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Cynthia Robinson is a certified educator of the deaf and a Spoken Language Specialist with more than 22 years of experience. She now works as a specialist and educator at We Hear Here. For many years, she has worked with children with cochlear implants and their families to develop listening and spoken language skills. 

Cynthia developed the Mainstream Assessment of Readiness for Children Over Five and served as Co-Director at Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech from 2011 to 2020.

In this episode…

Much of the focus within hearing loss circles is on improved hearing. This leaves significant portions of day-to-day life with underdeveloped systems and assistance — one crucial example is speech.

Speaking and verbally communicating is still common among many levels of hearing loss. Especially in younger children, assistance in speech is crucial for development, social health, and education. While there are growing programs and systems in place to help cultivate better speech, there is still a long way left to go.

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms talks with Cynthia Robinson, the Founder of We Hear Here, to discuss oral programs for children and young adults. They break down the systems she helped create, how she still coaches some families, and why she started We Hear Here. They also go through the potential of telehealth for speech development.

Keith Lewis is a seasoned veteran in marketing, sales, and the medical industry. He is currently the Senior Advisor at ChampionOne Group and Principal at Lewis Ventures, LLC. Across his 40+ year career, he has worked at GN ReSound, Bausch & Lomb, and GN Great Nordic. His passion is for patients and shareholders alike, focusing on helping those affected by hearing loss.

In this episode…

While hearing aid technology is primarily a medical issue, it inevitably becomes a business issue under the Western medical system. Companies, brands, insurance, and clinics all have a vested interest in the financial aspects of the industry. This has its own effect on how hearing technology grows and adapts.

The industry is always experiencing new research and innovations. The average consumer is being provided more education, options, and treatment than ever before — this is what you need to know from an active insider.

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms talks with Keith Lewis, the Principal at Lewis Ventures, LLC, to talk about the business and evolution of the hearing tech industry. They break down the financial realities of hearing aids, how Bluetooth is being utilized, and how the retail price is changing. They also touch on the current and potential future market trends.

Cheryl Nolte is a lip-reading instructor with a demonstrated history of working in the health wellness area. She has worked in event management, team building, public speaking, and fundraising. She is currently active with five different charitable organizations while also offering online hearing coaching. In addition to these roles, she takes time to advocate for and consult people regarding hearing aids.

In this episode…

The world can be difficult to navigate for those with hearing loss. Even small impairments can be enough to change the way people go through their days, often adding difficulty to everyday situations. In social situations, they deserve the same level of comfort as everyone else.

This is where assistive listening devices come into play. They allow for additional hearing assistance, often in combination with hearing aids and cochlear implants. Many are unaware of how they work and where they can be accessed, so education on the subject is still crucial.

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms invites Cheryl Nolte back on the show to discuss ALDs. They break down the social situations and locations where these devices can be found. They also talk about how they can be utilized properly, how they work with different levels of hearing loss, and some of the limitations of these resources.

Dr. Carol Flexer is an audiology expert who lectures and workshops on the development of listening and literacy skills in children, especially those with hearing loss. She has authored more than 150 publications and worked at The University of Akron for 25 years as a Professor of Audiology.

Dr. Flexer received her doctorate in audiology from Kent State University in 1982. She is licensed as an audiologist and holds the CCC/A and the LSLS Cert. AVT.

In this episode…

Hearing aids have been underutilized for many generations now, and the care and refinement that should come after a prescription are often inadequate. Audiologists are aware of this gap in care but may not be aware of just how prevalent it is.

Dr. Carol Flexer is an audiologist who has researched and published on the topic of hearing aid programming. Her findings have been both helpful and troubling, highlighting the reality of hearing aid usage in the United States. So what does the research have to say on the subject?

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms has an informative interview with Dr. Carol Flexer on the programming pitfalls of hearing aids. They discuss the articles she helped write, their findings, and how it applies to modern audiology. They also go over how audiologists need to care for their patients, the issue of price, and the complications many patients experience.

Cheryl Nolte is a lip-reading instructor with a demonstrated history of working in the health wellness area. She has worked in event management, team building, public speaking, and fundraising. She is currently active with five different charitable organizations while also offering online hearing coaching. In addition to these roles, she takes time to advocate for and consult people regarding hearing aids.

In this episode…

In recent years, there have come to be an overwhelming amount of available resources for those with hearing loss. The modern advancements in technology and software make it easier than ever to create apps. While this is ultimately a great thing, it does mean it takes more time and knowledge to find the most valuable apps.

Cheryl Nolte has taken on much of that hard work as a hearing loss coach. Out of the plentiful options, she has found and tested many that provide genuine results. There is a vast variety of resources for different needs, so there is certain to be an app to fit your needs.

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms invites Cheryl Nolte back on to give advice and recommendations on hearing apps. They go through each category and give thoughts on which apps are worth considering. They also touch on different use cases, how to find what works for you, and how they work with other hearing technology.

Keenan Tully is a British racing driver who recently relocated to Mooresville, North Carolina to compete in NASCAR. He is the Founder and Owner of UnDEAFeated, a brand seeking to spread awareness of hearing loss through his story in motorsport. Prior to his racing career, he served as a race mechanic.

Keenan leads a YouTube channel, an upcoming podcast, and print media through UnDEAFeated.

In this episode…

Hearing aid advocacy is a difficult prospect since it often overlaps with public perception. Even with the right information, many individuals will still be hesitant to adopt the hearing technology they need due to stigma. This is especially true with children and young adults — so how do you help them see the importance of hearing aids?

Stories and role models are a great tool for advocacy — they help people feel less alone in their struggles and give a clear example of someone who can succeed despite the obstacles. Keenan Tully has dedicated himself to spreading awareness and using his personal brand as a precedent for others.

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms sits down with Keenan Tully, a NASCAR driver and the Founder and Owner of UnDEAFeated, to discuss his story and his organization’s activism. They discuss Keenan’s experience with hearing loss, how UnDEAFeated was started, and the lessons he’s learned. They also touch on his racing career and how he navigates the racing world with his hearing loss.

Dr. Judy Huch is a Senior Audiologist and the Owner of Oro Valley Audiology. Since 1991, she has provided her patients with assistive listening devices, hearing loss diagnosis, and audiological treatment. She created Grace Hearing Center, a nonprofit in Arizona, to help those who have limited access to treatment. 

Additionally, Dr. Huch participates in mission trips through Entheos Hearing and is a board member of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology.

In this episode…

The single greatest limiting factor for audiological treatment is cost. Many people are reluctant to receive help due to high prices or the difficulties of insurance. This becomes a non-starter, leading to damaged hearing and potentially-worsened health. So what can be done to change the financial reality of audiology?

There are no simple answers, but some centers are doing their best to help. Nonprofit audiology practices are able to administer care with little to no cost. Dr. Judy Huch currently leads the Grace Hearing Center, offering hearing healthcare to those in need.

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms talks to Dr. Judy Huch, the President of Grace Hearing Center, to talk about how nonprofits are assisting undertreated people. They talk about the center, how they raise resources, and the work they do with other practices. They also discuss her career in audiology and where the industry is heading in the future.

Dr. Kim Cavitt is the Owner, President, and Chief Solutionist of Audiology Resources. Since 2001, they have provided hearing aid consulting services to healthcare providers throughout the United States. Concurrently, she served as an adjunct and a clinical placement coordinator at Northwestern University.

Dr. Kavitt received her bachelor’s and master’s at Indiana University and her Doctorate in Audiology from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry.

In this episode…

Audiology school is meant to prepare future audiologists, but this education only goes so far. There are many, many details involved in running a successful clinic. Not only are there constant shifts to new best practices, but the logistics and daily routines of running a clinic can be difficult in their own right.

Dr. Kim Cavitt started Audiology Resources for this very reason — to be an organization that helps audiologists with every step of the process. She pulls from her own time in audiology and now helps others to improve their systems. So how does she offer assistance to her peers in the audiology field?

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms has an informative discussion with Dr. Kim Cavitt, the Owner and President of Audiology Resources, about audiology practices and how she consults audiologists. They touch on her career, advice for practices, and where the industry is heading in the future.

Jenni Ahtiainen is a successful Finnish designer working in the fashion, beauty, and hearing aid industries. Her designs are sold internationally and she’s designed stage costumes for musicians like Marilyn Manson, Snoop Dogg, and Bono. She started her own brand, Deafmetal, which sells fashion-forward jewelry created and designed for hearing aid and cochlear implant users.

In this episode…

Hearing aids and cochlear implants have historically held a stigma. One of the greatest contributors to this hesitancy is the appearance of the technology. The cold, medical appearance has a social impact that many go to great lengths to avoid. While every part of our appearance is up to us, hearing aids have primarily stayed unappealing and inexpressive.

Jenni Ahtiainen is a prominent fashion designer who has lived with hearing loss for much of her life. She saw a hole in the industry at the cross-section of fashion and hearing aids. As a result, she started Deafmetal, a jewelry brand for hearing aids and cochlear implants.

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms talks with Jenni Ahtiainen, the designer and Founder at AIDesign, to discuss her vision and process for the Deafmetal brand. She breaks down her own journey with hearing loss, how she started the brand, and how they have continued to scale and grow. The two also talk about the designs behind the brand and where it is heading in the future.

Cheryl Nolte is a lip-reading instructor with a demonstrated history of working in the health wellness area. She has worked in event management, team building, public speaking, and fundraising. She is currently active with five different charitable organizations while also offering online hearing coaching. In addition to these roles, she takes time to advocate for and consult people regarding hearing aids.

In this episode…

Lip-reading is one of the most important adaptations for the deaf and hard of hearing. Many will instinctively learn to lip-read while others struggle to learn the skill. Its utility makes it a great tool for anyone affected, so how can someone get help to improve their ability?

Cheryl Nolte is a lip-reading expert and has a long career working with the hard of hearing and deaf community. Through her own experience, she helps others hone their skills and live their life to the fullest. So what can you learn from her expertise?

In this episode, Dr. Mark Syms talks with Cheryl Nolte about lip-reading and making the most of hearing loss. They start with her own background, how she developed her skills, and how she translates that into her coaching. They also discuss how to protect your hearing and different apps to know about.

Dr. Oliver Adunka is the Director of Otolaryngology and a Professor at Ohio State University. He has experience in otology, neurotology, and skull base surgery. His personalized care for the hearing- and balance-impaired has led him to further research in clinical trials and new treatment options. He previously worked as the Director of the Pediatric Otology Program at Nationwide Children's Hospital and an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina.

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As the technology of cochlear implants changes, so does the environment around it. Many who were skeptical are now far more inclined to go through the procedure. The increase in awareness and effectiveness has changed its cultural perception, but those differences can be felt throughout the industry. What is top of mind in the world of cochlear implants and how has it changed throughout the years?

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms talks with Dr. Oliver Adunka, Director of Otolaryngology at The Ohio State University, to discuss the state of cochlear implants. They go through the technology, how patient reception has changed, and the realities of Medicare’s coverage of hearing technology.

Chase Prieve is an account manager in the telecommunications and technology industries with experience working with everything from startups to Fortune 1000 companies. He is the Founder of Hi There Solutions, developing innovative solutions for the Deaf and hard of hearing as well as their family and friends.

In the past, Chase has worked with companies such as Acqueon, RingCentral, and Comcast.

In this episode…

Despite the growing awareness and acceptance of hearing technology, there are still shockingly few tools to make life easier for the Deaf community. Small inconveniences are often overlooked and even major issues are dismissed by many able-bodied people. These problems can build up over time, and those affected by them are looking for solutions.

Chase Prieve grew up with two deaf parents and saw the need for improvements to video calls. As FaceTime and Zoom become increasingly ubiquitous, the Deaf community is sometimes expected to keep up with no accommodations or thoughts paid their way. Chase created Hi There Solutions to counter this issue, and now explains the app to those who want to know how it works.

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms has a conversation with Chase Prieve, Founder of Hi There Solutions, to discuss the app and its uses. They talk about Chase’s background, how he pivoted his career to create the app, and why it is so needed. He also touches on the marketing strategy he used to bring it to success.

Dr. Brian Urban is the Co-founder of CounselEAR, an online tool that allows audiologists to customize and create unique counseling summaries and audiological reports. He is the former Owner/Audiologist at Advanced Hearing and Balance Center and spent time as the President of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology.

Dr. Urban is well-experienced in balance function assessment, newborn hearing screening, aural rehabilitation, hearing aid fitting, and student supervision.

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For the medical field, technology does not always keep up with the pace of consumers and research. Businesses invest incredible sums of money into the development of new technology, but those same incentives don’t always translate to audiology practices. While hearing technology is continuously growing, there are other sectors experiencing growth as well.

CounselEAR is a software developed by an audiologist to simplify patient counseling. Both co-founders saw the need in clinics for better communication and more elegant technology and decided to create their own platform. So how does their software work for audiologists?

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms talks with Dr. Brian Urban, President of Co-founder of CounselEAR, about the platform and what it does. They go through Dr. Urban’s background in audiology, the gaps in technology for clinics, and how the system helps patients. The two also discuss the challenges of the business and how the technology has evolved over time.

Hank Sarazin is the CEO and Founder of Onsite Dental Care and Onsite Hearing Care. For the last 12 years, they have managed the delivery of dental care and hearing care for 150 premiere assisted living communities in New England. 

Prior to starting his own businesses, Hank was the National Account Representative for Resort Sports Network and a Regional Manager for Boston Beer Company.

In this episode…

The demographic most affected by hearing loss is the elderly, especially those in assisted living situations. Further hearing loss can lead to mental decline or decreased quality of life. They’re also an underserved group, often missing out on the hearing treatment they desperately need.

One solution to this dilemma is mobile hearing treatment. Bringing the care directly to the patients not only gives them greater access but also helps with their comfort. So how does it help those in assisted living?

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms speaks with Hank Sarazin, the Founder and CEO of Onsite Hearing, to discuss how his company offers mobile hearing treatment. They talk about the condition of people in assisted living, how to best serve them, and the other services they provide. The two also go over the state of healthcare for the elderly and the financial reality of treatment.

Susanna Dussling is an inspirational speaker, consultant, and trainer. She works with organizations to improve employee morale, engagement, and turnover by empowering leaders. Her 20 years of experience as a retail leader and bilateral cochlear implant wearer give her a unique view of communication. 

Susanna is the author of Sunny and Her Cochlear Implants, a story that helps children understand hearing aids and cochlear implants.

In this episode…

When people are considering cochlear implants, there is often a great deal of hesitation. How much will they help? Will the surgery be painful? How long will it take for my body to adjust? These questions are worth discussing, and fortunately, there are many who have walked that path before.

Susanna Dussling is a public speaker who transitioned from hearing aids to cochlear implants. Not only has her hearing improved, but she is still getting better to this day. Her story is particularly insightful for those with questions, and now she explains it to you.

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms has a discussion with Susanna Dussling about her journey with cochlear implants. They touch on her childhood, why she left hearing aids behind, and how she continues to improve her hearing. They also talk in-depth about her career and how it relates to her hearing.

Dr. Nashlea Brogan is the Owner of Bluewater Hearing Centre, where she has served for the past 19 years. As a cochlear implant user herself, she is an advocate for those with hearing loss.

Beyond her work in private practice, Dr. Brogan is involved in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the impact of hearing loss beyond just treating the ear.

In this episode…

The greatest challenge facing most audiologists is getting patients to wear hearing technology. The next steps are also crucial to overall hearing health. Patients are real people, living complex lives with highs and lows. Knowing how to adapt to hearing technology can make the difference between struggling and living a fulfilling life. So what can you do to get the most out of your hearing technology?

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms sits down with Dr. Nashlea Brogan, the Doctor of Audiology and Founder of Bluewater Hearing Centre, to talk about getting the most out of hearing technology. They discuss her own journey with hearing loss, tips for cochlear implants, and how to prepare for hearing emergencies. They also touch on the work Dr. Brogan does with Bluewater Hearing.

Dr. Kelly Breese is the Owner and Audiologist at Doc Side Audiology: Hearing Aids of Sarasota, a clinic that has provided 40 years of hearing services for Sarasota, Manatee and Hillsborough counties of Florida. She has worked in a variety of audiological roles, including a clinical audiologist, the Lead for the Florida Audiology Project, and an American Sign Language teacher.

Dr. Breese specializes in hearing loss treatment and tinnitus and is also qualified as an ASL interpreter.

In this episode…

The world of audiology can be surprisingly complex and multifaceted. Because it is a specialized field, there are a plethora of scenarios that might require a hearing expert. While many audiologists work in general practice, some have the opportunity to work in multiple corners of the industry.

Dr. Kelly Breese is a hearing specialist and audiologist with a unique resume. She has served as an American Sign Language teacher, an audiologist for animals, and the owner of a practice. Now you can have some insight into her subset of audiology. 

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms interviews Dr. Kelly Breese, the Owner of Doc Side Audiology: Hearing Aids of Sarasota, to talk about her work in various corners of audiology. They touch on tinnitus, hearing treatment for animals, and how she came to acquire her own practice. They also discuss how she became specialized in tinnitus and her introduction to ASL.

With over 15 years of sales and marketing experience in healthcare, Suzanne Picerno founded At Home Hearing Services, LLC. The service offers in-home testing, quality hearing aids at affordable prices, and ongoing care. She started the company due to her own severe hearing loss and knowing she could help others overcome their own issues. 

In the past, Suzanne has worked with Beltone, Miracle-Ear, Inc., and Hearing Lab Technology.

In this episode…

Hearing loss is a complex and often misunderstood medical issue. Especially when hearing complications occur at a young age, it can be hard for people to know how best to find help. People’s experiences can help others going through similar situations. This is even more relevant when the person gets into the hearing aid business.

Suzanne Picerno has dealt with hearing loss from an incredibly young age. Her ups and downs have brought her to greater knowledge of the issue, compelling her to assist others dealing with the same hardships. So what can you learn from her firsthand knowledge?

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms sits down with Suzanne Picerno, the Founder of At Home Hearing Services, LLC, to discuss her personal journey and her advice on hearing loss. They go through her trials, the technology she used, and how she found meaningful aid for her hearing. They also touch on her first book and how it’s helping people understand their own struggles.

Dr. Alice Cellino is the Executive Director at the Columbus Speech and Hearing Center, a practice offering diagnostic audiology, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy services. She has been with the location for more than 15 years, developing specialties in diagnostic audiological and vestibularological services for adults and children alike. 

Dr. Cellino attended Auburn University to earn her doctorate in audiology, previously majoring in business administration at Columbus State University.

In this episode…

Speech pathology and audiology are deeply related but often separate fields. They both delve deep into listening, hearing, and the underlying psychology, yet they rarely work in tandem. Some clinics are experimenting with blending and working with both.

The Columbus Speech and Hearing Center is a rapidly-growing clinic that combines speech pathology and audiology practices. While they have specialists in both fields, they are able to serve their patients in a unique way. So how does their practice operate?

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms is joined by Dr. Alice Cellino, the Executive Director of the Columbus Speech and Hearing Center, to discuss the overlap between speech pathology and audiology. They talk about how she entered the field, her work as a director, and her practice's work. The two also touch on the future of the clinic and the influence of technology.

Dr. Douglas L. Beck is a well-known figure in audiology and the Vice President of Clinical Sciences for Cognivue, a company that manufactures adaptive hearing solutions for the modern age. Dr. Beck is a prolific author on the subject, having 185 different publications to date through Oticon, where he worked as Vice President of Academic Sciences from 2005-22. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at State University of New York at Buffalo and the Senior Editor of Clinical Research at Hearing Review.

In this episode…

With modern medicine and science, research is rapidly accelerating. Particularly for burgeoning or underexplored fields, the pace of research can make it difficult for the public to catch up — making it even more important for experts to inform everyday people on the key takeaways from recent studies.

Dr. Douglas Beck is an established figure in audiological research. His current role at Cognivue sits at the intersection between cognition and hearing loss. The overlap between the two has only grown with further research, and now, you can learn even more about the connection.

In this episode of the ListenUp! Podcast, Dr. Mark Syms talks once again with Dr. Douglas Beck, the Vice President of Clinical Sciences at Cognivue, to explore the cutting edge research on hearing loss and cognitive decline. They discuss some of the new studies, the history of the research, and the risk factors for dementia. The two also go through Cognivue’s test and how it works.