Wayne Staab

Dr. Staab is an internationally recognized authority in hearing aids. As President of Dr. Wayne J. Staab and Associates, he is engaged in consulting, research, development, manufacturing, education, and marketing projects related to hearing. His professional career has included University teaching, hearing clinic work, hearing aid company management and sales, and extensive work with engineering in developing and bringing new technology and products to the discipline of hearing. This varied background allows him to couple manufacturing and business with the science of acoustics to bring innovative developments and insights to our discipline. Dr. Staab has authored numerous books, chapters, and articles related to hearing aids and their fitting, and is an internationally-requested presenter. He is a past President and past Executive Director of the American Auditory Society and a retired Fellow of the International Collegium of Rehabilitative Audiology. Interests engaged in outside of the above include: fishing, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, golf, travel, tennis, softball, lecturing, sporting clays, 4-wheeling, archery, swimming, guitar, computers, and photography. These are great topics of discussion away from business.

Featured image for “July 4th – Celebrate Safely”

July 4th – Celebrate Safely

The Fourth of July and fireworks are traditional in the US, and go together like hamburgers and hot dogs. And, as thrilling as it is to watch fireworks, care should be exercised because the sound pressures generated by fireworks can lead to hearing damage if proper precautions are not employed. Short History Ancient China introduced fireworks, but they have a

Featured image for “Ear-Picking – What is it?”

Ear-Picking – What is it?

A few years ago, a trip to the city of Chengdu, China (home of the giant panda), provided an unexpected experience – the practice of ear-picking, or what some might refer to as ear cleaning or ear scraping. Ear Picking and Giant Pandas – Chengdu, China Most tourists who travel to Chengdu, China go to see the giant pandas. However,

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Snoring and Hearing

More than 40 million adults in the U.S. snore, which is approximately 20% of the adult population. Men are reported to engage in habitual snoring at a rate of 45% versus 25% for women.1,2 An article in the Daily Mail of the United Kingdom reported that around 75% of the UK population are believed to be snorers with the condition most

Featured image for “The Sounds of Africa – Lions”

The Sounds of Africa – Lions

The Lion Roar is the Voice and Sound of Africa Off in the distance in the savannahs of Africa, you listen, and a roar comes out of the deep, creating an uneasy trepidation. The lion’s roar is indeed the voice and sound of Africa. It sends an awesome message to the world that he is lord and master to all

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The Sounds of Africa

What Elephants Hear On several occasions, I have had the opportunity to visit Africa, and spending time in the welt and/or savanna is mandatory for this outdoorsman. I have experienced unbelievable animal activity – off the beaten tracks, but always in the company of a well-trained and armed ranger/tracker. How animals hear and communicate is an interesting topic. For some

Featured image for “Does Loud Snoring Affect Hearing?”

Does Loud Snoring Affect Hearing?

An estimated 37 million adults are reported to snore while sleeping as mentioned in a previous post. Loud snoring has been listed as the cause for snorers themselves to arouse from their sleep, and prevent them from having deeper, more restful levels of sleep. However, the effect on bed partners is a major topic of discussion as well, much of

Featured image for “Origins of the First In-The-Ear Hearing Aids: A Closer Look”

Origins of the First In-The-Ear Hearing Aids: A Closer Look

My past two posts on old hearing aids have followed an historical theme based on a box of old hearing aids I uncovered in my garage recently. I actually knew they were there, but digging them out was not high on my list. However, they were uncovered when I was looking for a baling hook (unrelated to hearing aids). And,

Featured image for “Auditory Icons, Earcons, and Speech”

Auditory Icons, Earcons, and Speech

Can Auditory Icons be Used More Effectively in Hearing Aids? Background One of the most successful improvements to the user-electronics interface made since the early 1970s has been the inclusion of icons (eye-cons) – graphic symbols that visually represent information in the electronics display (photos, mail, text, calendar, etc.), whether it be a personal computer, smart phone, or any of

Featured image for “The First BTE Hearing Aids? Historical Look at 1950s Behind The Ear Devices”

The First BTE Hearing Aids? Historical Look at 1950s Behind The Ear Devices

Last week’s post revolved around finding a box of old hearing aids in my garage, and wondering if any of them were interesting or rare enough that information and photographs of them should be documented. I found some really good “stuff” and wrote about some unusual hearing aids that I had found in the box. That post focused on some

Featured image for “Old Hearing Aids – What is Your Story? Hearing Aids from the 1940s and 1950s”

Old Hearing Aids – What is Your Story? Hearing Aids from the 1940s and 1950s

While searching the garage the other day for a baling hook, I found a box titled “old hearing aids.” I wondered how old some of these might be, and if there were any interesting features/design characteristics. And, why did I keep these? A number of photos of old hearing aids can be found in the literature, but usually don’t provide