This Week in Hearing This Week in Hearing

Ron Ganot from Tuned and Delain Wright from Intricon join Amyn Amlani in a discussion about the current status and future potential of the over-the-counter (OTC) hearing device market. Despite slower adoption rates than expected, the conversation highlights that the category is in its early stages, anticipating significant advancements in technology, services, and accessibility channels to cater to diverse consumer segments.

Ganot showcases Tuned's software platform that leverages AI to assist users in hearing aid fitting, education, and troubleshooting. This technology benefits self-service initiatives and hybrid professional practices.

Wright emphasizes the importance for professionals to embrace OTC options alongside traditional models. He predicts rapid evolution in personalized care and remote capabilities. Wright advocates positioning these solutions as part of a continuum of hearing healthcare, catering from mild difficulties to more complex needs.

Both guests highlight OTC as an entry point leading to quality care. They elaborate on a future where diverse high-quality choices and enhanced support systems can boost acceptance of hearing aids.

However, achieving widespread success requires ongoing consumer-focused research and innovative solutions. Both speakers emphasize the pivotal role of professional groups in integrating OTC options appropriately into standard practice. They stress the need for customizable channels to enable individuals to discover optimal paths to better hearing health.

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Despite increased availability of hearing devices, their adoption remains disappointingly low globally. This week, joined by Dr. Sophie Brice and Dr. Brent Edwards, Andrew Bellavia leads a discussion on global accessibility in hearing care, shedding light on the reasons behind the gap, focusing not only on those diagnosed with hearing loss but also individuals encountering situational struggles.

Tailored approaches catering to diverse needs and perceptions are crucial for boosting adoption rates. The discussion emphasizes leveraging tele-audiology, AI-driven recommendations, and innovative support strategies to bridge this gap effectively.

Dr. Edwards, Director of the National Acoustic Laboratories, sheds light on the complexities of user satisfaction, highlighting the substantial time audiologists invest in counseling. Professional shortages pose a barrier, prompting a reevaluation of access policies. Dr. Brice, digital health scientist and teleaudiologist, underscores the significance of offering supportive options instead of disregarding reports of hearing difficulties outright. Valuable insights emerge from understanding why some decline hearing devices.

Their advocacy focuses on disseminating adaptable, high-quality care through varied channels. While the road to widespread accessibility might be long, the positive impact on millions with hearing needs justifies the efforts undertaken. Join us as we unravel the potential of accessible hearing care and its transformative impact on individuals worldwide.


Resources:
1) Editorial in AudioXpress breaking down OTC hearing aid adoption in the first year
2) TWiH interview with Dr. Janice Trent of ASHA discussing their recent OTC survey.


The ASHA OTC study itself

3) TWiH episode on telehealth with De Wet Swanepoel and Vinaya Manchaiah
4) Paper: Emerging Technologies, Market Segments, and MarkeTrak 10 Insights in Hearing Health Technology
5) Paper: Reasons for the non-use of hearing aids: perspectives of non-users, past users, and family members
6) Paper: Behavior Change in Chronic Health: Reviewing What We Know, What Is Happening, and What Is Next for Hearing Loss
7) TWiH episode with Dr. Victor Bray discussing shortage of audiologists

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Over the past 70 years, the field of hearing augmentation has seen remarkable advancements, transitioning from archaic ear trumpets to discrete digital aids with personalized features like Bluetooth connectivity and mobile app customization. Knowles Corporation's invention of balanced armatures has been pivotal in driving the industry towards high-performance hearing solutions and premium sound offerings. This week, Amyn Amlani hosts Matt Skindzier, the Senior Director of Product Marketing at Knowles Corporation.

The 2022 FDA decision permitting over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss signifies a significant milestone, making hearing aids more accessible and affordable. These aids serve as a vital solution for those with untreated hearing loss, especially in areas lacking audiological services or for individuals without healthcare access.

While OTC hearing aids show promise, their uptake continues to be hindered by challenges like high costs, social stigma, and limited awareness, reducing widespread adoption. Yet, the growing market provides prospects for enhanced consumer choices, advanced features like Bluetooth streaming, and greater availability of personalized sound experiences. Looking ahead, the integration of personalized soundscapes and innovative technologies into standard hearing aid development offers a promising future. Consulting audiologists for tailored solutions remains crucial, but OTC hearing aids represent a significant opportunity for heightened awareness, broader adoption, and a notable shift towards increased accessibility and interest in hearing health.

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Dr. Robert Sweetow is an accomplished clinician, educator, and researcher in audiology. His career has been marked by a dedication to patient care, teaching, and research that has been widely acknowledged within the global community of audiologists. Recognized for his substantial contributions spanning aural rehabilitation, hearing aids, tinnitus, counseling, and forensics.

He currently holds the position of Professor Emeritus, Otolaryngology, at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine.

Among his noteworthy contributions to audiology is the creation of LACE (Listening and Communication Enhancement), a self-paced program highly regarded for its evidence-based approach in assisting individuals with hearing loss. This initiative, alongside his advocacy for enhanced hearing aid fitting through patient education, reflects his deep dedication to progressing research, education, and clinical practices in audiology. Moreover, Dr. Sweetow has introduced innovative assessment models and comprehensive treatment programs designed to improve overall audiological care.

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


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In this week's episode, Brian Taylor revisits the topic of cochlear implants and sits down for a follow-up conversation with Brent Lucas, CEO of Envoy Medical. Expanding on their previous discussion from last year, the interview explores the company's latest advancements.

The discussion highlights the outcomes of a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic involving the Acclaim fully implanted cochlear implant, shedding light on the surgical process, positive results, and unexpected findings. Notably, the Acclaim cochlear implant's fully implanted design opens up the possibility for users to wear potentially wear a hearing aid on the same side, presenting an intriguing option for patients.

Brent Lucas also further shares insights into Envoy Medical's recent listing on Nasdaq (COCH), emphasizing the company's commitment to controlling its own destiny in the hearing implant industry.

For those seeking more information, Envoy Medical's Acclaim implant and other technologies, visit the company's website: https://www.envoymedical.com/

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Neurosoft Bioelectronics is leading the way in the development of sophisticated soft implantable electrodes designed to interact with the brain and address severe neurological disorders. In this week's discussion, host Bob Traynor engages in a conversation with CEO Nicolas Vachicouras, delving into the company's pioneering initiatives to create an implantable brain interface device aimed at treating severe tinnitus.

The technology employs ultra-thin, flexible electrodes capable of both recording brain activity and delivering personalized electrical stimulation patterns, guided by AI algorithms. The overarching objective is to regulate hyperactive networks associated with conditions such as tinnitus through a closed-loop system. Human trials have substantiated the safety and effectiveness of these electrodes in recording brain activity. Neurosoft's strategic roadmap includes the launch of a product for epilepsy and the initiation of a specialized feasibility study for treating severe tinnitus.

With a minimally invasive implantation procedure, this technology holds the potential to offer long-term relief for individuals grappling with chronic tinnitus. Neurosoft envisions introducing new treatment options within 4-5 years, pending further development and regulatory approval.

More information on the technology can be found on the company's website: https://neurosoft-bio.com/index

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