This Week in Hearing

This Week in Hearing
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

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. 350 - Healthcare with Hearing Loss: Improving Communication Access in Medical Care, Live from FHH 2026

    4d ago

    350 - Healthcare with Hearing Loss: Improving Communication Access in Medical Care, Live from FHH 2026

    For people living with hearing loss, navigating healthcare settings can be one of the most stressful communication challenges they face. In this panel discussion from the 6th Annual Future of Hearing Healthcare Conference, moderators Shari Eberts and Gael Hannan are joined by advocates Tony Iacolucci and Peggy Ellertsen to explore the urgent need for better communication access throughout the healthcare system.Together, they discuss the real-world barriers patients with hearing loss encounter during medical appointments, surgeries, emergency care, and telehealth visits — from limited awareness among providers to inconsistent accommodations and inaccessible communication practices. The conversation highlights the growing effort to improve healthcare accessibility through advocacy, education, technology, and systemic change.The panel also introduces the work behind Healthcare with Hearing Loss, an initiative focused on empowering patients, educating providers, and advancing practical solutions such as Communication Access Plans (CAPs), speech-to-text technology, and improved healthcare policies. Throughout the discussion, the speakers emphasize that effective communication in healthcare is not just about convenience — it is essential for patient safety, dignity, and quality of care.To learn more and access additional resources mentioned during the discussion, visit: https://www.healthcarewithhearingloss.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/

    33 min
  2. 349 - Widex Allure AI RIC Hearing Aids: Dual-Chip Processing, PureSound, and LE Audio Connectivity

    May 20

    349 - Widex Allure AI RIC Hearing Aids: Dual-Chip Processing, PureSound, and LE Audio Connectivity

    What happens when Widex adds a dedicated AI chip to its signature natural sound platform? Andrew Bellavia travels to WSA headquarters in Copenhagen for an early hands-on look at the new Widex Allure AI RIC and Compass Cloud 2.0. Andrew sits down with Sonnie Harris and Karen Hougs from WSA for an in-depth discussion on the technology behind the new Widex Allure AI RIC, Compass Cloud 2.0, and the future direction of the Widex platform. Along the way, he shares his impressions after testing the devices in restaurants, hotel bars, live music venues, and other real-world listening environments. Topics discussed include: How the new Allure AI RIC builds upon the existing Widex Allure platformWidex’s approach to AI and why the company resisted “artificial” sounding processingThe new Clarity Boost mode and real-world speech-in-noise performance• PureSound processing and low-delay audio designMusic listening impressions from jazz, rock, and classical concertsAuracast readiness, LE Audio, and connectivity updatesBattery life and dual-chip architectureCompass Cloud 2.0 and how clinician feedback shaped the new workflow updatesThe future of cloud-based fitting systems and personalized hearing careAndrew also compares the Allure AI RIC with other premium hearing aids during real-world listening experiences, with a particular focus on live music performance and listening comfort. 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/

    28 min
  3. 348 - How I Hear: Shanna Groves on Life with Hearing Loss

    May 15

    348 - How I Hear: Shanna Groves on Life with Hearing Loss

    Author and advocate Shanna Groves shares the emotional reality of living, parenting, and communicating with progressive hearing loss. In this conversation with Shari Eberts, the creator of Lip Reading Mom discusses her experience growing up with an undiagnosed hearing loss, navigating motherhood and professional life with hearing challenges, and ultimately receiving a cochlear implant in 2025.Shanna reflects on the emotional process of accepting hearing loss, the communication fatigue that often comes with relying on lip reading, and the importance of finding confidence, community, and self-advocacy along the way. She also explains how advancements in technology — from hearing aids to cochlear implants and video communication platforms — have helped reshape both her personal and professional life.The discussion also explores Shanna’s work teaching lip reading classes, her Deafinitely Talking Podcast, and the inspiration behind her new book How I Hear: Confessions of a Lip-Reading Mom. Throughout the conversation, she shares honest insights about grief, resilience, parenting, identity, and why authentic hearing loss stories matter for people at every stage of their journey.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/

    30 min
  4. 347 - AI Meets Accessibility: Improving Communication Beyond Traditional Captions

    May 7

    347 - AI Meets Accessibility: Improving Communication Beyond Traditional Captions

    What if phone calls and video chats could finally adapt to the way people with hearing loss actually communicate?In this conversation, Gael Hannan speaks with Paul Lee, COO of InnoCaption, about the company’s latest accessibility innovations designed to improve communication for people with hearing loss. From AI-powered text-to-speech tools and predictive communication features to the launch of the new InnoCaption Video app with live captions for video calls, the discussion explores how advances in AI and accessibility technology are reshaping everyday communication experiences.Paul explains how InnoCaption’s FCC-funded captioned calling service works, including its combination of automated speech recognition and live stenographers, and discusses the company’s newly introduced AI Refine feature that helps users quickly generate natural-sounding responses during phone calls. The conversation also explores how these tools may benefit cochlear implant users, Deaf ASL users, and anyone navigating communication barriers in daily life.The discussion also highlights the emotional and social impact of communication accessibility, including how captioned video calls can help improve understanding between people with hearing loss and their friends, family members, and colleagues.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/

    24 min
  5. 346 - Phonak and USA Pickleball Team Up to Promote Hearing Health

    Apr 30

    346 - Phonak and USA Pickleball Team Up to Promote Hearing Health

    What does hearing have to do with performance on the pickleball court?Live from the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) Conference 2026 in San Antonio, Shari Eberts speaks with Christine Jones, Vice President of Marketing, Wholesale U.S. at Sonova, about Phonak’s new partnership with USA Pickleball and the launch of the nationwide “Hear to Win” campaign.The initiative aims to encourage a more proactive approach to hearing health by highlighting the role hearing plays in social connection, communication, and active lifestyles. With nearly 20 million players in the U.S., pickleball offers a fast-growing platform to engage consumers through tournaments, courtside activations, and digital outreach—including hearing screenings, technology demonstrations, and connections to local providers.In the conversation, Jones discusses how hearing technology is being positioned as a performance enabler in both sports and everyday environments, and how the campaign is designed to bring greater awareness to hearing health through community engagement and real-world experiences.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/

    7 min
  6. 345 - U.S. Ski Jumper Estella Hassrick on Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids, and Competing at the Highest Level

    Apr 28

    345 - U.S. Ski Jumper Estella Hassrick on Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids, and Competing at the Highest Level

    What does it take to compete at the highest level of sport while growing up with hearing loss?In this conversation, U.S. ski jumper Estella Hassrick shares her journey—from being diagnosed with hereditary cochlear dysplasia at age three to competing on the U.S. national team. She discusses the realities of hearing loss in high-performance sports, including the challenges of wearing hearing aids under a helmet, navigating school and training environments, and adapting along the way.Estella also reflects on how hearing technology has evolved over her lifetime, her experience working with audiologists, and the role of support systems—including her partnership with Widex. Throughout the discussion, she offers perspective on resilience, identity, and what it means to pursue ambitious goals while managing hearing loss.Her message is clear: hearing loss may change the path—but it doesn’t define the outcome.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/Audio podcast can be found on all major platforms, including Apple & Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisweekinhearing

    21 min
  7. 344 - Sound Preference: Bridging the Gap in Hearing Aid Fit and Satisfaction

    Apr 20

    344 - Sound Preference: Bridging the Gap in Hearing Aid Fit and Satisfaction

    Could understanding individual sound preference be the key to improving hearing aid adoption and satisfaction? Bob Traynor, live from WSA headquarters in Copenhagen, speaks with Lise Henningsen, Head of Audiology Evidence & Validation at WSA, about the emerging concept of sound preference—and why it may be a missing piece in hearing care. Drawing on WSA’s latest research, they discuss how patients with similar audiograms can have very different reactions to sound processing, and why traditional best practices alone don’t always lead to successful outcomes. The conversation explores how clinicians have long observed this variability in practice, often working across multiple brands and sound philosophies to better match patient needs. Henningsen explains how sound preference—though difficult to measure—plays a meaningful role in patient experience, influencing comfort, satisfaction, and long-term device use. WSA is now working to better define and quantify sound preference through ongoing research, including controlled studies with the University of Washington and Vanderbilt University. These efforts aim to better understand how preference affects acclimatization, mood, and overall outcomes—and how simple tools, such as short listening assessments, could help guide more personalized hearing care. To learn more about WSA's sound preference research and clinical implications visit: https://www.wsa.com/soundpreference/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/

    24 min

  8. Apr 14

    343 - How PowerPoint Captions Helped Everyone Follow Along

    What happens when a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience is made truly accessible? In this conversation, Shari Eberts speaks with Dr. Alison Richard—former Provost of Yale and a leading primatologist—about a recent trip to Madagascar and the Seychelles. While the journey itself was memorable, one thing that stood out was how a simple tool—PowerPoint captions—transformed the experience for participants with hearing loss.Dr. Richard shares her personal journey with hearing loss and reflects on how communication challenges show up in lectures, fieldwork, and group settings. The discussion highlights how enabling live captions during presentations made it possible to fully participate in lectures, Q&A sessions, and group learning moments—something that is often difficult in traditional environments. What began as a small request quickly became a powerful example of inclusive design. As Dr. Richard explains, captions didn’t just benefit those with hearing loss—they improved comprehension and engagement for everyone. The conversation also explores why accessibility tools like captions are still underutilized in academic and professional settings—and how small changes can have a broad impact. 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/

    29 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    This Week in Hearing
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    358
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © This Week in Hearing
  • Show Website
    This Week in Hearing

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