Shows
Hearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusMaking Sense of the Student Loan Changes and Professional Degree DefinitionPolicy just moved the goalposts on graduate borrowing. We invited Jill Desjean, Director of Policy Analysis at NASFAA, to break down the new federal definition of “professional degree,” why it leans on a legacy program list, and what that means for loan limits, affordability, and access to care.We walk through the exact criteria the Department of Education is using, how Congress pointed the rulemaking toward classifications like medicine and dentistry, and why allied health fields with licensure and clinical preparation can still be left out. From there, we connect the dots: lower federal loan caps could push...
2025-12-0923 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusCan You Build a Patient-First Practice While Still Being Profitable?Dr. Lindsay Koble takes us on an extraordinary journey from accidental audiologist to successful practice owner in this eye-opening conversation about the realities of audiology entrepreneurship. After a jaw surgery complication left her with a perforated eardrum during college, Lindsay discovered her passion for audiology through her own hearing healthcare experience. This unexpected path led her to build Audiology Always, a thriving practice in her hometown of Auburn, Indiana focused on transparent, accessible care.Lindsay's career trajectory provides a masterclass in preparation for practice ownership. Her time in an ENT clinic built clinical confidence with complex cases...
2025-08-0653 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusCelebrating 200 Episodes: From College Radio to Global ImpactTwo hundred episodes. Six years. One hundred twenty-one countries. The Hearing Matters Podcast celebrates a remarkable milestone in its mission to educate and connect the global hearing healthcare community.Host Blaise Delfino's journey from college radio DJ to global hearing healthcare advocate encapsulates the power of finding your purpose. What began in a 400-square-foot family practice as a simple tool to answer patient questions has evolved into an international platform reaching thousands of hearing care professionals and patients alike. With early episodes designed to prepare patients for appointments and guide them through the hearing healthcare journey, the...
2025-07-0954 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusHearing Loss and Cognition with Madison Levine, BC - HISThe connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline represents one of the most crucial health discoveries of our time—yet it remains surprisingly under-discussed in mainstream wellness conversations. Madison Levine, BC-HIS, founder of Levine Hearing and second-generation hearing care professional, joins us to explain why this matters and how hearing professionals are changing their approach to patient education.A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Otolaryngology found that 32% of dementia cases could be attributed to audiometric hearing loss, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness. While many pursue various health interventions to extend their "healthspan," few recognize hearing tr...
2025-05-0641 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusMatt Hay's Journey with an Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI)What if your entire life changed at the age of 19? Matt Hay shares his incredible journey of sudden hearing loss due to neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and the pivotal moment an audiologist recognized the need for further medical evaluation, leading to his diagnosis. This episode underscores the critical importance of comprehensive audiology practices and the life-altering impact of an accurate diagnosis.Join us as we explore the pioneering world of auditory brainstem implants (ABI). From the early challenges at the House Ear Institute to the remarkable personal account of a patient who underwent the ABI procedure, we cover...
2025-04-0140 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusEthical Journeys in Audiology: Dr. Michael Page on Balancing Care and Professional StandardsWhat if ethical practice isn't a destination but a continuous journey? Join us for a compelling discussion with Dr. Michael Page, an esteemed audiologist whose career has been profoundly shaped by his work in bioethics. Dr. Page offers invaluable insights into the universal application of ethical principles in audiology, sharing how his early experiences as a pediatric audiologist led to his involvement in a hospital bioethics committee. Listen as we uncover the foundational principles guiding ethical decision-making across diverse settings, transcending beyond specific fields like medical ethics.Throughout the episode, we tackle the complexities of maintaining professional...
2025-02-1141 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusMedications, Hearing Loss, and Tinnitus with Dr. Robert DiSograWhat if common medications like aspirin or antibiotics could be silently affecting your hearing? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Robert DiSogra, a trailblazer in the intersection between pharmacology and audiology. Dr. DiSogra has dedicated over 25 years to understanding how more than 2,000 drugs can impact auditory and vestibular health. His insights, shaped through collaborations with figures like Dr. George Osborne and Dr. Jerry Northern, have transformed educational courses and continue to influence audiologists worldwide.Our discussion highlights the hidden ototoxic risks lurking in everyday medications, such as ibuprofen and aminoglycosides. We unravel the critical importance...
2024-12-1238 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and Tinnitus6 Ways to Reduce Hearing Aid Returns and Enhance Patient Satisfaction in 2025Discover how to transform your hearing care practice with insights from Blaise Delfino, as we promise to reveal the keys to reducing hearing aid return rates drastically. Blaise opens up about his journey to achieving a return rate of less than 1%, sharing strategies that focus on enhancing patient satisfaction and making hearing aids financially accessible. By refining patient interactions and service delivery models, Blaise and his team not only retained more patients but turned them into advocates for better hearing. Learn how offering financing options like CareCredit can remove financial barriers, ensuring that hearing technology is accessible to all...
2024-11-2729 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusIntelligent Hearing: Dr. Dave Fabry on AI Advancements in Hearing AidsJoin us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. David Fabry, Chief Hearing Health Officer at Starkey, as we explore the groundbreaking innovations in hearing aid technology. Discover how advancements in machine learning and deep neural networks are transforming these devices from manual tools into intelligent systems that automatically adjust to any acoustic environment, enhancing the user's auditory experience.Dr. Fabry takes us through an illuminating journey into the realm of artificial intelligence in audiology. By drawing parallels between a child's language acquisition and the learning process of deep neural networks, he vividly explains how these technologies have...
2024-11-1347 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusRedefining Hearing Aids feat. Brandon SawalichBrandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey, joins us to share his incredible journey both on the professional front and in his personal life. The conversation brings to light the pride he feels for his son William's progress in the NASCAR Xfinity Series—a journey fueled by discipline and dedication. Brandon also opens up about the profound impact of Starkey's founder, Bill Austin, whose mentorship continues to guide him in leading the company while preserving Bill's remarkable legacy.Moving beyond personal stories, we explore Starkey's transformation into a forward-thinking tech company. Brandon details how groundbreaking innovations like Ed...
2024-10-3025 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusElevate Your Performance with Expert IEM AdviceDiscover the truth about in-ear monitors (IEMs) with our acclaimed guest, Dr. Melissa Heche, as she dispels common myths and shares her vast expertise in audiology and sound engineering. You'll gain invaluable insights into why these devices, while excellent for sound isolation, are not standalone hearing protection. Dr. Heche, along with industry experts Blaise Delfino and Dr. Douglas Beck, guides us through the challenges musicians face when transitioning from traditional floor wedges to IEMs, and how proper selection and mixing can significantly enhance performance while safeguarding hearing.Join us for a deep dive into the world of...
2024-10-2426 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusJoel Lockwood's Journey: From Tech Innovator to Hearing Health AdvocateIn this episode of the Hearing Matters podcast, host Blaise Delfino speaks with Joel Lockwood, president of Sycle, about his extensive experience in the technology sector and the evolution of hearing care. They discuss the importance of understanding hearing loss metrics, the introduction of the 'hearing number' as a universal metric for hearing health, and the role of AI in enhancing efficiency in hearing clinics. They also emphasize the need for clinics to continue to pursue the benefits of technology and the value of Sycle’s new Digital Clinic module. Joel shares insights from his journey, the challenges faced in...
2024-10-0328 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusTransforming Audiology: Dr. Alicia D.D. Spoor on Modernization, Advocacy, and Scope ExpansionHow can the modernization of audiology transform patient care and professional practice? Join us as we welcome Dr. Alicia Spoor, president of Designer Audiology, who shares her inspiring journey and insights into the ever-evolving field of audiology. From her educational experiences to the influence of mentors like Dr. Craig Johnson, Dr. Spoor sheds light on the significant advancements driven by the Maryland Academy of Audiology, emphasizing the importance of advocacy for both patients and professionals.Explore the groundbreaking changes brought about by the 2023 FDA final rule on over-the-counter hearing aids, and how these regulatory updates are reshaping...
2024-09-2436 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusFDA Approval of Apple AirPods Pro 2: Dr. Keith Darrow on Competing with Prescription Hearing AidsCan Apple's AirPods Pro 2 truly compete with traditional prescription hearing aids? In this episode of the Hearing Matters Podcast, we offer an in-depth look into the FDA approved Apple AirPods Pro 2 as potential over-the-counter hearing aids. We address the technical differences, including latency issues, fit, battery life, costs and more.Drs. Darrow and Beck discuss the social stigma traditionally associated with wearing hearing aids, and the potential for trendy alternatives like AirPods to shift public perception and make hearing aids more socially acceptable. This episode delivers a compelling discussion on affordability, accessibility, and much more!
2024-09-1726 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusExpert Tips for Integrating Cognitive Screening in Audiology PracticesUnlock the secrets to preserving cognitive health and enhancing quality of life with insights from Dr. David Fabry of Starkey and groundbreaking research studies. This episode promises to shed light on the intricate connections between hearing loss, cognition, and comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Learn how untreated hearing loss can exacerbate cognitive decline in at-risk populations, especially older adults, and discover the potential benefits of hearing amplification from key studies like the ACHIEVE study from Johns Hopkins.Ever wondered why speech in noise testing is crucial for diagnosing cognitive disorders and hearing loss? Dr. Beck...
2024-09-0427 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusMatt Hay's Experience with NF2 and Auditory Brainstem Implants (ABIs)What if your entire life changed at the age of 19? Matt Hay shares his incredible journey of sudden hearing loss due to neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and the pivotal moment an audiologist recognized the need for further medical evaluation, leading to his diagnosis. This episode underscores the critical importance of comprehensive audiology practices and the life-altering impact of an accurate diagnosis.Join us as we explore the pioneering world of auditory brainstem implants (ABI). From the early challenges at the House Ear Institute to the remarkable personal account of a patient who underwent the ABI procedure, we cover...
2024-07-0340 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and Tinnitus6 Winning Strategies to Reduce Hearing Aid Returns in 2024Ever wondered why some hearing aids end up returned more often than used? As a hearing care provider, are you keen to improve your return for credit rate? Join me, Blaise Delfino, in this episode as we explore the world of hearing healthcare and tackle key issues that can help reduce hearing aid returns in 2024.Brace yourselves as we journey into the nuances of empathetic healthcare and debunk myths surrounding hearing aids. We will address common reasons for returns like unsuitable fit, adjustment challenges and misaligned expectations, while providing practical advice to improve your practice's return for...
2023-12-0634 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusPodcasting is Influencing the Hearing Healthcare Industry | Celebrating 100 EpisodesI can't believe it...The Hearing Matters Podcast has been raising awareness of hearing healthcare for almost 4 years. As we celebrate the release of our 100th episode, our team would like to extend our gratitude and thank you for your support! You carve out time in your busy schedule to hangout with us to talk about hearing aids, ear wax, and best practices...that's so cool!In celebration of our 100th episode, we wanted to reflect on the last four years in the podcasting space. I am a firm believer that...
2023-03-1421 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusFinancial Assistance for Hearing Aids feat. Wendy Davis | PA Assistive Technology FoundationIn this episode, Blaise Delfino speaks with Wendy Harkins Davis, Outreach Director of Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation. Wendy is responsible for developing and implementing PATF’s housing and outreach activities including managing PATF’s smart home technology projects and working to educate both professionals and Pennsylvanians about PATF’s programs and services.Wendy worked for eight years in outreach for CaptionCall, a federal phone captioning provider. Her children’s and husband’s hearing loss led her into advocacy for the Deaf/deaf/hard-of-hearing community. Prior to that, she worked in the technology sector for 13 years in software...
2023-01-0329 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusCan I Try Hearing Aids Before Buying Them?In this episode, Blaise Delfino discusses the benefits of the hearing aid take home demo. After listening to this episode you will learn:How to implement the hearing aid take home demo in your practice.How the take home demo differentiates your practice when compared to your competitors. How the take home demo is a win-win for you, your practice, but most importantly, your patients. Patients wait an average of 7-10 years to address their hearing loss. They've made the appointment to visit your office, now is the time to help them! As hearing healthcare pr...
2022-11-2930 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusTreating Children with Hearing Loss feat. Dr. Kelsey KerkhoveIn this episode of the Hearing Matters Podcast, Blaise Delfino interviews pediatric audiologist, Dr. Kelsey Kerkhove. During this episode Blaise and Dr. Kerkhove discuss: Why Dr. Kerkhove chose to specialize in pediatric audiology. How empathy is essential when telling parents their child presents with hearing loss. How to tell parents their child presents with hearing loss and next steps. The importance of the team approach between the pediatric audiologist, speech-language pathologist, and the parents. How remote microphone technology enhances a child's overall listening experience and speech-language development. Dr. Kerkhove's support materials for patients whose child...
2022-11-1533 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusAudBoss Summit 2022 feat. Dr. Amit GosaliaIt's true. Running a private audiology practice can be hard. Heck, running any small business is hard! However, when you lean into mentorship and surround yourself with like-minded individuals, this is when business owners experience the growth they've been looking for. In this episode, Blaise Delfino interviews Dr. Amit Gosalia, co-founder of AudBoss. About AudBossAudBoss: Private Practice Owners is a private Facebook group for 850+ private practice OWNERS (Audiologists and HIS) to inspire, support and learn from one another. We are focused on improving business efficiencies and promoting best practices in th...
2022-10-2544 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusAdditive Manufacturing Meets Hearing Healthcare feat. Edward Graham | ProtoCAMAbout the Hearing Matters Podcast The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son - Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS and Dr. Gregory Delfino, CCC-A. Blaise Delfino and Dr. Gregory Delfino treat patients with hearing loss at Audiology Services, located in Bethlehem and Nazareth, PA. The Lehigh Valley’s First Ear Mold LabIn this episode Blaise Delfino interviews Ed Graham of ProtoCAM Additive Manufacturing in Al...
2022-10-0428 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusShould I Buy Over the Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids?The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by Blaise Delfino, M.S., HIS, and his father, Dr. Gregory Delfino, Au.D., CCC-A. Blaise Delfino and Dr. Gregory Delfino treat patients with hearing loss at Audiology Services in Bethlehem and Nazareth, PA. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast
2022-09-2729 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusFrom Private Practice to the World's Largest Privately Held Hearing Aid Manufacturer - The Journey UnfoldsBefore You Listen to This EpisodeHello there! I'm Blaise Delfino, host of the Hearing Matters Podcast! I want to thank you for donating your time and listening to this episode. If you've listened to previous episodes, you will notice this one is a little different. You see, there's been a lot of changes in my life that I wanted to share with our listeners and my patients at Audiology Services. Before sharing new journey, I wanted to bring you back to where it all started. I am where I am today because o...
2022-08-1621 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and Tinnitus"American Ninja Warrior" feat. Nolan Gardner | Cochlear Implant RecipientAbout the Hearing Matters Podcast The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son, Blaise Delfino, M.S. – HIS, and Dr. Gregory Delfino, Au.D., CCC-A, who treat patients at Audiology Services in Bethlehem and Nazareth, PA. Growing Up with Hearing LossOn this episode, Blaise Delfino interviewed Nolan Gardner. Nolan was born profoundly deaf with bilateral profound hearing loss. He was diagnosed at six months old, rec...
2022-06-0717 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusA Colorado Audiology Practice Owned by Two Women feat. Dr. Natalie Phillips and Dr. Hannah GallowayAbout the Hearing Matters Podcast The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son, Blaise Delfino, M.S. – HIS, and Dr. Gregory Delfino, Au.D., CCC-A, who treat patients at Audiology Services in Bethlehem and Nazareth, PA. On this episode, Blaise Delfino interview Dr. Hannah Galloway and Dr. Natalie Phillips from Audiology Center of Northern Colorado. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: he...
2022-05-1719 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and Tinnitus“Hearing Life’s Story with Starkey Hearing Aids” feat. Gail Ehrens | Speech-Language PathologistThe Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by Blaise Delfino, M.S., HIS, and his father, Dr. Gregory Delfino, Au.D., CCC-A. Blaise Delfino and Dr. Gregory Delfino treat patients with hearing loss at Audiology Services in Bethlehem and Nazareth, PA.On this episode, we interviewed Gail Ehrens, a first time hearing aid user and speech-language pathologist with 50+ years of working with patients! Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamE...
2022-04-1918 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusA Writer’s Journey to Better Hearing feat. Merry Sue Baum | Director of Communications at Audiology ServicesAbout the Hearing Matters Podcast The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by Blaise Delfino, M.S., HIS, and his father, Dr. Gregory Delfino, Au.D., CCC-A. Blaise Delfino and Dr. Gregory Delfino treat patients with hearing loss at Audiology Services in Bethlehem and Nazareth, PA. In this episode, Blaise discusses a writer’s journey to better hearing with Audiology Services director of communications Merry Sue Baum, BA. The Journey BeginsMs...
2022-03-1520 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusArtificial Intelligence in Hearing Aids feat. Dr. Achin Bhowmik | Chief Technology Officer at StarkeyAbout the Hearing Matters PodcastThe Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic of hearing loss. The show is hosted by father and son, Dr. Gregory Delfino, Au.D., CCC-A, and Blaise Delfino, MS, HIS. They treat patients with hearing loss at Audiology Services in Bethlehem and Nazareth, PA.In this episode, Blaise Delfino speaks with Dr. Achin Bhowmik, chief technology officer at Starkey Hearing Industries. Engineering BackgroundDr. Bhowmik earned a doctorate in engineering a...
2022-02-2223 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusPatient Focused Innovation feat. Dr. Dave Fabry | Chief Innovation Officer at StarkeyIn this episode Blaise Delfino talks with Dr. Dave Fabry, Chief Innovation Officer at Starkey.His Journey to AudiologyDr. Fabry planned to be a veterinarian, however, he found his fellow students in the pre-vet curriculum to be extremely competitive. He learned of a discipline known as experimental psychology while doing the job of a chinchilla tester in college. The anatomy of the chinchilla’s ears is very similar to that of human ears. While he was a master’s student at Mayo Clinic, he worked with patients who had hearing and balance diso...
2022-02-0842 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusWhy You Should Visit a Hearing Care Professional feat. Dr. Sara Burdak | Chief Audiology Officer at StarkeyAbout the Hearing Matters Podcast The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son, Blaise Delfino, M.S. – HIS, and Dr. Gregory Delfino, Au.D., CCC-A, who treat patients at Audiology Services in Bethlehem and Nazareth, PA. On this episode, Blaise Delfino talks with Dr. Sarah Burdak, Chief Audiology Officer at Starkey Hearing.A Quarter Century of CareDr. Burdak has been an audiologist for more...
2022-01-2526 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusOTC Hearing Aids feat. Michael Scholl | Chief Compliance Officer at StarkeyThe Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son - Blaise Delfino, M.S., HIS, and Dr. Gregory Delfino, CCC-A. Blaise Delfino and Dr. Gregory Delfino treat patients with hearing loss at Audiology Services, located in Bethlehem and Nazareth, PA.In this episode, Blaise discusses over-the-counter hearing aids and Medicare benefits for hearing instruments with Michael Scholl, chief compliance officer and vice president of corporate relations at Starkey. The Beginning ...
2021-12-2825 minHearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and TinnitusSonic CROS Hearing Aids feat. Dr. Scott Bunnell | Sr. Global Product ManagerThe Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son, Blaise Delfino, M.S. – HIS, and Dr. Gregory Delfino, Au.D., CCC-A, who treat patients at Audiology Services in Bethlehem and Nazareth, PA.Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast
2021-12-2222 min