On the Ear: An Audiology Podcast

Guest: Ryan McCreery, PhD This episode features the leading expert in pediatric amplification sharing current Best Practices and research in hearing aid programming and care for children. The discussion ranges from programming methods to outcome measures and includes upcoming collaborations between audiology and neuroscience.

Guest: Amanda Sloop, AuD., CCC-A - This episode explores the clinical research progress, from the spark of a question to study design, subject recruitment, writing/analysis, and eventually conference submission and publication. The guest shares her experiences in strategic design and recruitment and disseminating information with social media or conference presentations.

Guest: Madison Howe, Aud, CCC-A - This episode explores the evolving role of professionals as they transition from clinician to leadership position. It will address the challenges and opportunities faced by clinicians in assuming leadership roles, emphasizing the importance of different styles, planning, and quality improvement.

Guest: Melissa Anderson, AuD, CCC-A: This episode explores cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) and its consequences, focusing on using cochlear implants in this population. The guest provides expert insights into counseling and programming, as well as what collaborating on a team to manage these patients looks like.

Guest: Margaret Dillon, AuD., Ph.D - Dr. Meg Dillon shares the history of treatment for single-sided deafness (SSD), how cochlear implants have become a good intervention option for this population, and how our approach to programming CI for SSD has evolved. Her new approaches include incorporating imaging and addressing frequency mismatch.

Guest: Matthew Bush, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS - Dr. Matthew Bush is a leader in the field of research regarding disparities in hearing healthcare. He shares his work in assessing these disparities and what clinicians can practically do to begin addressing these gaps and barriers to care.

Meredith Berger is the Director of Clarke School New York, a leader in the field of early intervention for children who are deaf and hard of hearing, and parent of a child with bilateral microtia/atresia. She discusses her experiences and the connections across these disciplines, as well as provides an in-depth discussion of microtia and atresia.

Guest: Derek Stiles, PhD, CCC-A - Dr. Stiles is the Director of the Diagnostic Audiology Program at Boston Children's Hospital, and his team recently developed metrics for measuring productivity in their department. In this episode, he describes their process for developing wRVUs, how it affects workflow, and how current clinicians can incorporate these ideas into their productivity metrics.

Guest: Madison Howe, AuD, CCC-A - Dr. Howe shares the ways that clinicians can adjust their practice to improve inclusivity for their gender-diverse patients. Her discussion includes tips, training, language, and opportunities for growth that audiologists can utilize to ensure their care is compassionate and culturally competent.

Guest: Teddy McRackan, MD - The guest shares his work evaluating the poor correlation between cochlear implant speech recognition scores and patient-reported outcome measures. Discussion explores how we can improve pre-CI evaluations and patient expectations, as well as a new tool developed to assess CI Quality of Life.

Guest: J. Riley DeBacker, AuD, Ph.D. - Mentorship is a topic not often formally taught but critical to the success of professionals in a variety of backgrounds. Not only can mentorship benefit mentees, but also mentors and the profession as a whole. Dr. DeBacker shares his insights on the impact mentorship has played in his career, and how those not currently engaged can seek it out.

While many audiologists specialize in different types of care, such as tinnitus, vestibular, or cochlear implants, few emphasize the distinct connection between our field and that of musicians. Dr. Heather Malyuk is a clinician who focuses on providing cutting-edge care for musicians, as a specialist in Music and Alternative Audiology. She explains her work with this population, and how the future of audiology can be shaped by this work.

Pediatric audiologists serve a variety of roles in providing hearing healthcare, but in hospitals and medical-based programs, that role can stretch into the complex realm of palliative care. This discussion includes where the audiologist fits into this sensitive aspect of care, and how they can work collaboratively with other professionals involved. Follow us on Instagram: @OnTheEarPodcast (https://www.instagram.com/ontheearpodcast/) Like us on Facebook: On The Ear: An Audiology Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/ontheearpodcast/)

Donna Sorkin, executive director of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, shares her journey to receiving a cochlear implant, including the sounds, experiences, stresses, and successes. She explains how music sounds with her implant, accessible technology, and how she uses the technology to empower her life and leadership role. Follow us on Instagram: @OnTheEarPodcast (https://www.instagram.com/ontheearpodcast/) Like us on Facebook: On The Ear: An Audiology Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/ontheearpodcast/)

Dr. Donna Smiley explains her journey of over 30 years in audiology, from clinical to educational settings, and now in a leadership role at ASHA. She shares how audiologists can become better advocates for the profession, insights into what the future may hold for the field, including what to expect with over-the-counter hearing devices, and the unexpected opportunities they might offer. Follow the podcast on Instagram! @OnTheEarPodcast Like the podcast on Facebook! www.facebook.com/OnTheEarPodcast

Dr. Liz Fuemmeler and Dr. Daniel J Romero are vestibular scientists that are involved in research and clinical work. Liz is one of a handful of private practice vestibular specialists, and Daniel is at the forefront of vestibular research. Tune in to find out how each of them became interested in the vestibular field, and what their advice is to other audiologists looking to improve their balance care. From lessons learned while collaborating with other healthcare professionals, to their favorite cases, you won't want to miss out on this fascinating episode!

Dr. McCreery discusses his experience transitioning from clinical audiology to research work with the Outcomes of Children with Hearing Loss (OCHL) study at Boys Town National Research Hospital. He reviews their findings, including the impact of newborn hearing screening, early intervention, and advances in hearing technology on a wide range of outcomes for children who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Dr. Melanie Morris shares her process of establishing a remote auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing program, including the training, equipment, and challenges involved. Her experience working with “TeleABRs” has improved access to care in areas where the diagnostic evaluation has limited (and sometimes no) provider options, and also where COVID-19 has further limited access. Free resources for establishing a TeleABR program from Melanie and her team can be found here (https://www.livebinders.com/b/2812746) and here (https://www.gamobileaudiology.org/training-modules-for-providers).

Dr. Danika Pfeiffer's research examines the clinical implications and expressions of inter-professional practice (IPP). Her discussion with Dr. Dakota Sharp covers the importance of IPP, the common misconceptions of practitioners, and how IPP can be utilized more effectively to improve outcomes for patients and clinicians alike. She also shares information about her new podcast, "About, From, & With: A SLP Podcast." You can check out that podcast here (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/about-from-with-a-slp-podcast/id1568966242).

Dr. Emily Spitzer discusses the process of becoming an audiologist who primarily works in a research role. She explains what audiology students can do to prepare for a career in research, as well as connects current practicing clinicians with opportunities to conduct research of their own, including funding opportunities, and how the landscape of research is evolving.

Although the traditional hearing aid candidate has audiometric thresholds outside normal limits, research shows that nontraditional candidates can demonstrate significant benefits from the devices as well. Dr. Whitelaw explains how individuals with auditory processing disorder (APD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and hidden hearing loss (HHL) can be fit and be successful with hearing technology.

Dr. Fridriksson shares his groundbreaking research on how the brain changes after recovery from COVID-19, with an emphasis on cognitive and language-based symptoms. His background as an SLP and researcher in aphasia shows connections between the cognitive problems seen in stroke, TBI, and COVID-19 survivors alike.

Dr. Scheifele shares his expertise in the realm of Animal Audiology, including the training involved to work with animals, the evaluations and interventions for providing care, and the work his lab at the University of Cincinnati is completing to improve hearing and vocal care for animals.

Amanda shares her experience as a parent of a child with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), as well as her role as the Program Director for the National CMV Foundation. Her discussion with Dr. Sharp covers transmission of the disease, audiologic symptoms and diagnosis of cCMV, and a path toward screening for and eliminating cCMV for future generations. Click here to sign the petition to nominate congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) for uniform newborn screening (https://www.change.org/p/advisory-committee-on-heritable-disorders-in-newborns-and-children-achdnc-nominate-congenital-cytomegalovirus-cmv-for-uniform-newborn-screening-18a6356e-341a-4ddc-b84a-44303b4d23a2) Click here to learn more about the National CMV Foundation (https://www.nationalcmv.org/default.aspx) Interested in earning ASHA CEUs for listening to On The Ear? Click here (https://www.speechtherapypd.com/podcasts/ear)!

Stephen explains the role of speech-language pathologists who work in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and how their expertise in communicative technology intersects in the world of hearing loss. He breaks down modern AAC devices, the challenges and joys of his patient population, and how audiologists can best collaborate with professionals in AAC.

Dr. Cheryl Wiggins explains her role as an audiologist who works in the fascinating and sometimes mysterious world of intraoperative neuromonitoring. Her discussion with Dr. Sharp details the additional training required, differences from the traditional role of an audiologist, and what a career can look like in the world of IONM.

Becky Hales, former TODHH and current Au.D. student, shares her experiences working as a TODHH, and how audiologists can better collaborate with TODHH. Her background includes multiple educational settings, using both ASL and Spoken English, with the additional perspective of a parent of a child with a disability.

Dr. Alexander provides a clear explanation of auditory processing disorder (APD), including its evolved definition, assessment, and treatment. Her discussion with Dr. Sharp covers the Buffalo Model for APD, and her focus on incorporating qualitative measures into her quantitative evaluations. She also includes tips for beginners and a favorite case study.

Valli Gideons, better known online as MyBattleCall, discusses her journey as a parent of children with hearing loss with Dr. Sharp, including the professionals involved, how she feels families can be better supported, and how to help build children with hearing loss and their families into better self-advocates. Her insights are inspiring and challenging to clinicians of all backgrounds.

David Kemp joins Dr. Dakota Sharp to break down current trends where voice technology, wearables, and hearing healthcare meet. Their discussion encompasses what the future looks like for hearing aids in a world of new hearables, apps that patients can utilize to better tune in to the world around them, and exciting new innovations that are breaking down walls in hearing healthcare.

Guests: Ashley Hughes, AuD and Natalie J. Nelson, AuD - Dr. Hughes, Dr. Nelson, and Dr. Sharp trek through the often-unspoken world of job negotiations and debt, with a focus on students in the world of communication sciences and disorders. Dr. Hughes and Dr. Nelson share specific tips for navigating job offers and loan payments with fresh, exciting ideas for new graduates to consider.

Dr. Lindsay Cockburn joins Dr. Dakota Sharp to discuss her experience launching a website and social media brand to connect with parents of deaf and hard of hearing children and professionals. Their conversation spans the challenges of navigating modern social media, understanding ethical boundaries, and how clinicians can build their brand to better distinguish your clinical practice.

The presenters discuss their experiences in early intervention, and their roles on early intervention teams. Michelle’s expertise in pediatric feeding and swallowing, paired with Dakota’s expertise in newborn hearing, combine for an exciting conversation that spans how clinicians can connect with other professionals to create an early intervention team and better understand their role.

Dr. Sharp and Dr. Saperstein discuss the current model that families experience after their child is diagnosed with hearing loss, its flaws, and how it can be improved. They explore supporting these parents and families when discussing communication options, and how shared decision making can improve their emotional journey.

Guest: Dawn Heiman, AuD, FAAA - Dr. Heiman and Dr. Sharp discuss current trends in aural (re)habilitation for adults and children with hearing loss, including how audiologists approach strategies based on patient age. She offers strategies for how to improve the provision of these services, and explains how audiologists and SLPs can collaborate to make the process easier and better for patients.

Guest: Logan Faust, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA - Dr. Faust discusses her challenges navigating hearing healthcare as a biracial audiologist, including her experiences as an audiology student and student preceptor. She provides insights into the importance of discussions about race between clinicians of all backgrounds, and how these discussions impact patient success.

Guest: Maria Morrison, AuD, FAAA - Dr. Morrison discusses how audiologists who do not currently provide tinnitus evaluations and care can incorporate simple elements of best practice to meet the needs of a majority of patients with tinnitus. She includes tips for counseling and evaluations, and how she navigates providing tinnitus care and seeking reimbursement in the realm of her private practice.

Guest: Liz White, AuD, ABA Certified - Dr. White details her experience in opening her own private practice that focuses on patient-centered care and utilizes evidence-based practice. She provides insights into the challenges and rewards of this specialized form of practice, first steps for audiologists interested in a similar path, and pitfalls to watch out for on the road to ownership.

Guest: Sofia Roller, AuD - Dr. Roller describes her experience as a clinical audiologist with congenital single sided deafness (SSD), and its impact on her patient experience and clinical technique. She discusses current options for patients with unilateral hearing loss (UHL), including CRoS and bone-anchored hearing aids, as well as offers counseling tips to help patients become better self-advocates.

Guest: Lisa Park, AuD, CCC-A - Dr. Park reviews the progression of pediatric cochlear implant candidacy, including research that has led to modern expanded indications. She discusses current candidacy guidelines, the challenges of insurance coverage, and how families can be counseled through the cochlear implantation process.

Guest: Kelly Murphy, AuD - Dr. Murphy shares her experience working with interpreters as a pediatric audiologist. She describes best practices for working with interpreters, provides critical insights and advice from her personal experience, and includes specific cases that proposed a complex challenge for interpretation.

Guest: Erin Piker, AuD, PhD, CCC-A - Dr. Piker describes her current lab structure, where CSD undergraduates, AuD students, and PhD students work collaboratively to conduct vestibular research. She explains the importance of undergraduate involvement in research, both for future SLPs and Audiologists. Additionally, she provides helpful insights into her research on the connection between diabetes and the vestibular system.

Guest: Krystal Werfel, PhD, CCC-SLP - Dr. Werfel discusses her current research regarding the acquisition of literacy for children with hearing loss who use spoken language. Her studies examine what early literacy skills look like for children with hearing loss, how minimal hearing loss (often undetected) can impact reading skills, and considerations for these children in a post-COVID-19 world.