In this episode of the Hearing Horizons podcast, The Hearing Review’s Chief Editor Melanie Hamilton-Basich is joined by audiologist and author Duncan Floyd to talk about why the Optimized Method of masking can be so helpful in audiometry. They discuss what the method is, when to use it, and why he thinks more hearing care professionals should make use of it in their practice. Duncan Floyd, MSc AuD, Reg. Audiologist, has been an audiologist for almost 30 years and has practiced in Canada, China, and the USA. He has clinical experience with both pediatric and adult caseloads and has worked in ..read more

The AAA 2024+HearTECH Expo took place April 17-20 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. As I walked the show floor, attended sessions, and spoke with exhibitors and attendees, I got the sense that the unofficial theme of the event was making a better future for hearing care. The many educational sessions, exhibitor booths, networking events, and more provided opportunities for attendees to deepen their professional knowledge to contribute to the advancement of the field. A Doctor’s Touch As keynote speaker for the opening general session, Abraham Verghese, MD, MACP, spoke a ..read more

Summary: Sycle announced its strategy to transition hearing clinics to a digital, paperless environment. The initiative will begin with new features for document storage and e-signature to enhance efficiency and improve the patient experience. Takeaways Sycle’s new digital tools are designed to simplify document storage and management, enable fast document searches, and allow for easy sharing. Phased Implementation Strategy: The digital clinic strategy will be rolled out in three stages, starting with document storage and eSignature features available in Q2 2024. Subsequent phases will introd ..read more

Summary: GN launched a global initiative called “LISTEN TO THIS,” aimed at highlighting the importance of hearing health as a critical component of cognitive well-being and overall health.  Takeaways: Through the “LISTEN TO THIS” initiative, GN is establishing a network designed to foster collaboration and share knowledge among healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocacy groups, all focused on the interplay between hearing and cognitive health. The initiative underscores the global scale of hearing loss, with estimates suggesting that over 1.5 billion people currently experience ..read more

Summary: HearUSA was recognized by the 2024 Global Health & Pharma Private Healthcare Awards program, which honors outstanding service providers in the private health sector.  Takeaways: HearUSA was named the Best Nationwide Hearing Aid Solutions Company, underscoring its efforts in providing quality hearing care according to the company. HearUSA’s “Hearing Centers of the Future” are designed to offer a welcoming and professional environment for clients, emphasizing the company’s focus on customer-centric service and innovative healthcare solutions. In addition to expanding physical ..read more

Summary: Paul W. Estes has been promoted to president of Cognivue, Inc. Estes has been integral in the development and commercialization of Cognivue’s technology, serving most recently as the chief operating officer.  Takeaways: Estes’ has been deeply involved in the company’s technological innovations and regulatory milestones. Under Estes’ presidency, Cognivue is set to launch next-generation technologies that have already received FDA clearance. Cognivue’s participation in the Bio-Hermes clinical study highlights its role in major Alzheimer’s research. Neuroscience technology innovat ..read more

Summary: Phonak’s Roger On, a remote microphone designed for hearing aid wearers and cochlear implant recipients, has been awarded a Bronze in the 2024 Edison Awards under the Assistive Technologies category.  Takeaways: Roger On offers advanced functionality, such as automatic speech direction detection and setting adjustments, to improve speech intelligibility in noisy settings and over distances. The device has garnered multiple accolades, including the Edison Awards, reflecting its impact on making everyday communication accessible for people with hearing impairments, according to th ..read more

Summary: Cochlear Limited gained FDA approval to lower the age requirement for their Cochlear Osia System from 12 to 5 years old, extending its availability to children with conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, and single-sided sensorineural deafness.  Takeaways: The Osia System utilizes digital piezoelectric stimulation to transmit sound vibrations directly to the inner ear, providing high power and clarity, particularly in high-frequency sounds crucial for communication. The Osia System offers improved high-frequency hearing, as evidenced by testimonials from recipients and hea ..read more

Summary: At the AAA 2024+HearTECH Expo, research led by Barbara Weinstein, PhD, highlighted the positive impact of the InnoCaption captioning app on the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.  Takeaways: The research indicated a notable increase in smartphone usage among respondents following the adoption of InnoCaption, suggesting individuals with hearing loss utilized their smartphones more frequently for communication. New findings also underscore the efficacy of captioning technology in alleviating the cognitive strain associated with auditory communication for individual ..read more

Summary: A new study delved into the structural and functional intricacies of the GPR156 receptor protein, shedding light on its role in auditory and balance functions. Researchers uncovered the mechanisms behind GPR156’s sustained activity and its potential implications for congenital hearing impairments. Takeaways: The new study provides novel insights into the GPR156 receptor protein. Understanding its structural dynamics and activation mechanisms is pivotal for addressing congenital hearing impairments. By utilizing cryo-EM analysis, the researchers achieved unprecedented resolution in st ..read more