This Week in Hearing

What does accessible audio look like when it’s designed for real-world environments—not just controlled settings? In this conversation, Jonathan Hoskin of Ampetronic explains how Auracast was deployed at Bristol Temple Meads railway station to deliver clear station announcements directly to personal devices such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, earbuds, and smartphones.Host Andrew Bellavia speaks with Jonathan about how the project came together, why Auracast was well suited for a busy, historic train station, and how it addresses common challenges with traditional assistive listening systems. Jonathan walks through how the installation improves clarity in noisy spaces, allows passengers to move freely throughout the station, and provides a more practical listening experience than relying on loudspeakers alone.The discussion also looks ahead to what this deployment could mean for future accessibility, including easier ways to connect, multiple language streams, and emerging tools like live captions. Together, the conversation highlights how Auracast could help make public spaces more inclusive and easier to navigate for people with hearing challenges and beyond.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/

Where do the best ideas in hearing aid innovation come from, and how do they reach patients? In this conversation, Dr. Jason Galster, Vice President of Clinical Research at Sonova, explains how hearing aid research moves from early feasibility to clinical readiness and post-market studies. He discusses how research ideas originate—from clinicians, academic partners, and internal technology roadmaps—and how Sonova evaluates which projects to pursue. Dr. Galster also highlights the role of Sonova’s global Audiology Research Centers, cross-cultural data collection, and emerging tools such as ecological momentary assessment that allow for real-world outcome tracking at scale.The discussion provides insight into how new technologies are evaluated, how research findings are translated for clinicians, and how innovations ultimately reach patients worldwide.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/

Widex has expanded its Allure™ hearing aid platform with new form factors and charging options, giving hearing care professionals more flexibility across a wider range of patient needs. In this discussion, Dana Helmink, Au.D., Senior Director of Clinical Development at WSA, walks through the addition of a rechargeable Allure BTE, Widex’s first rechargeable ITE, and a new portable charger for the Allure RIC — designed to support travel, active lifestyles, and extended daily use.The conversation also explores updates to Widex Compass Cloud™, the company’s cloud-based fitting software. Dana explains how frequent rolling updates, precision fitting tools, and in-ear measurement capabilities like the Allure Sensogram are designed to improve first-fit accuracy, reduce follow-up visits, and support more personalized fittings. The shift to cloud-based software allows Widex to release new features on an accelerated schedule without requiring manual software installs.Together, the platform updates reflect Widex’s continued focus on natural sound, speech clarity, and environmental awareness. The discussion also touches on the role of the W1 chip, backwards-compatible firmware upgrades, AI-supported personalization through the Widex app, and how these advances translate into real-world patient outcomes in complex listening environments.For more information on the Allure portfolio expansion: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-technologies/2025/widex-expands-allure-portfolio-with-new-hearing-aid-models-and-charger/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/

A fully implantable cochlear implant isn’t just a technical milestone—it's a fundamentally different way of living with hearing loss. In a candid conversation, Gael Hannan speaks with Michael Seufer, one of the first recipients of the Envoy Medical Acclaim, an investigational fully implanted cochlear implant that eliminates external hardware. Michael shares how his hearing loss, first identified in childhood, shaped his life—from academic challenges to finding refuge in hockey—and how traditional hearing aids eventually stopped providing the benefit he needed.Michael describes the moment he decided to pursue the Acclaim after years of discouraging experiences with amplification. Motivated by wanting to fully hear his young son, he enrolled in the clinical trial at Mayo Clinic and embraced the risks of cutting-edge technology. He explains that the fully internal system allows him to hear 24/7 without putting anything on, removing daily barriers common to hearing aid and CI users. From waking up able to converse immediately to showering, exercising, and using headphones normally, he says the experience feels “transparent,” allowing him to simply go about his life without thinking about hearing loss.He also details the device’s internal rechargeable battery, its wireless charging system, and the notable sound quality he experiences—without feedback or the limitations of microphones and speakers. Michael emphasizes that he isn’t a spokesperson, just someone whose life has changed dramatically and wants others to know what may be possible. Above all, he says, the Acclaim represents something deeper for him: “It’s what hope sounds like.”Learn more about Michael's story: https://www.echoesofamiracle.com/For more information on the Acclaim and Envoy Medical's other products, visit: https://www.envoymedical.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/

A growing number of people are exploring hearing help earlier, and LXE Hearing believes there is a place for devices that bridge the gap between everyday earbuds and traditional hearing aids. In a detailed discussion, LXE Chief Commercial Officer Brian Maguire explains how the newly formed company—created from the merger of Lexie, hearX, and Eargo—is blending strong hardware engineering with deep software expertise to develop more accessible hearing solutions. Maguire describes LXE’s portfolio, from diagnostics and screening tools to OTC devices, and emphasizes the group’s shared mission: helping people better understand their hearing and giving them approachable, affordable entry points into amplification.The conversation centers on the Lexie H1 hearing buds, LXE’s new earbud-style hearing device designed for situational use. Maguire explains that while traditional CIC and RIC hearing aids remain their core offerings, a growing group of consumers wants an option that boosts hearing only when needed—especially in noisy environments—without the commitment of full-time wear. He highlights the H1’s dual purpose: it functions as a high-quality, everyday wireless earbud with streaming and ANC, but also incorporates hearing amplification with preset programs, adjustable gain through the app, reduced occlusion, and features like directivity and noise reduction for speech-in-noise challenges.Maguire stresses that the H1 isn’t meant to replace all-day devices but to complement them, helping newcomers try amplification sooner and giving existing hearing aid users a tool for specific listening situations. With flexible support, a 45-day risk-free trial, and a $299 price point, he says LXE hopes the H1 will encourage more people to take their first steps toward hearing improvement—at a time when awareness and comfort with ear-worn tech are rapidly increasing.Lexie H1 Hearing Buds press release: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-technologies/2025/lexie-hearing-h1-hearing-buds/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/

Can lost hearing cells be replaced? Lineage Cell Therapeutics CEO Brian Culley returns to discuss the company’s new collaboration with William Demant Invest. Together, they’re advancing ReSonance™ (ANP1) — an experimental cell therapy designed to replace damaged auditory neurons and potentially restore communication between the ear and the brain.Culley explains how the partnership combines Lineage’s regenerative cell technology with the audiology expertise of Eriksholm Research Centre to move this therapy toward first-in-human testing. Backed by up to $12 million in research funding, the multi-year effort could represent a new frontier in treating hearing loss in the future.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/

Hearing loss stigma continues to be one of the biggest barriers to seeking help — even as awareness and technology improve. In this discussion, host Shari Eberts speaks with Dr. Katie Ekberg (Flinders University) and Dr. Louise Hickson (University of Queensland) about their research on hearing loss stigma — exploring how social perceptions, disclosure dilemmas, and outdated stereotypes affect help-seeking and hearing aid adoption.The conversation examines the difference between how patients, families, and clinicians view stigma, the impact of humor and self-advocacy in communication, and why changing the conversation around hearing loss—not just hearing aids—is vital to improving outcomes for millions of adults.**Research reference: Ekberg, K., & Hickson, L. (2024). To tell or not to tell? Exploring the social process of stigma for adults with hearing loss and their families. International Journal of Audiology. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651Be 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/

At EUHA 2025, Phonak presented the latest advancements to its Infinio platform, including the Virto R Infinio custom rechargeable hearing aid and the new Infinio Sphere Ultra upgrade. In a discussion at the Phonak booth, Gareth Griffiths, Director of Campaign Management, outlined how these updates build on the company’s ongoing commitment to improving real-world hearing experiences. The newest version of AutoSense OS—version 7.0—was trained on 18 times more environmental data than before, allowing for more accurate sound classification and smoother transitions between listening environments. Griffiths explained that the upgrades deliver improved speech understanding in noise and a more natural listening experience for users in complex soundscapes. Another key focus of the update is ease of use and reliability. Phonak introduced its new EasyGuard ear tip, designed to simplify wax management and provide greater durability, particularly for users with dexterity challenges. Enhancements in battery performance have extended listening time in Sphere mode, while Bluetooth connectivity has been refined for faster pairing and more efficient streaming across devices.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/

At EUHA 2025, Oticon introduced its newest in-the-ear hearing aid, Oticon Zeal, bringing the company’s second-generation AI sound processing and BrainHearing™ technology to a smaller, ready-to-fit form factor. In a discussion at the conference, Anja Nagel L’Harraki, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at Demant, and Ole Asboe Jørgensen, President, Hearing Instrument Group, described Zeal as offering the same audiological performance as Oticon Intent, but in a more compact design.The Zeal features always-on AI-based sound processing, binaural beamforming, and a refined feedback management system that maintains clarity and comfort even with a single-microphone setup. Asboe noted that by positioning the microphone deeper in the ear canal, the design takes advantage of natural pinna cues while minimizing internal reverberation, allowing performance comparable to dual-microphone models. The device can accommodate fittings for mild to moderate hearing loss, offering both same-day fittings with domes or custom earmolds for a more personalized fit.Connectivity was a key focus of the launch. Zeal supports Google Fast Pair for Android devices, enabling quick pairing directly through native phone controls, and is fully compatible with Auracast™ broadcast audio through the Oticon Companion app. According to the team, users with existing Oticon Intent devices can enable Auracast access through a firmware update.In addition to its compact size, Zeal includes rechargeable power, delivering up to 20 hours of use with four hours of streaming. Initial rollout began in Denmark, the U.K., and Switzerland, with U.S. availability expected in early 2026.**Oticon Zeal press release: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-technologies/2025/oticon-zeal-hearing-aids-rechargeable-ai/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/

Earlier this month, Starkey released its Omega AI hearing aid platform, and at EUHA 2025, Chief Technology Officer Achin Bhowmik discussed how the company’s latest generation builds on prior AI-driven models with new neural-network architecture designed to improve both hearing performance and health monitoring.Omega AI introduces what Starkey describes as the industry’s first use of three deep neural networks running in parallel. Each network performs a distinct function: one enhances speech understanding in noise, another predicts and proactively adjusts directionality, and a third monitors the acoustic environment to improve spatial awareness. According to Bhowmik, this approach—modeled on how multiple regions of the auditory cortex process sound—has resulted in measurable gains, including a reported 28 percent improvement in speech recognition accuracy and 8 decibel greater audibility for off-axis sounds compared with the previous Edge AI platform.Beyond hearing performance, Omega AI expands Starkey’s health-and-wellness capabilities. The devices now guide users through AI-based balance exercises, leveraging built-in motion sensors that assess gait and stability using protocols developed with academic partners. The system can also track physiological data such as respiration rate, providing users and clinicians with additional health insights that can support fall prevention and overall well-being.Bhowmik also outlined new generative-AI tools integrated across Starkey’s ecosystem. The TeleHear AI feature enables wearers to describe listening difficulties in natural language, prompting the device to suggest and apply fitting adjustments that can later be reviewed by the professional. 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/

Andrew Bellavia joined Phonak ambassadors — Olympian Aaron Small and pro skier Robin Gillon — on stage to share honest conversations about hearing loss, stigma, and the role technology plays in staying connected — on and off the field. Both athletes spoke candidly about the challenges they’ve faced, how hearing aids have supported their performance and confidence, and the importance of visibility and advocacy in breaking down outdated perceptions of hearing loss.Their conversation underscored how access to hearing technology can empower individuals in every aspect of life — from communication and safety to identity and self-belief. The discussion took place during Phonak’s EUHA 2025 announcement of its new Audéo Infinio Ultra hearing aid, highlighting the connection between innovation, advocacy, and lived experience within the hearing community.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/

Early detection of hearing loss shouldn’t stop at birth. In this episode, Dr. Bob Traynor speaks with Dr. James W. Hall III, an internationally recognized audiologist, educator, and author with more than 40 years of experience in clinical and academic audiology. Together, they discuss a new evidence-based approach to preschool and early school-age hearing screening that goes beyond traditional pure tone testing.Dr. Hall explains why combining Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs) with tympanometry provides a faster, more objective, and more accurate way to identify hearing loss before it impacts speech, language, and learning. Drawing from large-scale studies and decades of expertise, he outlines how clinicians, pediatricians, and schools can apply this updated method to close the gap between newborn screening and school-age identification — ensuring no child with hearing loss is overlooked.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/

With the Atom X, Audien introduces a new touchscreen-based hearing aid designed for simplicity and accessibility. Andy Bellavia speaks with Audien Hearing CEO Ishan Patel about the device’s key features and the company’s broader mission to make hearing care more approachable for people around the world.In this conversation, Patel explains how user feedback from over a million customers shaped the design of the Atom X, which replaces traditional buttons and smartphone apps with an intuitive touchscreen charging case. Andy shares his impressions after testing the device, discussing how its straightforward controls, sound performance, and streaming functions align with Audien’s goal of removing barriers to hearing aid adoption.Together, they explore how innovations like the Atom X represent a shift toward simpler, more affordable solutions in the growing over-the-counter hearing aid market—and what that could mean for expanding access to hearing care globally.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/

Audiologists took to Capitol Hill on Thursday, September 25, 2025, to advocate for better patient access to hearing and balance care as part of ADA Lobby Day in Washington, D.C.Held during the Academy of Doctors of Audiology’s AuDacity conference, the event brought hundreds of audiologists, students, and supporters together to meet with legislators and promote the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act (MAAIA). The bill seeks to modernize Medicare by recognizing audiologists as practitioners, removing the outdated physician referral requirement, and allowing them to practice to the full extent of their training.In this episode, host Andrew Bellavia speaks with participants and policy advocates to explore why this legislation matters, how it impacts patient care, and how advocacy—both in Washington and back home—can help move the profession forward.👉 Learn more and get involved: ADA provides advocacy resources, including information on MAAIA and how to contact your legislators, at https://www.audiologist.org/resources/advocate/advocacy-resources.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/

How do you help people truly understand what modern hearing aids sound like?In this episode, Bob Traynor speaks with Rob Koch, Founder and CEO of AHead Simulations, to introduce ALEX (Audio Listening EXperience) — the company’s newest innovation designed to make hearing aid technology more tangible and relatable for patients, families, and the public.Building on the success of CARL, AHead’s training mannequin used worldwide to teach hearing aid fittings and verification, ALEX brings that same simulation technology into clinics and communities. The device allows users to experience what hearing aids can do in real time, helping clinicians demonstrate advanced features and reduce stigma around hearing loss and amplification.Koch explains how ALEX is helping bridge the gap between innovation and understanding — creating new ways for professionals to educate, engage, and inspire confidence in hearing solutions.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/

Professional soccer players Rylee Foster and Trip Neil share their inspiring journeys of living—and thriving—with hearing loss, both on and off the field. Foster, a Phonak Ambassador and the first athlete with hearing loss to sign with a Division I professional women’s soccer team, uses her platform to raise awareness and advocate for hearing health. Neil, founder and COO of Dallas Trinity FC, brings his perspective as both a player and sports executive, emphasizing how communication, inclusion, and leadership help create more supportive environments for athletes with hearing challenges.Hosted by Shari Eberts, this discussion explores how hearing loss impacts communication, teamwork, and focus in competitive sports, along with the mental and physical strain of hearing fatigue. Both Foster and Neil reflect on the lessons they’ve learned through their experiences—how hearing loss has strengthened their resilience, sharpened their awareness, and deepened their commitment to advocacy and accessibility in athletics.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/

Live from the Academy of Doctors of Audiology conference, Andrew Bellavia catches up with John Luna of Nuance Audio, winner of the 2025 Hearing Technology Innovator Awards 'Innovator of the Year' title. Luna discusses how the recognition is driving new interest in their hearing glasses and shares how the technology is expanding into both audiology and vision care channels.

What happens when people report real hearing difficulties, but their audiograms show “normal” results?In this episode, Brian Taylor speaks with Dr. Brittan Barker and Dr. Aryn Kamerer from Utah State University about their recent research on adults with unexplained hearing concerns. Despite normal test results, many of these individuals struggle with everyday communication, particularly in noisy environments. The discussion explores patient experiences, the clinical “conundrum” faced by audiologists, and why listening to patient narratives is critical for improving careDiscover the three major themes from their study: dismissive healthcare experiences, misaligned testing methods, and the lengths patients go to find answers. The conversation highlights how clinicians can take practical steps toward more person-centered care and better outcomes.**link to their recently published research in the International Journal of Audiology can be found here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2404150Be 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/

Rock guitar legend Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big, Racer X) joins host Shari Eberts to share his personal journey with hearing loss and how it has shaped his life, both on and off the stage. He opens up about the challenges of understanding speech compared to music, the role of hearing aids in his daily life, and how he has learned to advocate for his needs by asking people to speak slowly, clearly, and face him.As a Phonak ambassador, Paul is passionate about breaking down stigma and encouraging conversations around hearing health. He discusses how gradually adapting to hearing aids changed his perspective, why prevention and protection remain critical, and how technology can empower people to stay connected. From on-stage strategies to practical tips for everyday listening, Paul highlights the ways hearing care can improve quality of life.This candid conversation goes beyond music—it’s about resilience, awareness, and finding joy in sound again. Whether you’re a musician, a student of hearing health, or simply someone navigating life with hearing loss, Paul’s story offers valuable insight and inspiration.Learn more and connect with Paul Gilbert:Website: paulgilbert.comInstagram: @paulgilbert_officialX: @PaulGilbertRockBe 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/

What does it really take to keep a private audiology practice running smoothly? In this episode, Operations Manager Carla Taghvaei of A&A Audiology in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the daily challenges and rewards of managing a growing clinic.Carla shares how her practice organizes patient scheduling, handles insurance and third-party billing, manages staff training, and creates a welcoming experience for every patient who walks through the door. She explains why consistency, communication, and proactive planning are essential to success—and how even small details, like confirming appointments or checking equipment orders, can make a big difference in patient care.Whether you’re an AuD student, new graduate, or someone aspiring to own or operate a private practice, this conversation provides candid insights into balancing business operations with a patient-first philosophy. Carla also offers advice on leadership, team management, and the importance of building trust with both staff and patientsBe 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/