The Psychoaudiology Podcast

In this episode of The Psychoaudiology Podcast, presented in partnership with the International Society of Audiology, we sit down with Dr. Philippa James, an audiologist whose work focuses on supporting neurodivergent people with auditory challenges.Together, we explore the world of reduced sound tolerance and misophonia, unpacking how everyday sonic environments can profoundly shape our emotions and wellbeing. Philippa shares her clinical insights into why sound can be overwhelming for some, why it matters so deeply for neurodivergent individuals, and how audiologists can better recognize and support those living with heightened auditory sensitivity.This conversation invites us to think about sound not only as a sense, but as a powerful emotional force that can connect, comfort, or destabilize — depending on how we listen.

What if the right technology could transform how a child with autism hears, learns, and connects? In this episode of the Psychoaudiology Podcast, I speak with Professor Erin Schafer, a leading researcher in auditory interventions, about how remote microphone devices can dramatically improve listening in noisy environments. She explains how these tools help children with autism process sound more effectively, boosting memory, learning, and everyday communication. You’ll also hear a moving testimony from a mother who describes the incredible difference she’s seen in her child’s ability to connect and communicate. Join us as we explore how clearer sound can open the door to brighter possibilities.

What if the sound of a classroom could shape how well students learn, behave, and even how teachers teach?In this episode of the Psychoaudiology Podcast, Priscilla sits down with Dr. Kiri Mealings, researcher and creator of the Listen to Learn for Life program, to explore how classroom acoustics influence listening, learning, and wellbeing.We dive into her reviews showing how poor acoustics can impair literacy, cognition, and reading skills, while disproportionately affecting students with ADHD, autism, hearing loss, and even teachers, who often strain their voices just to be heard.If you’re an educator, audiologist, or simply curious about how soundscapes shape the mind and performance, you can find out more about Dr. Mealings on this webpage or via email at kiri.mealings@mq.edu.au.

In this episode of The Psychoaudiology Podcast, audiologist and national hearing loop advocate Juliette Sterkens joins us to talk about one of the most overlooked aspects of hearing aid technology — what happens after you fit the hearing aids.We explore:Why hearing aids don’t restore normal hearingThe everyday challenges of hearing in noisy environmentsHow hearing loops dramatically improve clarity and comprehension for hearing aid usersThe future potential of Auracast as a universal assistive listening solutionWhy accessibility in public spaces is still falling shortThe episode opens with a short sound demo so you can hear the difference a hearing loop makes — a powerful experience for both professionals and the general public.Learn more about hearing loops and public hearing access with Juliette’s impactful TEDx talk

In this episode, Priscilla sits down with Associate Professor Wayne Wilson from the University of Queensland. A leading expert in paediatric auditory processing, Dr. Wilson shares his journey through the evolving landscape of audiology and the complex challenge of defining auditory processing disorder (APD).Together, we explore the growing pains of audiology as a still-maturing profession, and what it means to cultivate true clinical competence in a field with many grey areas. From regulatory frameworks to real-world clinical reasoning, Dr. Wilson offers insight into how audiologists can forge their own diagnostic pathways—grounded in research, experience, and reflective practice.Whether you're a seasoned clinician or an early-career audiologist, this conversation will challenge you to think more deeply about how you assess, define, and manage APD in the everyday clinical environment.