Hearing loss, speech in noise, minimal fittings and more!

Hearing Matters Podcast

#Tech #Fitness #Hearing Matters #pHearing Aids #Hearing Loss #Hearing Technology #Audiology Services #Audiologist #Podcasting Education #Audiology #Best Hearing Aids For Seniors

1:36:55

What’s up, Tribe, and welcome back to Good Moms Bad Choices! January was amazing, but its time to turn the page on the calendar and embrace beautiful new energy as we enter ‘The Journey of Love February.’ This month is all about the heart - join Erica and Milah to catch up and discuss what’s new in the world of motherhood, marriage, and amor! In this week’s episode, the ladies offer witty and sharp perspectives about personal growth in love, supporting your kids through their friend drama, and how to honor your true needs in a partnership. Mama Bear to the Rescue! The Good Moms discuss protective parenting and helping your kids fight their battles (8:00) Bad Choice of the Week: Help! My kids saw me in my lingerie! (20:00) My Happily Ever After: Erica and Milah discuss the prospect of marriage, dreams of becoming a housewife, and the top 5 ways to be confident in love (32:00) Yoni Mapping: Releasing Trauma and Increasing Pleasure (57:00) Its OK to fuck up, but also, what do you (really) bring to the table: The Good Moms have an honest discussion about finding accountability and growth before love (1:03:00) Watch This episode & more on YouTube! Catch up with us over at Patreon and get all our Full visual episodes, bonus content & early episode releases. Join our private Facebook group! Let us help you! Submit your advice questions, anonymous secrets or vent about motherhood anonymously! Submit your questions Connect With Us: @GoodMoms_BadChoices @TheGoodVibeRetreat @Good.GoodMedia @WatchErica @Milah_Mapp Official GMBC Music: So good feat Renee, Trip and http://www.anthemmusicenterprises.com Join us this summer in paradise at the Good Vibe Rest+Vibe Retreat in Costa Rica July 31- August 5 August 8 - August 13 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

about a year ago 42:49

MP3•Episode home

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Is the traditional way we categorize hearing loss outdated?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 as a more accurate upper limit for normal hearing. You'll gain insights into the real struggles faced by those labeled with "mild" hearing loss, particularly in noisy environments, and discover why measuring speech recognition in noise could be a game-changer for assessing hearing capabilities.
Understanding a patient's hearing struggles goes beyond mere numbers on a chart. In this episode, we emphasize the importance of including a primary communication partner during audiological evaluations to capture a fuller picture of the patient's daily challenges. We also critique current hearing screening standards, advocating for a lower threshold and considering ambient noise factors. Learn why comprehensive audiometric evaluations are vital for all age groups and why traditional screenings often fall short, leading to low follow-up rates and misinterpretations.
Discover the hidden depths of auditory processing with our discussion on extended high-frequency hearing tests, especially crucial for individuals exposed to loud noises like veterans and firefighters. These tests can uncover issues such as speech-in-noise difficulties and tinnitus that standard tests might miss. We delve into treatment strategies for extended high-frequency hearing loss, including the use of FM systems and low gain amplification. Finally, we explore the complexities of fitting hearing aids for those with normal to near-normal hearing thresholds, stressing the need for personalized fittings and the broader implications for maintaining high standards in hearing aid customization. Tune in and rethink what you know about hearing loss and auditory health.

Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team

Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com
Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast

Twitter: @hearing_mattas
Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Chapters

1. Hearing loss, speech in noise, minimal fittings and more! (00:00:00)

2. Reconsidering Categories of Hearing Loss (00:00:19)

3. Enhancing Audiology Evaluations and Counseling (00:13:01)

4. Extended High Frequency Hearing Loss Treatment (00:23:57)

5. Management of Hearing Loss Fitting (00:28:55)

196 episodes

Hearing loss, speech in noise, minimal fittings and more!

Hearing Matters Podcast

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Send us a text

Chapters

1. Hearing loss, speech in noise, minimal fittings and more! (00:00:00)

2. Reconsidering Categories of Hearing Loss (00:00:19)

3. Enhancing Audiology Evaluations and Counseling (00:13:01)

4. Extended High Frequency Hearing Loss Treatment (00:23:57)

5. Management of Hearing Loss Fitting (00:28:55)

196 episodes

#Tech #Fitness #Hearing Matters #pHearing Aids #Hearing Loss #Hearing Technology #Audiology Services #Audiologist #Podcasting Education #Audiology #Best Hearing Aids For Seniors

All episodes

1
Exploring Auditory Wellness with Dr. Larry Humes 22:31

2 days ago22:31

22:31

Send us a text Dr. Larry Humes discusses the critical difference between hearing wellness (pure tone audiometric results) and the broader concept of auditory wellness which encompasses psychosocial health and speech comprehension abilities. This distinction explains why millions of Americans with normal audiograms still struggle with listening difficulties in everyday situations. In this episode you'll learn: • Hearing wellness refers specifically to pure tone thresholds while auditory wellness includes comprehension and psychosocial factors • 26 million Americans have normal hearing thresholds but experience significant listening difficulties • Current audiometric categories (0-25dB as normal) may miss significant hearing difficulties that impact daily function • Over-the-counter hearing aids address access and affordability but often lack the necessary support infrastructure • The prevalence of hearing loss in children (15%) has remained stable despite concerns about earbuds and screen time • Empowering individuals to manage their own auditory wellness requires better education and support tools Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattas Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast…

1
Audiologists who shaped our profession share their 50-year journey 29:00

9 days ago29:00

29:00

Send us a text Dr. Douglas Beck hosts a special episode featuring audiology pioneers Dr. David Majit and Dr. Gary Dorf, whose combined experience spans nearly a century in hearing healthcare. Unlike typical clinical discussions, this conversation reveals the personal journeys of two professionals who helped transform audiology during its formative years. Their stories weave through pivotal industry moments – from building successful California practices to lecturing in Japan where they introduced binaural fitting techniques to practitioners accustomed to monaural solutions. The conversation takes entertaining detours, including Dr. Dorff's memorable dinner seated next to Mick Jagger and their experience with "The Bubble," a non-electronic device that briefly revolutionized mild hearing loss treatment. What emerges beyond the professional milestones is their genuine passion for audiology. As Dr. Dorff reflects after nearly 50 years: "I never felt it was work. I enjoyed every bit of audiology I touched." Both emphasize how the profession continues offering rich opportunities for those seeking to combine technological innovation with meaningful human connection. Their journey illuminates how far audiology has come and why it remains an exceptionally rewarding career for those committed to improving lives through better hearing. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattas Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast…

1
6 Proven Strategies to Reduce Hearing Aid Returns 28:51

16 days ago28:51

28:51

Send us a text Achieving a hearing aid return rate below 1% isn't accidental—it's the result of thoughtful systems and genuine patient care. Drawing from years of successful private practice experience, this episode unpacks strategies that transform patient outcomes while strengthening your practice's financial health. Financial barriers represent a significant obstacle for many potential hearing aid users. By implementing flexible financing options tailored to patient needs, you remove a major reason for hearing aid returns while expanding access to hearing technology. But addressing affordability is just the beginning...the consultation process itself determines much of your success. Through motivational interviewing techniques that replace closed-ended clinical questions with deeper explorations of patient goals, you create the foundation for successful fittings. The patient experience extends far beyond the initial fitting. We explore how comprehensive onboarding systems—complete with educational materials, structured follow-up schedules, and even customized resources like podcast episodes that address common questions—transform the hearing care journey from a transaction into a relationship. When patients feel part of a supportive program rather than simply purchasing a product, they become invested in their success and less likely to return their technology. Audiological best practices aren't just clinically responsible; they directly impact satisfaction rates by ensuring optimal performance. By setting realistic expectations about adaptation periods and guiding patients through what to expect, you establish appropriate benchmarks for success. Perhaps most importantly, recommending appropriate technology based on comprehensive assessment—not assumptions about what patients will spend—ensures they receive maximum benefit from their investment. Ready to transform your practice's approach to patient care and reduce your return rate? These strategies will not only improve your performance metrics but fulfill our deeper mission: ensuring more people with hearing loss receive the treatment they need to live fuller, more connected lives. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattas Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast…

1
Intimacy and Hearing Loss with Gael Hannan 48:40

24 days ago48:40

48:40

Send 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 relationships. Gail's perspective that "connection with others is as vital as air, water, food—and wine =) sets the tone for an exploration that goes far beyond technological solutions. She introduces us to the concept of "purpose-driven communication"—the deliberate structuring of interactions that allows for meaningful exchange despite hearing challenges. From morning routines with her husband to navigating arguments and emotional moments, Gael reveals the extra layer of consciousness required when hearing loss affects relationships. What makes this discussion particularly valuable is its practical wisdom. Gael offers strategies for maintaining presence, creating structured opportunities for communication, and shifting focus from "hearing" to "communicating." She emphasizes that hearing aids work better when complemented by behavioral changes and attitude shifts, encouraging both those with hearing loss and their communication partners to develop deeper understanding. Whether you're a hearing care professional seeking to better serve your patients, someone navigating relationships with hearing loss, or a communication partner trying to bridge the gap, this conversation offers profound guidance for moving beyond technological fixes to human solutions. Because at the end of the day, as Gael reminds us, "It's not just about hearing—it's about being heard." Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattas Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast…

1
Policy in Action: How Bridget Dobyan is Advancing Hearing Healthcare 34:37

5 weeks ago34:37

34:37

Send 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 in her middle ear. But rather than letting this define her limitations, Bridget used it as a foundation for understanding the issues she'd later address as a leader in hearing healthcare policy. We explore the fascinating differences between traditional hearing aids, cochlear implants, and bone-anchored devices, while dispelling outdated perceptions about hearing technology. Today's hearing devices are sleek, sophisticated, and Bluetooth-enabled—a far cry from the "beige bananas" many still picture. Yet despite technological advances, hearing health remains severely undertreated, with millions of Americans neglecting annual hearing evaluations. The conversation shifts to HIA's groundbreaking "Hear Well" campaign , which has generated over $23 million in earned media through positive, stigma-busting messaging. For Better Hearing Month this May, they're launching "Happy Dance 2.0," offering hearing professionals free, downloadable assets to spark vital conversations about hearing health. Whether you're a hearing care professional looking for practice resources, someone experiencing hearing difficulties, or simply interested in protecting your hearing health, this episode offers valuable insights into how addressing hearing loss connects directly to overall wellbeing, professional success, and quality of life. Visit hearing.org today to access free campaign resources and join the movement to make hearing health a priority. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattas Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast…

1
Hearing Loss and Cognition with Madison Levine, BC - HIS 39:32

6 weeks ago39:32

39:32

Send 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 matters and how hearing professionals are changing their approach to patient education. A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Otolaryngology found that 32% of dementia cases could be attributed to audiometric hearing loss, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness. While many pursue various health interventions to extend their "healthspan," few recognize hearing treatment as a major modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. Madison shares how education-based outreach has proven more effective than traditional marketing in bringing patients through the door, focusing on providing valuable information without immediately asking for anything in return. The conversation explores innovative approaches to patient education, including the implementation of cognitive screening tools like Cognivue that allow practitioners to track cognitive improvements in patients who pursue hearing treatment. Madison emphasizes the importance of targeting education not just at those with hearing loss, but at family members who often notice the signs first—like missing punchlines or asking "what" too frequently. Looking forward, Madison reveals her upcoming TEDx talk on "The Ear-Brain Connection" and her vision for a nationwide campaign uniting hearing professionals around consistent messaging. By shifting the conversation from hearing devices to brain health and approaching patients with genuine education rather than sales tactics, hearing healthcare can finally take its rightful place in preventative health discussions. Whether you're experiencing hearing difficulties or concerned about a loved one, this episode offers valuable insights into protecting cognitive health through better hearing care. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattas Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast…

1
Professional Ethics in Hearing Healthcare with Dr. Michael Page 40:31

6 weeks ago40:31

40:31

Send 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 how we approach ethics: "If we live the principles of ethics, the codes of ethics just automatically fall underneath that." Rather than seeking the outer boundaries of permissible behavior, principled practitioners focus on making decisions that uphold trust and serve patients' best interests. Through personal stories and practical examples, the conversation illuminates ethical gray areas we all face. When should you accept industry incentives? How do you maintain professional boundaries with patients? What happens when your role blurs between clinician and sales representative? These questions have no simple answers, but Dr. Page offers a thoughtful framework: consider whether actions are illegal, unethical according to codes, or simply immoral according to your principles. The discussion delves into regulations like the Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, and Physician Payment Sunshine Act, revealing how transparency shapes ethical practice. As healthcare becomes increasingly commercialized, understanding these guidelines becomes essential for maintaining professional integrity. Perhaps most powerful is Dr. Page's assertion that "if we're not being honest with ourselves, there's no possibility of ethical practice with anyone else." This reminder that ethical practice begins within ourselves provides a compass for navigating the increasingly complex relationships between practitioners, patients, and industry partners. Ready to deepen your understanding of professional ethics? Listen now to gain insights that will strengthen your practice and your relationships with those you serve. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattas Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast…

1
Auracast and Accessibility: Exploring Starkey's Latest Innovations 37:01

7 weeks ago37:01

37:01

Send 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 unimaginable. At the heart of this conversation is Starkey's Deep Neural Network technology, delivering up to 13dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining all-day battery life—essentially turning a noisy restaurant into a comfortable listening environment. The duo explores their newest accessories: the Table Microphone with its sophisticated multi-array system for group settings, and the Remote Microphone+ that doubles as a hearing aid controller, eliminating the need for multiple devices. Perhaps most exciting is the discussion around Auracast technology, the future of wireless audio connectivity. Imagine receiving airport announcements, museum audio tours, or television audio directly through your hearing aids without additional equipment. This Bluetooth-on-steroids technology will transform accessibility in public spaces, not just for hearing aid users but anyone using compatible devices. The conversation highlights Starkey's philosophy of fitting both the hearing loss and the lifestyle—recognizing that even the best hearing aids sometimes need accessories for optimal performance in challenging environments. With Edge Mode Automatic, users can engage enhanced settings for difficult listening situations that automatically adjust as environments change, providing a seamless, intuitive experience. Ready to experience hearing technology that adapts to your life instead of the other way around? Discover how these innovations can transform connections to loved ones, workplace environments, and everyday experiences with unprecedented clarity and convenience. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattas Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast…

1
Navigating Managed Care in Audiology with Dr. Noël Crosby 30:26

10 weeks ago30:26

30:26

Send 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 experience, pulls back the curtain on how managed care administrators position themselves between patients, insurance companies, and audiologists – often to the detriment of comprehensive patient care. The discussion reveals how Medicare Advantage plans, now covering roughly half of all Medicare recipients, frequently fail to deliver on their marketed hearing benefits. The most concerning revelation? Many third-party payers operate under the false assumption that everyone with hearing difficulties simply needs hearing aids. This fundamentally misunderstands audiology's scope of practice. As Dr. Beck points out, approximately 26 million Americans have perfectly normal hearing thresholds but struggle with speech comprehension in noisy environments – issues that require specialized testing beyond basic screenings. Both experts share compelling insights about the limitations of "free hearing tests," the inadequacy of quick screenings, and the ethical problems with viewing every patient as a potential device sale rather than someone deserving comprehensive care. The conversation turns particularly insightful when discussing tinnitus management, highlighting how third-party payment systems often prevent patients from accessing treatments that could significantly improve their quality of life. For anyone navigating hearing healthcare, whether as a patient, provider, or caregiver, this episode provides crucial perspective on a system that often prioritizes profit over patient outcomes. The Academy of Doctors of Audiology's recent call for major reforms in hearing healthcare coverage underscores the urgency of rethinking how we value and deliver audiological services. Listen now to understand why the future of hearing healthcare depends on recognizing audiologists as healthcare providers first – not simply as hearing aid dispensers. Your hearing deserves more than a quick screening and a sales pitch. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattas Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast…

1
Matt Hay's Journey with an Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI) 38:45

11 weeks ago38:45

38:45

Send 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 audiology practices and the life-altering impact of an accurate diagnosis. Join us as we explore the pioneering world of auditory brainstem implants (ABI). From the early challenges at the House Ear Institute to the remarkable personal account of a patient who underwent the ABI procedure, we cover it all. Listen to how this groundbreaking technology transformed everyday sounds and interactions, reshaping lives, including Matt's, and even influencing his wife’s career path as they embarked on starting a family. In a deeply touching segment, Matt opens up about the emotional and psychological toll of facial paralysis. He shares his experiences with visible and invisible disabilities and his profound gratitude for advancements in ABI technology. We also spotlight Blaise Delfino's inspiring contributions to hearing care advocacy and celebrate Matt’s heartfelt book, which has resonated deeply with our audience. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattas Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast…

1
The Buzz Over Tuning Out Tinnitus feat. Dr. Grant Searchfield 31:09

12 weeks ago31:09

31:09

Send 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. Searchfield unpacks his groundbreaking scoping review on attention's role in tinnitus management. While most practitioners acknowledge attention's importance, Searchfield discovered a surprising gap—very few studies actually measure attention changes or make them a central treatment focus. This oversight may explain why tinnitus treatments work differently for different people. When tinnitus first appears, our brain's survival mechanisms automatically flag it as important. This isn't just psychological—it involves neurological changes in how our auditory system connects with other brain regions. Dr. Searchfield explains that effective treatment must address both conscious attention (what we choose to focus on) and automatic attention (what our brain prioritizes without our control). The conversation takes fascinating turns through various treatment approaches, from traditional sound therapy to cutting-edge bimodal stimulation that pairs auditory with tongue or visual stimulation. Dr. Searchfield makes a compelling distinction between passive attention (having background sounds playing) versus active engagement (deliberately focusing on alternative sounds or activities). The latter appears significantly more effective, similar to how active learning outperforms passive observation in education. For anyone struggling with tinnitus or clinicians treating it, this episode offers transformative insights into why combining treatment approaches might be more effective than relying on a single method. The future of tinnitus management likely lies in personalized therapies that target multiple attention pathways simultaneously. Subscribe to Hearing Matters for more breakthrough conversations that bridge hearing science with practical applications. Have you noticed how your attention affects your tinnitus? Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattas Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast…

1
Auditory Neuroplasticity with Dr. Brandon Paul 24:42

12 weeks ago24:42

24:42

Send 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 explanation of neuroplasticity as the brain's ability to reorganize itself throughout our lives, though most actively during early development. When hearing loss occurs, the brain doesn't simply accept reduced input. Instead, neurons become hyperactive through increased spontaneous firing, stronger responses to weak signals, and enhanced neural synchrony—all attempts to maintain their expected level of stimulation. Most remarkable is the phenomenon called cross-modal plasticity. As auditory input decreases, visual processing intensifies in brain regions typically dedicated to hearing. Dr. Paul explains that this isn't a simple takeover but rather an unmasking of existing multisensory connections. Surprisingly, proper hearing aid fitting can reverse this process, normalizing both visual and auditory responses even in older adults. The cognitive implications are significant. Untreated hearing loss forces the brain to rely heavily on internal templates rather than actual sensory input, creating opportunities for miscommunication and increasing cognitive load. This contributes to the well-documented connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline—a risk that multiplies dramatically when combined with untreated vision problems. Whether you're an audiologist, hearing care professional, or someone concerned about hearing health, this episode provides invaluable insights into why early intervention matters. The brain's remarkable adaptability offers hope that appropriate hearing technology can not only improve communication but potentially preserve cognitive function throughout life. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattas Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast…

1
Your Ear Is the Boss: How Proper Impressions Transform Hearing Aid Performance with Ray Woodworth, BC-HIS 29:16

13 weeks ago29:16

29:16

Send 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 at Starkey's Center for Excellence, Ray has tackled some of the most challenging fittings nationwide, refining techniques that transform patient experiences. "The ear is the boss," Ray emphasizes repeatedly. This fundamental philosophy drives his approach to custom fittings, respecting each ear's unique anatomy rather than trying to force technology where it doesn't belong. His insights overturn common practices—revealing why cotton trumps foam for blocking, and why video otoscopes revolutionize the process The conversation demystifies technical aspects like material viscosity and shore values while making a compelling case against the overreliance on dome fittings. Ray explains why he opts for custom solutions 80% of the time when many practices do the opposite, demonstrating how proper canal impressions deliver superior sound direction, better retention, and often improved cosmetics. Most fascinating is the window into the factory perspective, where Ray's experience troubleshooting thousands of challenging cases has crystallized into a knowledge, tools, and skills (KTS) approach that any hearing professional can adopt. For practitioners and patients alike, this episode illuminates why those few extra millimeters of impression material can make the difference between hearing aids that transform lives and those that sit unused in drawers. Want to elevate your fitting technique or understand why your hearing aids might not feel quite right? This conversation is your masterclass. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattas Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast…

1
Beyond the Audiogram: Subclinical Hearing Loss with Dr. Christina M. Roup 33:36

15 weeks ago33:36

33:36

Send 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 audiometry, revealing how it fails to capture the full spectrum of auditory challenges faced by many individuals today. This episode provides valuable insights into the best practices for evaluating auditory processing and exploring the implications of extended high-frequency hearing on speech comprehension. If you're a hearing healthcare provider, this episode is a must-listen for improving your approach to evaluating and supporting patients experiencing hearing loss and auditory processing disorder. We invite you to share this episode, subscribe, and join the conversation on the vital topic of hearing health. Have you ever struggled to hear, even with normal test results? Your experience matters, and we would love to hear from you! Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattas Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast…

1
The Importance of Extended High-Frequency Testing with Dr. Melissa Fling 31:29

15 weeks ago31:29