David Kirkwood

A longtime observer of the hearing healthcare scene, David Kirkwood was editor-in-chief of The Hearing Journal from 1990 through 2010. Among the honors he received was a 2006 President’s Award from the American Academy of Audiology. Previously, he spent 15 years as editor and publisher of a weekly community newspaper in Scarsdale, NY. Before finding his way into journalism, he earned degrees in history from Cornell University (where he was an outstanding pinball player) and the University of California at Berkeley. When he isn’t blogging at Hearing Health & Technology Matters, David enjoys spending time with his wife, Annie, going to plays and movies in New York, traveling, and relaxing in their vacation place in Mid-Coast Maine. His other avocations include rooting for the Yankees and throwing tennis balls for his puli, Isaac.

Featured image for “Mueller and Northern close their Trivia Bowl career on a high note”

Mueller and Northern close their Trivia Bowl career on a high note

By David H. Kirkwood ORLANDO, FL—As reported earlier on this blog, the 25th annual Audiology Trivia Bowl, held March 29 at AudiologyNOW! 2014 in Orlando, was the last—at least the final one produced and presented by its co-creators, Gus Mueller and Jerry Northern. The popular event, which debuted in 1990 at the second annual convention of the American Academy of

Manufacturers find many ways to make a big splash at AudiologyNOW!

For a HearingHealthMatters.org exclusive report on the 25th and, very possibly, final Audiology Trivia Bowl, follow this link. By David H. Kirkwood ORLANDO–No matter how much they complain about the costs of exhibiting, the rules and restrictions imposed on them, and the scant appreciation and respect they feel they get from the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), most hearing aid

Featured image for “Surprise at AudiologyNOW! Mueller and Northern announce it’s their final Trivia Bowl”

Surprise at AudiologyNOW! Mueller and Northern announce it’s their final Trivia Bowl

By David H. Kirkwood ORLANDO, FL—The American Academy of Audiology (AAA) had advised convention-goers that Gus Mueller and Jerry Northern were “sure to have some tricks up their sleeves” for the 25th annual Audiology Trivia Bowl, which was held here today (Saturday, March 29) at AudiologyNOW! 2014. However, until a few days ago not even the Academy knew about the really big

Featured image for “Frank Musiek brings Pathways to Hearing Health and Technology Matters”

Frank Musiek brings Pathways to Hearing Health and Technology Matters

TUCSON, AZ–Frank E. Musiek, PhD, whose distinguished research career has contributed substantially to our fundamental understanding of the workings of the human auditory system, has joined the lineup of prominent audiologists at the blog Hearing Health and Technology Matters (HHTM). Musiek’s new section, called Pathways, debuted March 26, the first day of the 2014 American Academy of Audiology Convention in

Featured image for “Product performing functions of a hearing aid and a cochlear implant is approved”

Product performing functions of a hearing aid and a cochlear implant is approved

SILVER SPRING, MD–A new hybrid cochlear implant system that combines the functions of a cochlear implant and a hearing aid received clearance on March 20 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Developed by the Australian company Cochlear Limited, the Cochlear™ Nucleus® Hybrid Implant System is the first solution designed for adults who have severe or profound sensorineural hearing

Featured image for “Scientists test new technologies to conquer the hearing-in-noise challenge”

Scientists test new technologies to conquer the hearing-in-noise challenge

MELBOURNE/BOSTON—As long as companies have been making hearing aids, the toughest and most frustrating challenge they have confronted is devising products that enable wearers to understand speech in noisy social gatherings, such as cocktail parties. While directional microphones and other technologies have helped a lot, it is still a rare hearing aid wearer who can easily engage in conversation while

Featured image for “AAA to honor leading lights in audiology at AudiologyNOW! 2014 in Orlando”

AAA to honor leading lights in audiology at AudiologyNOW! 2014 in Orlando

ORLANDO, FL—A pioneering audiologic researcher for more than 40 years at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the founder of a leading manufacturer of audiologic equipment, and a scientist who draws on her clinical experience in rehabilitative audiology and her training in experimental psychology to help older adults who suffer from both hearing and cognitive impairments will be among those

Featured image for “Phonak confirms that it will distribute hearing aids through Costco”

Phonak confirms that it will distribute hearing aids through Costco

AUTHOR’S UPDATE: For more on this story, see my colleague Holly Hosford-Dunn’s two posts on the topic at Hearing Economics. Curious about hearing aids sold at Costco? The Hearing Technologies section provides a review of Costco’s current hearing aid models and pricing. Currently, Phonak is now on its 3rd generation of hearing devices released in Costco. By David H. Kirkwood

Featured image for “Moe Bergman, pioneering audiologist and director of the first VA clinic, dies”

Moe Bergman, pioneering audiologist and director of the first VA clinic, dies

HERZLIYA, ISRAEL—Moe Bergman, EdD, one of the last remaining founders of audiology, died on February 20 in Herzliya, Israel. He was 97. Dr. Bergman, a native New Yorker who moved to Israel with his wife, Hannah, in 1975, became involved in audiology in the 1930s, long before the term “audiology” was even used. In the 1940s, Bergman, along with Raymond

Parents are cautioned that sleep machines may be a threat to infants’ hearing

The lulling white noise or gentle sounds of nature that an infant sleep machine (ISP) emits can bring relief to wakeful babies and their exhausted parents. However, research by scientists at the University of Toronto suggests that these popular devices, if not used carefully, can pose a threat to an infant’s hearing. A study published online on March 3 in