Being a successful hearing care professional requires balancing a passion for helping people hear with the day-to-day needs of running a small business. In every episode of Starkey Sound Bites, Dr. Dave Fabry — Starkey’s Chief Health Officer and an audiologist with 40-years of experience in the hearing industry — talks to industry insiders, business experts and hearing aid wearers to dig into the latest trends, technology and insights hearing care professionals need to keep their clinics thriving and patients hearing their best. If better hearing is your passion and profession, you won’t want to miss Starkey Sound Bites.
Episodes
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Strategies for a Thriving Hearing Care Practice feat. Dr. Gyl Kasewurm
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
In this episode of Starkey SoundBites, Dr. Dave Fabry interviews Dr. Gyl Kasewurm, a renowned audiologist and small business owner. They discuss the challenges of running a small business in the hearing care industry and the importance of providing excellent patient care. Dr. Kasewurm shares her experiences and insights on building a successful practice, including the need to focus on patient satisfaction and the importance of measuring outcomes.
Dr. Gyl emphasizes the value of technology in improving patient outcomes and the need for practitioners to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements. She advises practitioners to focus on a few key manufacturers to become experts in their technology and to carefully manage costs to ensure profitability. The episode concludes with a teaser for the second part of the interview, where they will continue the discussion on business strategies and best practices.
Thursday Mar 21, 2024
A Discussion with Legends of the Hearing Aid Industry
Thursday Mar 21, 2024
Thursday Mar 21, 2024
In a special episode of Starkey Soundbites, we welcome two hearing aid industry legends: Starkey's founder and chairman, Bill Austin, and Karl Strom, Editor-in-Chief of Hearing Tracker, for an enlightening discussion hosted by Dr. Dave Fabry. The episode outlines the journey of innovation that led hearing aids to have all of the remarkable capabilities they have today and recounts the transition from custom-made hearing aids to digital hearing aids, and to today’s devices that offer a range of beneficial features for overall health monitoring and connectivity.
After more than six decades in the hearing industry, Bill Austin shares what he has learned throughout his impressive career, and his experience with the many groundbreaking developments that have changed countless people’s lives. He discusses his fascinating journey in the industry, starting with how he began making ear molds and later developing in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. Mr. Austin’s unique strategies, such as offering all-make-repair service and ensuring fast delivery, have transformed the hearing aid market within the US and globally.
Karl Strom reflects on the changes he has seen in the hearing industry throughout his career and emphasizes the importance of honest reporting in disseminating information to patients and providers. This episode presents an inspiring testament to the transformational potential of technology when used for the betterment of humanity.
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Dr. Dave Fabry and Dr. Sara Burdak discuss the recent updates and features released by Starkey. They talk about the advancements in AI and DNN, particularly the evolution of Edge Mode into Edge Mode+, which is now automatic and dynamically adjusts to different listening environments. They also discuss improvements in connectivity, including asynchronous remote programming and direct linking for easier and more convenient adjustments.
Additionally, they highlight the new Signature Series, which includes the world's smallest rechargeable CIC and the implementation of Edge Mode in non-wireless CIC models. They emphasize the importance of high-quality impressions for custom products and the need for professionals to slow down and ensure accurate impressions for better fitting devices. Finally, they touch on the significance of World Hearing Day and International Women's Day, with Dr. Burdak encouraging women in STEM fields to have an open mind and consider various career opportunities within audiology.
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Tinnitus Awareness Week 2024
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
Thursday Feb 08, 2024
During Tinnitus Awareness Week, Dave dives into the topic with a Starkey subject matter expert: Dr. Jamie Hand. While you may be aware that veterans experience higher rates of tinnitus than the general public, you may be surprised to learn another group is at high risk -- dentists and dental hygienists. Dr. Hand talks about the findings of a study she conducted that show the need for hearing protection and hearing screenings within this profession. She and Dave also talk about treatment for ringing in the ears, red flags for both patients and providers, and tips for hearing professionals on how to best assist people struggling with this oftentimes frustrating condition.
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
Starkey Hearing Aid Accessories
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
In this episode of Starkey SoundBites, Dr. Dave Fabry, Starkey's Chief Hearing Health Officer, interviews Dr. Kristy Lowery, Audibel's Director of Clinical Operations, about the importance of hearing aid accessories. They discuss how accessories can enhance the benefits of hearing aids and provide specific examples of how accessories like the TV Streamer, Table Mic, Remote Control, and Remote Mic can improve the listening experience in various situations. They emphasize the need for clinicians to recommend accessories to their patients, as they can significantly improve their hearing journey!
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
A Journey Through Space and Sound with Starkey Genesis AI
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Dr. K. Renee Horton, a NASA scientist, author, and hearing aid wearer, discusses her experience with hearing loss and the impact of wearing her new Starkey Genesis hearing aids. She shares that she initially resisted wearing hearing aids when she was diagnosed with hearing loss at a younger age due to stigma and concerns about how others would view her and her capabilities. However, after being fitted with the hearing aids, she was amazed at all the sounds she was missing.
She also noticed improvements in her ability to hear and communicate in various environments, including during public speaking engagements and her book signings and giveaways. Dr. Horton emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of the brain in hearing and encourages individuals with hearing loss to seek professional help and not let stigma or concerns hold them back from improving their hearing. She also highlights the importance of staying updated with the latest hearing aid technology and working with healthcare professionals to find the right fit.
You won’t want to miss this engaging and entertaining episode!
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
2024 and Beyond: The Future of Hearing Care
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
In this episode of Starkey SoundBites, host Dave Fabry interviews Brandon Sawalich, the president and CEO of Starkey, about the future of the hearing industry. Sawalich reflects on the advancements in technology in 2023 and discusses the importance of patient-driven care in 2024. He emphasizes the role of hearing professionals in providing personalized service and highlights the need for continued investment in oneself and the adoption of new products and technologies. Sawalich also addresses the impact of over-the-counter hearing aids and the future of private practice. He concludes by discussing the potential of Bluetooth low energy audio and the My Starkey app, as well as the importance of caring for patients and differentiating oneself through exceptional service.
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Have you questioned your understanding of the hearing care professional's journey with their patients? Join us as we delve into this intricate journey with Michael Tease, Chief Retail Officer for Audibel. We explore how each professional's commitment to their patients leads to life-altering improvements in hearing loss treatments. Michael shares how his diverse background, spanning from law to the hearing aid industry, as well as his family history of hearing impairment, shaped his understanding of hearing loss and the dedicated professionals treating it.
The conversation also dives into how retail strategies are revolutionizing the healthcare sector. Michael reveals how they've implemented these strategies at Audibel, from merchandising displays to a hybrid model of care that includes telehealth services. This intersection of healthcare and retail shows how it not only benefits patients but also provides a competitive advantage for hearing care providers.
Topics such as the tech-savvy baby boomer generation, the impact of social media, and changing expectations surrounding hearing aids are all discussed. This episode concludes with a look at the connection between hearing aids and preserving cognitive function in the aging population. It's a conversation about how new technologies are changing perceptions and the importance of staying mentally engaged. Don't miss out - tune in and be a part of this enlightening conversation!
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Artificial Intelligence in Hearing Aids
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
In this episode of Starkey Sound Bites, host Dr. Dave Fabry interviews Dr. Seth Dobrin, an expert in artificial intelligence (AI) and a hearing aid user. They discuss Dr. Dobrin's journey to getting hearing aids, the stigma associated with hearing loss, and the positive impact that hearing aids have had on his life. They also delve into the topic of AI, including the potential benefits and challenges it presents.
Dr. Dobrin emphasizes the importance of responsible AI and human-centric design, particularly in the context of healthcare and the workforce. He predicts that AI will create more jobs in the future. Dr. Dobrin also shares his wishes for the future of hearing aids, including seamless translation capabilities and the integration of health monitoring features.
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Creating User-Centric Audiology Fitting Software with Laura Woodworth
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Ever wondered how hearing aid software products are developed and improved based on user feedback? Dr. Dave Fabry talks to Laura Woodworth, Principal Product Manager at Starkey, about her journey in working to create Starkey’s Pro Fit fitting software. Laura's story starts from her time in speech pathology, transitions into a clinical fellowship year at Starkey, and lands into her current role focused on creating the best fitting software in the industry.
We dig deep into the fascinating process of developing Pro Fit, a software that marries feedback from customers and stakeholders. Laura emphasizes how the team at Starkey integrated 'Aha moments' into their creation process to solve common issues. Our conversation also veers towards Telehear, the innovative collaboration between the fitting software and mobile app, which offers clinicians comprehensive data for informed decisions. Laura also shares her thoughts on the growing importance of Telehealth and how My Starkey enhances the user experience with self-check and diagnostic tools. Prepare to be inspired and informed as you journey through this narrative of development, innovation, and user-centric strategy.