This Week in Hearing

What does it take to build sustainable hearing care infrastructure in underserved regions of the world? In this inspiring interview, Andrew Bellavia is joined by Richard Brown, Chairman and President of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, and Dr. Alfred Mwamba, Executive Director of the Starkey Hearing Institute in Zambia, to explore the foundation’s evolution from mission-based outreach to a scalable, community-empowered

How well do hearing aids handle noisy, real-world environments? Dr. Bob Traynor sits down with Drs. Sheena Oliver and Eric Branda of WS Audiology to discuss a recent independent study conducted by Hörzentrum Oldenburg. The research compared speech understanding performance between Signia’s Integrated Xperience (IX) hearing aids and another leading device featuring an AI co-processor. The conversation explores the implications

What if a digital tool could help bridge the gap between hearing loss and informed action? In this session from the 2025 Future of Hearing Healthcare Conference, Dr. Mel Ferguson of Curtin University introduces the HearChoice project—a co-designed, evidence-based decision aid developed to empower adults with hearing loss. Backed by Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council, HearChoice is designed

Advances in implantable technology are opening new possibilities for people living with hearing loss. In the third installment of our cochlear implant series, we welcome back Brent Lucas, CEO of Envoy Medical, to explore the latest advancements in hearing technology and patient care. He shares the latest updates on the company’s progress toward fully implantable hearing devices and discusses their

Hearing care is evolving rapidly—are we ready for what’s next? In this conversation from the 2025 Future of Hearing Healthcare Conference, Andy Bellavia and Dave Kemp explore the trends reshaping hearing healthcare. From the growing influence of AI and consumer tech to the mainstreaming of OTC hearing aids, they discuss how new technologies are expanding access and improving outcomes for

Stigma remains one of the most enduring and complex barriers in hearing healthcare—shaping public perceptions of hearing loss, delaying help-seeking behaviors, and limiting the adoption of hearing technology across all age groups. Despite advances in treatment and expanded access through over-the-counter (OTC) devices, many people still hesitate to pursue care due to fears of looking old, feeling different, or being

Modernizing audiology practice isn’t just about professional progress—it’s about improving patient care. In this session, moderator Dave Kemp leads a timely discussion with Dr. Alicia Spoor (Maryland), Dr. Kelley Linton (Arkansas), Dr. Brian Greenaway (Oregon), and Stephanie Czuhajewski, Executive Director of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), on the evolving legislative landscape shaping the future of audiology. Together, they

Cochlear implants remain vastly underutilized despite decades of evidence showing their ability to restore hearing and improve quality of life. In this episode, neurotologist Dr. Varun Varadarajan joins host Brian Taylor to explore the clinical, logistical, and cultural barriers that continue to limit access to cochlear implant care. Drawing on his background in music and neuroscience, Dr. Varadarajan shares his

From first consult to post-activation, cochlear implant success often depends on the strength of the care team behind the patient. In this episode, Dr. Kevin Zhan, Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology and Director of the Northwestern Medicine Cochlear Implant Program, joins host Brian Taylor to discuss the evolving collaboration between cochlear implant surgeons and hearing care professionals. Dr. Zhan shares insights

Nuance Audio has officially introduced its over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid glasses to the U.S. market. In this episode, recorded at the launch event in New York, Andrew Bellavia speaks with Davide D’Alena of Nuance Audio and EssilorLuxottica, and John Luna, about the product’s development, regulatory journey, and plans for rollout. The glasses aim to assist individuals with mild to moderate