This Week in Hearing

This Week in Hearing

The place where subject matter experts across the "World of Hearing" come together to discuss all things hearing health, hearing aids, hearables, consumer audio, and everything in-between.

  1. 341 - Giants of Audiology: Interview with Harvey Dillon, PhD

    22 HR AGO

    341 - Giants of Audiology: Interview with Harvey Dillon, PhD

    Dr. Harvey Dillon’s career in audiology spans more than four decades of research, innovation, and leadership that have helped shape modern hearing care around the world. A former Director of the National Acoustic Laboratories and Professor of Audiology at both Macquarie University and the University of Manchester, Dr. Dillon’s work bridges psychoacoustics, engineering, and clinical practice, influencing everything from hearing aid prescription to outcome measurement and auditory processing research.In this Giants in Audiology conversation, Dr. Dillon reflects on a journey that began with a curiosity about how things work—leading from electrical engineering into psychoacoustics, and ultimately into a long and impactful career at NAL. He shares stories of early mentorship, unexpected career turns, and the development of foundational contributions such as the Client-Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI), NAL prescription methods, and innovations in hearing aid technology. Along the way, he discusses lessons learned from leadership roles, including balancing research with real-world clinical needs and guiding large-scale programs aimed at improving hearing outcomes across Australia.Dr. Dillon also offers insight into the evolution of audiology as a field—from analog to digital hearing technology, from small-scale studies to global data-driven research, and from measuring process to focusing on patient-centered outcomes. He reflects on the importance of collaboration between researchers and clinicians, the value of long-term, evidence-based work, and the role of persistence and adaptability throughout his career.The discussion concludes with a look at his current work in auditory processing disorders and listening difficulties, where large-scale clinical data and new diagnostic approaches are helping to better understand patients whose challenges are not captured by the audiogram alone. It is a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation that highlights both the history of modern audiology and the ongoing efforts to improve care through research, innovation, and collaboration.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X. - https://x.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinhearing/- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearingVisit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

    55 min
  2. 340 - NAL-NL3: What’s Changing in Hearing Aid Fitting—and Why It Matters

    2 DAYS AGO

    340 - NAL-NL3: What’s Changing in Hearing Aid Fitting—and Why It Matters

    The NAL-NL3 fitting algorithm is now entering clinical practice, following GN’s recent global rollout—marking a significant evolution from the widely used NL2 standard. In this discussion, Pádraig Kitterick of the National Acoustic Laboratories explains how NL3 moves beyond a “one-size-fits-all” approach, introducing new modules designed for real-world listening challenges, including speech in noise and individuals with minimal or no measurable hearing loss.Drawing on large-scale clinical data and newer computational methods, NL3 refines gain prescriptions, improves fitting for complex hearing losses, and introduces a new philosophy for noisy environments—aiming to maintain intelligibility while improving listening comfort. The approach reflects how clinicians are already adjusting fittings in practice and builds those insights directly into the algorithm.In this updated segment, Andrew Bellavia adds new context and real-world impressions after trialing NL3-based fittings, offering perspective on how the noise module performs in everyday environments. As NL3 begins rolling out globally, this conversation provides a timely look at what may shape the next standard in hearing aid fitting. GN announcement of the global NAL-NL3 rollout: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-technologies/2026/resound-fitting-software-nl3/Learn more about the work NAL is doing at: https://www.nal.gov.au/Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X. - https://x.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinhearing/- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearingVisit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

    31 min
  3. 338 - The Evolution of Cochlear Implants and the Cochlear Care Consensus

    23 MAR

    338 - The Evolution of Cochlear Implants and the Cochlear Care Consensus

    How has cochlear implant care evolved—and are clinical practices keeping pace with today’s technology?Brian Taylor speaks with Dr. Terry Zwolan, Senior Director of Medical Affairs at Cochlear Americas, about the evolution of cochlear implants and the newly developed Cochlear™ Care Consensus. Drawing on more than three decades of experience, Dr. Zwolan reflects on how cochlear implant technology—and the patients who use it—have changed, and why clinical care models must evolve alongside these advancements.The conversation explores how early cochlear implant care was shaped by clinical trial protocols, often requiring frequent and lengthy appointments, and contrasts that with today’s more efficient technology and patient expectations. Dr. Zwolan also discusses how modern tools, remote care capabilities, and changing clinical workflows are influencing how clinicians deliver care.A central focus is the Cochlear Care Consensus—a set of 57 expert-driven recommendations designed to provide more detailed, practical guidance for clinicians. The consensus blends evidence-based research with real-world clinical expertise, offering insight into areas such as programming, patient management, evaluation, and the use of emerging tools like Remote Check. Learn more about the Cochlear Care Consensus here:https://pronews.cochlear.com/cochlear-care-consensus-recommendations/Cochlear Care Consensus: Expert Guided Care Recommendations (note: to access recording, you will need to create an account)Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X. - https://x.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinhearing/- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearingVisit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

    23 min
  4. 337 - MED-EL Remote Care: Supporting CI Patients Beyond the Clinic Visit

    18 MAR

    337 - MED-EL Remote Care: Supporting CI Patients Beyond the Clinic Visit

    What if cochlear implant care didn’t always require a trip to the clinic? Host Shari Eberts speaks with Dr. Kensi Saia, Product Manager at MED-EL, about how new telehealth tools are changing the way cochlear implant recipients and clinicians connect. MED-EL’s Remote Care platform and HearCare app allow audiologists to monitor devices, review patient data, and even make programming adjustments without requiring patients to travel for every appointment. The system is designed to improve access to care while helping clinics operate more efficiently.Dr. Saia explains how features such as remote system checks, cloud-based map backups, and virtual appointments can give patients more control over their hearing journey while allowing audiologists to prioritize in-person visits for more complex needs. As cochlear implant adoption continues to lag behind the number of people who could benefit from the technology, tools like remote care may help remove barriers to treatment and expand access to hearing healthcare. For more information about MED-EL's Remote Care platform and HearCare app, visit: https://www.medel.com/hearing-solutions/apps/hearcare-medel Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X. - https://x.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinhearing/- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearingVisit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

    19 min
  5. 335 - Holistic Hearing Care and the Tinnitus Patient

    12 MAR

    335 - Holistic Hearing Care and the Tinnitus Patient

    Tinnitus care is no longer just about masking sound—it’s about treating the whole person.This week, Shari Eberts speaks with Dr. Maren Stropahl, Senior Director of Holistic Hearing Care and Head of Audiology for Sonova’s retail organization, about why tinnitus requires a broader, more integrated approach.Dr. Stropahl explains that tinnitus is not simply an “ear problem,” but a complex interaction between auditory perception, emotional response, stress, and lifestyle factors. The discussion explores the brain’s role in tinnitus distress, the concept of the vicious circle, and why habituation is possible when care moves beyond sound alone.The conversation highlights how modern tinnitus management brings together hearing aids, sound therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies, digital therapeutics, and—critically—education and counseling. Technology can support relief, but effective care depends on trained professionals who understand how to personalize treatment and empower patients with self-management tools.The message is clear: tinnitus care is evolving. When clinicians combine evidence-based technology with holistic counseling and data-informed strategies, patients no longer have to hear that “nothing can be done.” For more on the SilentCloud app, visit: https://silentcloud.comFor more details on Phonak's hearing aid portfolio, visit: https://www.phonak.comBe sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.- https://x.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinhearing/- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearingVisit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

    25 min
  6. 334 - ELEHEAR’s David Hogan Talks OTC Hearing Aids and the Future of Consumer Hearing Tech

    9 MAR

    334 - ELEHEAR’s David Hogan Talks OTC Hearing Aids and the Future of Consumer Hearing Tech

    How are over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids evolving as the market continues to develop? This week, host Bob Traynor speaks with David Hogan, Managing Director of ELEHEAR, about the growth of the OTC category and how new technologies are shaping consumer hearing solutions.Hogan brings more than 30 years of experience in audio wearables and hearing technology, including previous roles with GN and early wearable audio startups. In the conversation, he explains how ELEHEAR approaches hearing devices as a company rooted in sound processing algorithms and audio technology, and how that foundation has influenced the development of its OTC hearing products. The discussion also explores how features like Bluetooth connectivity, lifestyle audio functionality, and new earbud-style designs are expanding the role hearing devices can play in everyday life. Traynor and Hogan also discuss how OTC products may serve as an entry point for hearing care, helping more people begin addressing hearing challenges earlier while complementing traditional clinical pathways. For more information about ELEHEAR and the company's OTC hearing aid lineup, visit: https://elehear.com/Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn, Instagram and X. - https://x.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinhearing/- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearingVisit us at: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

    35 min

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The place where subject matter experts across the "World of Hearing" come together to discuss all things hearing health, hearing aids, hearables, consumer audio, and everything in-between.

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