Starkey Sound Bites

Let’s dive into the world of fitting formulas! In this episode, Dave chats with Dr. Andrea Hannan Dawkes, a Starkey expert who frequently trains professionals on best practices. They discuss how fitting formulas have changed over the years, why they’re important for patient satisfaction, proprietary fitting formulas, and the benefits of Starkey’s own Pro Fit fitting software. Hope you enjoy!  

Link to the full episode transcript here.

In this episode of the SoundBites podcast, host Dave Fabry compiles answers from various guests to three personal questions about hearing. The first question asks what sound the guests would miss the most if they couldn't hear their best. Answers range from the sound of heels clicking on tile to children's laughter and the music of family. The second question asks for memorable moments or events where sound played a key role, with responses including performing on stage, hearing the bugling of an elk, and the sound of birds in the morning. The final question asks about the guests' least favorite sound, with answers including people brushing their teeth, a child's shriek, and the screeching of subway wheels. The episode also promotes Starkey's Best Sound Ever contest, where people can vote for the best sound in the world.

Link to the episode transcript here. 

Join us for the continuation of our insightful conversation with Dr. Gyl Kasewurm, a seasoned audiologist and business owner with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Kasewurm shares her wealth of knowledge on all things audiology and business, discussing the evolution of technology, patient care, and key performance indicators (KPIs) essential for building a successful practice.

In the latest Sound Bites podcast, Dr. Kasewurm and Dr. Dave Fabry delve into the significance of KPIs beyond just help rate, exploring how small changes in business strategies can yield significant results. They emphasize the importance of reframing trial periods for hearing aids to ensure patients are committed and invested in their treatment journey from the start.

Moreover, they discuss the shifting landscape of hearing healthcare, especially with the booming boomer generation becoming more proactive about their hearing health. Dr. Kasewurm reflects on her transition into a new phase of her career and the ongoing joy she finds in helping others and staying connected to her passion.

Whether you're a seasoned audiologist or a business owner looking to enhance your practice, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips to navigate the dynamic intersection of audiology and business.

Link to full transcript here. 

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.

Link to full transcript

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. 

Link to full transcript here. 

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.

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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. 

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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!  

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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!

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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.

Link to full transcript