dr. Douglas Beck and Dr. Noël Crosby, the troubling reality of third-party payment systems in hearing healthcare takes center stage. Dr. Crosby, a three-time president of the Florida Academy of Audiology with decades of clinical ex…
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Matt Hay's Journey with an Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI)
40:07
40:07
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40:07Send us a text What if your entire life changed at the age of 19? Matt Hay shares his incredible journey of sudden hearing loss due to neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and the pivotal moment an audiologist recognized the need for further medical evaluation, leading to his diagnosis. This episode underscores the critical importance of comprehensive au…
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The Buzz Over Tuning Out Tinnitus feat. Dr. Grant Searchfield
31:09
31:09
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31:09Send us a text Why can some people completely forget about their tinnitus when engaged in challenging activities, while others remain painfully aware of it no matter what they do? The answer lies in our brain's complex attention systems, according to Dr. Grant Searchfield. In this illuminating conversation with host Dr. Douglas L. Beck, Dr. Searchf…
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Mastering Balance in a Fast-Paced World feat. Tom Bohen
51:17
51:17
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51:17Send us a text What does true balance look like in today's leadership landscape? Corporate veteran Tom Bohen joins host Blaise Delfino to unpack the delicate art of maintaining equilibrium between professional ambition and personal fulfillment in our hyper-connected world. Growing up in a modest Queens household with six people sharing 1,100 square…
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Auditory Neuroplasticity with Dr. Brandon Paul
24:42
24:42
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24:42Send us a text Dr. Douglas Beck sits down with Dr. Brandon Paul to unravel the fascinating world of auditory neuroplasticity and its profound implications for hearing health. Dr. Paul shares cutting-edge research on how our brains adapt when hearing diminishes—and what happens when we restore that sensory input. The conversation begins with a clear…
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Forged by Struggles, Destined for Greatness
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30:18
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30:18Send us a text What does it mean to be a trailblazer? Forget the Silicon Valley stereotype – true trailblazing happens across every dimension of life, from parenting to entrepreneurship to personal growth. Join me, Blaise Delfino, as I kick off this podcast by sharing my own winding path from aspiring musician to hearing healthcare professional to …
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Your Ear Is the Boss: How Proper Impressions Transform Hearing Aid Performance with Ray Woodworth, BC-HIS
29:16
29:16
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29:16Send us a text Ever wondered why some hearing aids feel invisible while others never quite sit right? The secret lies in the impression-taking technique—and Ray Woodworth is the master. Ray joins Dr. Douglas Beck on the Hearing Matters Podcast to reveal the artistry behind deep canal impressions. As a Board-Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist a…
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Beyond the Audiogram: Subclinical Hearing Loss with Dr. Christina M. Roup
33:36
33:36
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33:36Send us a text Are you or someone you know struggling to hear in noisy environments, yet are told your hearing is normal? This episode of the Hearing Matters podcast focuses on the often overlooked yet critical concept of subclinical hearing loss. Experts Dr. Christina Roup and Dr. Douglas L. Beck discuss the limitations of traditional pure-tone au…
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The Importance of Extended High-Frequency Testing with Dr. Melissa Fling
31:29
31:29
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31:29Send us a text Are you aware of the sounds your ears can’t hear? This episode dives deep into extended high-frequency hearing, a vital but often overlooked component of audiology. Join us to uncover how testing ranges above 8,000 Hz can reveal significant insights into your auditory health. Dr. Melissa Fling shares her expertise and personal experi…
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Speech Audiometry and Issues in Recorded versus Monitored LIVE Voice feat. Lisa Lucks Mendel, Ph.D.
29:06
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29:06Send us a text Unlock the secrets of speech audiometry and speech perception with the renowned Dr. Lisa Lucks Mendel. With over 35 years of expertise, Dr. Mendel offers an enlightening exploration into the significance of choosing the right tests for speech perception assessments. Learn why classic tests like NU6 and CIDW22 remain relevant and how …
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Ethical Journeys in Audiology: Dr. Michael Page on Balancing Care and Professional Standards
40:57
40:57
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40:57Send us a text What if ethical practice isn't a destination but a continuous journey? Join us for a compelling discussion with Dr. Michael Page, an esteemed audiologist whose career has been profoundly shaped by his work in bioethics. Dr. Page offers invaluable insights into the universal application of ethical principles in audiology, sharing how …
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Rethinking Dementia: Prevention, Treatment, and Healthcare Gaps feat. Dr. Dung Trinh
31:57
31:57
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31:57Send us a text Can lifestyle choices truly prevent more than 50% of dementia cases? Join Dr. Douglas Beck and Dr. Dung Trinh as we explore this thought-provoking question and uncover groundbreaking insights. Our discussion dives into the 2024 Lancet study, highlighting 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia and the potential to prevent or delay ne…
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Bridging Healthcare Gaps with Cultural Sensitivity feat. Dr. Kristina English
33:03
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33:03Send us a text Dr. Kristina English, a trailblazer in the field of educational audiology, joins us to share her inspiring journey from the bustling districts of Los Angeles to the halls of Central Michigan University. What challenges did she face while managing hearing aid systems for 120 children? And how did those experiences shape her innovative…
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From Foam to Global Impact: Elliott Berger on Hearing Protection
30:05
30:05
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30:05Send us a text What if the simple act of inserting a foam earplug could protect your hearing for a lifetime? Join us for an engaging conversation with Elliot Berger, an acclaimed scientist and engineer whose groundbreaking work in hearing protection has transformed lives worldwide. We journey through the fascinating history of the iconic yellow foa…
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Chronic Medical Conditions and Hearing Loss with Dr. Gerda Maissel
33:48
33:48
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33:48Send us a text In the latest episode of the Hearing Matters podcast, discover why asking the right questions can make all the difference in understanding your health care decisions. Dr. Maissel sheds light on the critical gaps in doctor-patient communication and the often-overlooked nuances of hearing healthcare. Explore the necessity of comprehens…
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From Silence to Sound: A Journey of Hope feat. Suzanne Picerno
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25:27Send us a text 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…
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Medications, Hearing Loss, and Tinnitus with Dr. Robert DiSogra
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38:21
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38:21Send us a text 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 audi…
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From Misdiagnosis to Advocacy: Dr. Mark Campbell-Foster's Inspiring Path
29:42
29:42
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29:42Send us a text 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 los…
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6 Ways to Reduce Hearing Aid Returns and Enhance Patient Satisfaction in 2025
29:55
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29:55Send us a text 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 aid…
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Dr. Lori Zitelli on Comprehensive Care, Tinnitus, and Emotional Health
22:51
22:51
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22:51Send us a text How can audiology transform healthcare even when hearing loss isn't the primary concern? Join us as we uncover this and more with Dr. Lori Zitelli, audiology manager and adjunct instructor at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Zitelli shares her expert insights on the groundbreaking field of interventional audiology and the pivotal ro…
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Intelligent Hearing: Dr. Dave Fabry on AI Advancements in Hearing Aids
47:37
47:37
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47:37Send us a text 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 automatical…
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Redefining Hearing Aids feat. Brandon Sawalich
25:42
25:42
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25:42Send us a text 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 th…
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Elevate Your Performance with Expert IEM Advice
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26:02Send us a text 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…
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Send us a text 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 clarit…
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"Your Brain On: Hearing Loss" feat. Dr. Douglas Beck, Dr. Frank Lin, and Dr. Kristin Barry
46:10
46:10
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46:10Send us a text First and foremost, a special thank you to Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai! Be sure to check out "Your Brain On..." podcast. We're excited to re-release their original work "Your Brain On: Hearing Loss". Unlock the secrets to preserving cognitive health with the insights from esteemed experts like Dr. Kristin Barry, Dr. Frank Lin, and D…
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Joel Lockwood's Journey: From Tech Innovator to Hearing Health Advocate
28:53
28:53
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28:53Send us a text In this episode of the Hearing Matters podcast, host Blaise Delfino speaks with Joel Lockwood, president of Sycle, about his extensive experience in the technology sector and the evolution of hearing care. They discuss the importance of understanding hearing loss metrics, the introduction of the 'hearing number' as a universal metric…
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Transforming Audiology: Dr. Alicia D.D. Spoor on Modernization, Advocacy, and Scope Expansion
36:03
36:03
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36:03Send us a text How can the modernization of audiology transform patient care and professional practice? Join us as we welcome Dr. Alicia Spoor, president of Designer Audiology, who shares her inspiring journey and insights into the ever-evolving field of audiology. From her educational experiences to the influence of mentors like Dr. Craig Johnson,…
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Exploring Vestibular Disorders: Differentiating Dizziness, Vertigo, and Ménière's Disease
35:55
35:55
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35:55Send us a text Unlock the mysteries behind dizziness, vertigo, and lightheadedness with renowned experts Dr. Douglas Beck and Dr. Joseph Sakumura. Join us as we explore how the different sensations of movement can reveal underlying vestibular disorders. Dr. Sakumura details the critical role of nystagmus in differential diagnosis, guiding us throug…
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FDA Approval of Apple AirPods Pro 2: Dr. Keith Darrow on Competing with Prescription Hearing Aids
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26:15
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26:15Send us a text Can Apple's AirPods Pro 2 truly compete with traditional prescription hearing aids? In this episode of the Hearing Matters Podcast, we offer an in-depth look into the FDA approved Apple AirPods Pro 2 as potential over-the-counter hearing aids. We address the technical differences, including latency issues, fit, battery life, costs an…
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Lifestyle Choices and Alzheimer's: Insights from Dr. Trinh
29:38
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29:38Send us a text Imagine escaping a war-torn country as a child and later dedicating your life to transforming healthcare. Dr. Dung Trinh shares his heartfelt journey from Vietnam to the forefront of Alzheimer's care, emphasizing the urgent need to shift from a reactive "sick care" system to a proactive health-focused approach. Through his personal e…
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Expert Tips for Integrating Cognitive Screening in Audiology Practices
27:28
27:28
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27:28Send us a text Unlock the secrets to preserving cognitive health and enhancing quality of life with insights from Dr. David Fabry of Starkey and groundbreaking research studies. This episode promises to shed light on the intricate connections between hearing loss, cognition, and comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Learn how u…
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Dr. Nina Kraus on the Connection Between Sound and Mind
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29:22Send us a text Discover the critical difference between hearing and listening with Dr. Nina Kraus, an acclaimed expert from Northwestern University. Explore her interdisciplinary journey into the biological bases of language and the fascinating role of bird song in auditory research. Dr. Kraus also shares insights from her book, "Of Sound Mind," wh…
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In-Ear Monitors: Expert Insights with Dr. Melissa E. Heche
25:56
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25:56Send us a text Ever wondered if in-ear monitors (IEMs) can truly safeguard a musician’s hearing? This episode promises to uncover that truth. Join us as we welcome Dr. Melissa Heche, an eminent audiologist, musician, and sound engineer, who dispels the myths surrounding IEMs. Dr. Heche, who has trained with Mike Santucci at Sensaphonics, provides a…
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Overcoming Stigma: Shari Eberts on Living with Hearing Loss
38:15
38:15
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38:15Send us a text Ever wondered how to shift your focus from hearing better to communicating better? In our latest episode, we are joined by Shari Eberts, a passionate hearing loss advocate and co-author, who shares her heartfelt journey with hearing loss, which began in her mid-20s. Influenced by her father's struggles, she opens up about accepting h…
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Celebrating Dr. Jack Katz: A Legacy of Audiology Innovation and Education
30:02
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30:02Send us a text Dr. Jack Katz, a luminary in audiology, shares his extensive journey from a childhood marked by otitis media to becoming a trailblazer in auditory processing disorders. This episode is a treasure trove of insights as Dr. Katz recounts his academic and professional milestones, enlightening us on the evolution of audiology and his last…
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Exploring OTC Hearing Aids with GAO's John Dicken: Affordability, Stigma, and Market Dynamics
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34:55Send us a text Unlock the latest insights into over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids with our special guest, John Dicken, Director for Healthcare at the GAO. This episode promises to shine a light on the newly FDA-approved OTC hearing aids, featuring an in-depth discussion on their availability and the rising consumer interest. Discover the challenge…
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"Navigating Life with Cochlear Implants" with Dr. Nashlea Brogan
20:35
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20:35Send us a text What does it mean to live a life defined by both profound silence and transformative sound? Join us as we uncover the extraordinary journey of Dr. Nashlea Brogan, a trailblazing audiologist and TEDx speaker who has navigated the world with cochlear implants. Diagnosed with hearing loss at 14, Dr. Brogan's story is one of resilience a…
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Telehealth Revolution: Enhancing Speech-Language and Hearing Services
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27:02Send us a text Ready to revolutionize your understanding of speech-language therapy and hearing healthcare? Join us as we sit down with Nell Rosenberg, the National Director of Teleservices at Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech. Nell shares her compelling journey to becoming a speech-language pathologist, driven by her passion for working with c…
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Hearing loss, speech in noise, minimal fittings and more!
44:11
44:11
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44:11Send us a text Is the traditional way we categorize hearing loss outdated? Join us in this eye-opening episode of the Hearing Matters podcast, where we welcome Dr. Christina Roup and Dr. Douglas Beck to challenge the status quo. We'll explore why the conventional categories from normal to profound hearing loss might be arbitrary, proposing 15 dBHL …
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Matt Hay's Experience with NF2 and Auditory Brainstem Implants (ABIs)
40:08
40:08
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40:08Send us a text What if your entire life changed at the age of 19? Matt Hay shares his incredible journey of sudden hearing loss due to neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and the pivotal moment an audiologist recognized the need for further medical evaluation, leading to his diagnosis. This episode underscores the critical importance of comprehensive au…
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Breakthroughs in Tinnitus Management with Dr. Grant Searchfield
1:04:59
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1:04:59Send us a text Unlock the secrets of tinnitus with renowned experts Dr. Douglas Beck and Dr. Grant Searchfeld in this enlightening episode. Discover the latest research on the spatial perception of tinnitus and learn groundbreaking guidelines for reporting tinnitus location. Dr. Searchfeld, a leading figure in audiology, also shares his rich academ…
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Hearing Loss and Alzheimer's Prevention: Insights from Dr. Dung Trinh
29:38
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29:38Send us a text Could addressing hearing loss be a key factor in preventing Alzheimer's? Dr. Young Trinh joins us to tackle this critical question, sharing a deeply personal narrative from the final days of the Vietnam War. We examine the shortcomings of our reactive healthcare system and discuss the urgent need for a shift towards preventive care a…
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The Science of Hearing, Listening, Amplification, and Cognition
34:53
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34:53Send us a text Join us for an enlightening discussion with Dr. Hannah Glick, an esteemed audiologist and cognitive neuroscientist from the University of Northern Colorado. Dr. Glick breaks down the intricate differences between hearing and listening, emphasizing how listening involves complex tasks like understanding speech amidst background noise.…
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Staging Hearing Loss feat. Dr. Keith Darrow
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35:36Send us a text Can tinnitus and hearing loss be considered symptoms of the same neurological process/disorder? Dr. Keith Darrow, a neuroscientist and audiologist, joins us to challenge conventional wisdom about these conditions. As we explore his insights, you'll learn how the progressive breakdown of neural connections from the ear to the brain no…
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The Future of Cochlear Implants and Hearing Solutions
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54:13Send us a text Can outdated criteria be holding back modern medical advancements? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Jace Wolfe, Senior Vice President of Innovation at the Oberkotter Foundation, to explore the revolutionary changes in cochlear implant technology and the urgent need to update the FDA criteria. Dr. Wolfe sheds light on how far we've com…
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