This Week in Hearing This Week in Hearing

Olympic gold medalist swimmer Rowdy Gaines joins Gael Hannan for a candid conversation about his experience with hearing loss. He shares how he first noticed issues in his 50s, likely due to hereditary factors, ear infections from years of competitive swimming, and exposure to loud environments. Rowdy describes initially being in denial about needing hearing aids before getting properly fitted with a set of prescription devices from that have tremendously improved his hearing ability.

He emphasizes the life-changing impact his new Signia hearing aids have had, especially for his work as a broadcaster covering major swimming events like the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

Rowdy praises being able to differentiate voices more clearly and highlights the importance of strong communication with his broadcasting partner. He also reflects on overcoming the stigma he felt about wearing hearing aids by applying the same discipline he had as an elite athlete.

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Dave Kemp interviews Trevon Bruch, the founder of Safewave, a startup creating a Bluetooth-enabled wristband connecting to smart home and security devices, enabling discreet vibration alerts over auditory notifications.

Trevon shares Safewave's origin story driven by a mission to offer accessible tech solutions, especially for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, detailing the extensive R&D, partnerships, and community input influencing Safewave's evolution over five years.

One of the key highlights is Safewave's ability to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of smart devices, from doorbells and baby monitors to workplace security systems. This versatility allows users to customize their notification preferences and create a tailored, haptic-based awareness system. Trevon also touches on the potential applications of Safewave for caregivers, individuals with cognitive impairments, and other groups who can benefit from discreet, wearable alerts.

After more than 5 years of development, Safewave is poised to launch in May 2024. You can visit the company's website to learn more: https://safewavetech.com/

Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

- https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing
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Dr. Robert DiSogra has had a diverse career spanning industrial, clinical research, teaching, and private practice. He owned and managed his Freehold-based practice for three decades until 2015. Dr. Disogra's extensive teaching experience spans undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, complemented by notable contributions through national and international publications and lectures.

Dr. DiSogra is widely recognized for his contributions to understanding the pharmacological effects on hearing and balance among audiologists worldwide. His interest in pharmacology began at Rutgers University over 25 years ago, where he observed a discrepancy between patients' complaints of hearing loss and their test results indicating no peripheral loss. This prompted him to conduct a unprecedented review of evidence, uncovering the influences of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals on hearing loss and tinnitus.

In the past two decades, Dr. DiSogra has significantly influenced the field of audiology through a series of publications. He has identified over 400 adverse auditory and vestibular side effects associated with more than 2000 drugs. Furthermore, his pioneering efforts led to the development and teaching of the pharmacology/ ototoxicity distance-learning course at Salus University. This initiative has played a crucial role in integrating pharmacology into audiology education, furthering the understanding of how drugs affect hearing and balance.

By 2019, Dr. DiSogra's influence had led to 25 AuD programs offering dedicated pharmacology courses, underscoring the importance of understanding pharmacological connections to hearing and balance disorders. A sought-after presenter at state and national audiology association meetings, Dr. DiSogra has left a lasting legacy in the field.

Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

- https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing
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- https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Bob Traynor is joined by Dr. Frank Musiek to discuss an upcoming symposium focused on the latest insights into Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD) and Neuroaudiology.

The upcoming event, titled "Quest for the Best CAPD and Neuroaudiology," will bring together a panel of distinguished experts to explore advancements and practical applications in the field. From discussing diagnostic methodologies to sharing rehabilitation strategies, attendees can expect a comprehensive overview of current research and clinical practices. Join leading figures like Doris Bamiou, Nina Kraus, and Jeanane Ferre as they delve into the intersection of science and clinical expertise. Whether you're a seasoned audiologist or a researcher, this symposium offers an invaluable opportunity to deepen your understanding and engage in meaningful discussions.

For more details about the symposium, taking place on April 27th, visit: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Pathways_Agenda2-1.pdf

Monica Dreger, the Global Head of Research at Airbnb, brings a unique blend of intuitive insight and finely honed listening skills to her career, rooted in her background in behavioral psychology. Her professional journey has been marked by a dedication to understanding consumer behavior and strategic planning for renowned brands like Mattel, Nickelodeon, and Unilever.

However, alongside her successes, Dreger's personal experience with hearing loss has been a defining aspect of her life. Growing up in Europe, she initially didn't recognize her hearing difficulties until returning to the United States for college, where the absence of subtitles while watching TV with roommates highlighted her hearing was not typical. This realization spurred her journey to seek help and normalize the use of hearing aids, ultimately leading to her advocacy for hearing health awareness.

Monica highlights the transformative impact of modern hearing aids, which have significantly improved her daily life with features such as discretion, Bluetooth connectivity, and freedom from battery anxiety. As both an advocate for hearing health and a Widex Sound Ambassador, Monica encourages others to advocate for their needs and foster supportive environments in the workplace and beyond.


Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

- https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing
- https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/