Starkey Sound Bites

Ever wonder how your hearing and balance play a significant role in preventing falls, especially for older adults? Our latest podcast episode brings you an enlightening conversation with Dr. Richard Gans, a global authority on hearing and balance. A personal journey driven by his mother's struggle with intractable Meniere’s disease led him to audiology and shaped his commitment to understanding and treating vertigo. He reflects on the early days of Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and Electrocochleography (ECOG), while emphasizing his drive and desire to earn his PhD.

As we mark Fall Prevention Awareness Week, we delve deeper into the labyrinth of the audio-vestibular system. This complex network, akin to a duplex, comprises of the cochlea, or the flat, and the vestibular system, or the townhouse. Dr. Gans shares his transition from retail to a medical model in his practice, highlighting the importance of healthcare providers to stay relevant. As we round up our conversation, we underscore the imperative of collaborative healthcare and discuss patient validation and take inspiration from the optometry model that exemplifies team-based care. Tune in for an insightful discourse on the correlation between hearing-balance and fall prevention!

Link to the full transcript. 

Starkey is at the forefront of innovation, continuing to push the edge of what is possible. If you have ever wondered how hearing technology is developed, Dr. Dave Fabry and Nate Johnson, Starkey’s Director of Product Management, have a detailed discussion on how key decisions are made, how critical feedback from both hearing care professionals and patients is incorporated into product development, and the complexity of hearing aid development cycles. 

Dave and Nate have a candid discussion on how by transforming hearing aids from single function listening enhancement devices into multi-functional and multipurpose health and communication tools with advanced sensors and artificial intelligence technologies, today’s hearing aids have sophisticated and groundbreaking technology that is having a real impact on people’s lives. 

Learn more about the addition of new products to the impressive Genesis AI product line, as well as new enhancements designed to offer unprecedented benefits to both patients and hearing healthcare professionals. 

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Justin Osmond, who is part of the famous Osmond family, has navigated the world of hearing loss since birth. In this enlightening conversation, Justin talks candidly about the emotional roller coaster associated with hearing loss, discussing the pressing need for early detection, intervention, and support. 
 
Growing up with severe to profound hearing loss posed unique challenges for Justin, from playing sports to interacting with peers while wearing hearing aids. Yet, he did more than just survive; he thrived, thanks to technological advancements boosting his confidence and easing his nerves. Justin reflects on the impact hearing loss has had on his mental health  - and how he was able to overcome his anxiety and isolation associated, educating those around him and even turning the tide on bullying. The game-changer? Starkey’s Genesis AI, an innovation that has transformed his life and armed him with a new superpower. 
 
Justin and Dave also delve into the profound impact of hearing aid technology on his life and those around him, including reduced anxiety, the sheer joy of participation in daily activities, and the thrill of experiencing clarity and understanding that was previously elusive. Join us to hear Justin's hearing journey and discover the invaluable role of hearing aids in reducing anxiety, overcoming hurdles, and living a fulfilling life. It's a conversation that promises to be as informative as it is inspiring. 

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What if your newborn was diagnosed with hearing loss? How would you navigate the intricate journey of early diagnosis, the emotional toll, and strategizing the best possible care for your child? Nicky Hemann from Starkey's HR leadership team shares her experience raising her daughter Kaylee, who presents with a severe to profound hearing loss as a result of Cytomegalovirus (CMV).  
 
From the shock of the initial diagnosis to having her daughter implanted with cochlear implants, Nicky unfolds the narrative of her family's experience. You'll glean invaluable insights as Nicky shares their routine of attending both an oral school and a deaf school, and the underlying importance of allowing Kaylee to choose her preferred mode of communication. We conclude this episode with Nicky’s advice for parents grappling with similar situations, advice for professionals on how to best communicate difficult news to patients, and her heartfelt account of how she's helping Kaylee lead a fulfilling life. Tune in to our episode to learn about the power of support and awareness. 

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In this special episode, Dr. Dave Fabry and Dr. Jamie Hand untangle the intricate findings of the long-awaited ACHIEVE Study that just dropped last week. It revealed a startling 48% reduction in cognitive decline among a specific group, shedding light on the power of intervention. We were excited to discuss how this vital data can be used to empower and educate patients about comorbidities linked to untreated hearing loss. 

We also delve into how the ACHIEVE Study showcases the life-changing impact of hearing loss intervention in reducing feelings of loneliness. The impressive figure of 94% of patients believing their hearing aids were worthwhile after continuous use for three years speaks volumes. Finally, we discussed the importance of monitoring physical and social activity using innovative tools like Starkey's Hear Share app. Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of hearing health? Let's get started!

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Running a hearing healthcare practice is complex and ever-changing. In this episode, a second-generation hearing pro talks about her journey of building a successful private practice. Madison Levine shares practical insights about growth opportunities, enhancing your service delivery model and engaging with the community to build awareness of your business. She’s also an ambassador for Starkey’s Listen Carefully initiative and talks about the benefits of getting involved.    

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June 21st marks the longest day of the year. For the Alzheimer’s Association, The Longest Day is an important day of awareness and fundraising. In this episode, Dave sits down with Dr. Heather Snyder, Vice President of Medical and Scientific Affairs at the Alzheimer’s Association, to discuss the ongoing research into the connection between hearing loss and dementia. One of the latest studies, which found that treating hearing loss could mean reducing the risk of dementia, was released in The Lancet this spring. Dr. Snyder also talks about the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease, and why it’s important for hearing healthcare providers to be aware of them.  

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Take a deep dive into the research and development behind Starkey’s waterproof Genesis AI hearing aids. In this episode, Dave chats with Brian Dahl, Starkey’s Vice President of Quality and Regulatory about the rigorous testing that went into these devices and why moisture is such a big deal for hearing aid wearers. 

Want to learn more about Starkey’s waterproof Genesis AI hearing aids? Check out this white paper and infographic.

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Audibel’s Global Director of TeleHear and Clinical Training, Kristy Lowery, Ph.D., joins Dave to discuss the evolution of telehealth in the hearing industry, explain how the pandemic made it mainstream, share real world telehealth success stories, and make the case for why every hearing professional should implement it.

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