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This Week in Hearing
Select episodes hosted by Andrew Bellavia

NAL-NL3: What’s Changing in Hearing Aid Fitting—and Why It Matters

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This Week in Hearing, March 2026

The NAL-NL3 fitting algorithm is now entering clinical practice, following GN’s recent global rollout—marking a significant evolution from the widely used NL2 standard. In this discussion, Pádraig Kitterick of the National Acoustic Laboratories explains how NL3 moves beyond a “one-size-fits-all” approach, introducing new modules designed for real-world listening challenges, including speech in noise and individuals with minimal or no measurable hearing loss.

Smart Audio Meets Hearing Health: Key Takeaways from CES 2026

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This Week in Hearing, February 2026

What if the future of hearing technology doesn’t sit inside the ear at all? At CES 2026, one of the most important trends was the rapid rise of open-ear hearing devices — from smart hearing glasses and clip-on assistive audio to the bone-conduction, MEMS and hybrid speaker systems enabling higher performance. In this special recap, Andrew Bellavia explores how companies including Cearvol, Shokz, Knowles, and xMEMS are driving the convergence of consumer audio and hearing healthcare.

The episode also examines major advances in AI noise reduction, beamforming, and licensable hearing software from companies such as Mimi, Absolute Audio Labs, and their partner Aizip, technologies that are enabling new crossover devices capable of supporting hearing, music, and everyday listening in a single platform.

Auracast at Marriott Theatre — Audience Reactions and a Behind the Scenes Look

This Week in Hearing, February 2026

What does Auracast actually feel like in a real-world performance? In this episode, Andrew Bellavia visits the Marriott Theatre near Chicago, where he was invited to personally experience Auracast during a live production and speak with the people behind its implementation.

After trying the system himself, Andrew speaks with theater leadership, technical staff, and attendees about why Auracast was added alongside the venue’s long-standing loop system, how installation was completed, and how coverage extends beyond the seating area. Audience interviews capture meaningful reactions, with some participants describing the experience as reconnecting them to music and dialogue in ways they had not experienced in years.

Auracast in Action: Exploring Hearing Accessibility in a Busy Railway Station

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This Week in Hearing, December 2025

What does accessible audio look like when it’s designed for real-world environments—not just controlled settings? In this conversation, Jonathan Hoskin of Ampetronic explains how Auracast™ was deployed at Bristol Temple Meads railway station to deliver clear station announcements directly to personal devices such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, earbuds, and smartphones.

Host Andrew Bellavia speaks with Jonathan about how the project came together, why Auracast was well suited for a busy, historic train station, and how it addresses common challenges with traditional assistive listening systems. The discussion also looks ahead to what this deployment could mean for future accessibility, including easier ways to connect, multiple language streams, and emerging tools like live captions.

Phonak Infinio Ultra Hearing Aids Combine AI Sound and Easy Maintenance

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This Week in Hearing, November 2025

At EUHA 2025, Phonak highlighted the technology behind Infinio Ultra, including insights into the platform’s upgraded AI sound processing, energy efficiency, and new maintenance design. In a discussion at the Phonak booth, Gareth Griffiths, Director of Campaign Management, shared how the updates strengthen Phonak’s focus on real-world hearing performance—delivering clearer speech, simplified care, and longer-lasting reliability for everyday users.

Another key focus of the update is ease of use and reliability. Phonak introduced its new EasyGuard ear tip, designed to simplify wax management and provide greater durability, particularly for users with dexterity challenges. Enhancements in battery performance have extended listening time in Sphere mode, while Bluetooth connectivity has been refined for faster pairing and more efficient streaming across devices.

Oticon Zeal Hearing Aids Bring AI Sound Processing to a Compact In-the-Ear Design

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This Week in Hearing, November 2025

At EUHA 2025, Oticon introduced its newest in-the-ear hearing aid, Oticon Zeal, bringing the company’s second-generation AI sound processing and BrainHearing™ technology to a smaller, ready-to-fit form factor. In a discussion at the conference, Anja Nagel L’Harraki, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at Demant, and Ole Asboe Jørgensen, President, Hearing Instrument Group, described Zeal as offering the same audiological performance as Oticon Intent, but in a more compact design.

Connectivity was a key focus of the launch. Zeal supports Google Fast Pair for Android devices, enabling quick pairing directly through native phone controls, and is fully compatible with Auracast™ broadcast audio through the Oticon Companion app. According to the team, users with existing Oticon Intent devices can enable Auracast access through a firmware update.

Aaron Small and Robin Gillon Talk Hearing Loss, Confidence, and the Power of Connection

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This Week in Hearing, October 2025

Andrew Bellavia joined Phonak ambassadors — Olympian Aaron Small and pro skier Robin Gillon — on stage to share honest conversations about hearing loss, stigma, and the role technology plays in staying connected — on and off the field. Both athletes spoke candidly about the challenges they’ve faced, how hearing aids have supported their performance and confidence, and the importance of visibility and advocacy in breaking down outdated perceptions of hearing loss.

Their conversation underscored how access to hearing technology can empower individuals in every aspect of life — from communication and safety to identity and self-belief.

Advocating for the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act | ADA Lobby Day 2025

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This Week in Hearing, October 2025

Audiologists took to Capitol Hill on Thursday, September 25, 2025, to advocate for better patient access to hearing and balance care as part of ADA Lobby Day in Washington, D.C.

Held during the Academy of Doctors of Audiology’s AuDacity conference, the event brought hundreds of audiologists, students, and supporters together to meet with legislators and promote the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act (MAAIA). The bill seeks to modernize Medicare by recognizing audiologists as practitioners, removing the outdated physician referral requirement, and allowing them to practice to the full extent of their training.

In this episode, host Andrew Bellavia speaks with participants and policy advocates to explore why this legislation matters, how it impacts patient care, and how advocacy—both in Washington and back home—can help move the profession forward.

Exploring Phonak’s Approach to Real-World Hearing Aid Testing

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This Week in Hearing, July 2025

It can be incredibly difficult for hearing care providers to sort data and claims by hearing aids manufacturers, let alone the general public. It was therefore fantastic to catch Michael Preuss, Sr. Mgr Product Audiology at Sonova Group in Switzerland, when he was at their US HQ near me in Illinois to discuss their measurement methods and how that correlates to real-world experience.

Michael was very open and did a great job sharing in a way that HCPs and others can readily understand. Also an interesting call to action at the end.

Improving Hearing Care Access in Underserved Regions Through Community-Based Training

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This Week in Hearing, July 2025

What does it take to build sustainable hearing care infrastructure in underserved regions of the world? In this inspiring interview, Andrew Bellavia is joined by Richard Brown, Chairman and President of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, and Alfred Mwamba, Executive Director of the Starkey Hearing Institute in Zambia, to explore the foundation’s evolution from mission-based outreach to a scalable, community-empowered model of hearing healthcare.

OTC Hearing Glasses Hit the U.S. Market: Inside the Nuance Audio Launch

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This Week in Hearing, April 2025

Nuance Audio has officially introduced its over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid glasses to the U.S. market. In this episode, recorded at the launch event in New York, Andrew Bellavia speaks with Davide D’Alena of Nuance Audio and EssilorLuxottica, and John Luna, about the product’s development, regulatory journey, and plans for rollout.

Inside the Auracast Debut at the Sydney Opera House: A New Era in Hearing Accessibility

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This Week in Hearing, March 2025

In this special episode, Andrew Bellavia takes us behind the scenes of this groundbreaking event where he explores the powerful capabilities of Auracast and its transformative impact on hearing accessibility.

Andrew reflects on his personal experience with Auracast in his hearing aids, comparing its stereo streaming capabilities to traditional systems. He discusses how Auracast enhanced the concert atmosphere, delivering exceptional sound clarity and a more immersive listening experience for hearing aid users.

The conversation also explores the broader impact of Auracast, with insights from key industry leaders including Janelle Ryan of the Sydney Opera House; Peter Karlstromer, CEO of GN, Noelle Chun, Senior Product Marketing Lead at Google, and Pádraig Kitterick, Head of Audiological Sciences at National Acoustic Laboratories.

Signia Pure Charge&Go BCT IX: Taking a Closer Look

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This Week in Hearing, March 2025

At the US launch event, host Andrew Bellavia meets with Mike O'Neill, President of US Wholesale at WS Audiology, and Lisa Perhacs, AuD, Senior Clinical Development Manager at Signia, to learn more about the features and functionality of the new BCT IX, especially their reasons for choosing to support Bluetooth Classic.

They also discuss how the real-time AI assistant (Signia Assistant) adapts to user preferences, allowing for adjustments in different environments to enhance the hearing experience.

Exploring ReSound Vivia Hearing Aids: AI-Powered Sound, Bluetooth LE Audio, and More

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This Week in Hearing, February 2025

GN’s new ReSound Vivia hearing aids integrate advanced AI to deliver a more adaptive and personalized listening experience including Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast™ capabilities for expanded accessibility and connectivity.

To gain deeper insights into these innovations, Andrew Bellavia and Shari Eberts interviewed Laurel Christensen, Chief Audiology Officer at GN, and Andrew Dittberner, Chief Technology Officer, at the US launch event.

CES Spotlight: Rehear’s AI AutoREM Brings Real Ear Measurement to OTC Hearing Aids

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This Week in Hearing, January 2025

Live from CES 2025, Andrew Bellavia connects with the team at Rehear to explore their AI-powered AutoREM feature designed for over-the-counter hearing aids. The system uses inward-facing microphones to measure ear canal resonance and perform real ear measurements without clinician involvement. By integrating this functionality into the fitting process, Rehear aims to bring a clinically-informed approach to self-fit hearing devices, allowing users to make personalized adjustments from home.

How AI is Transforming OTC Hearing Aid Support: Inside Tuned’s Innovative Approach

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This Week in Hearing, November 2024

How can AI make the journey to better hearing smoother for OTC hearing aid users? In this episode from the EUHA show floor, Tuned co-founders Omri Gavish and Ron Ganot, joined by Board Advisor Delain Wright, discuss their recent collaboration with JVC to introduce hearing aids equipped with streaming and rechargeability. More importantly, they reveal Tuned’s AI-based care model, which helps users acclimate to their hearing aids through personalized guidance.

Exploring Starkey's Edge AI Hearing Aids: Always-On DNN, LE Audio, Health Features and more

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This Week in Hearing, October 2024

At the Starkey US launch event, Andrew Bellavia sat with Dave Fabry and Achin Bhowmik o delve into the advanced capabilities of the Edge AI hearing aids, discussing the improvements over the previous Genesis AI model. They highlight the always-on deep neural network (DNN), which continuously adapts to different sound environments, offering a seamless experience for users.

Additionally, the discussion covers the health-focused features of the Edge AI, such as fall detection and the ability to track physical activity through built-in sensors. The integration of Auracast™ and LE Audio showcases the future of connected hearing aids, offering advanced streaming capabilities and greater compatibility with various audio sources.

ADA AuDacity 2024 Featured Keynote: Innovation Update in Hearing Care

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This Week in Hearing, September 2024

At the 2024 Academy of Doctors of Audiology conference, a panel featuring Andrew Bellavia, Steve Taddei, and David Kemp provided insights into current innovations across the spectrum of hearing healthcare.

Exploring Phonak’s Revolutionary Infinio Hearing Aids with Those Who Made It Happen

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This Week in Hearing, August 2024

Through a series of live interviews and added color, host Andrew Bellavia takes us on an in-depth exploration of Phonak's latest hearing aid platform, Infinio, which features a number of benefits both for the HCP at fitting and for the end-user in daily life. The most exciting innovation is in the model named Sphere which incorporates a powerful deep neural network chip to perform speech and noise separation in an ear-worn device for the very first time. Go beyond the headlines and find out why Sphere is a seminal moment in hearing device innovation.

LE Audio and Auracast™: Taking Audio Accessibility to the Next Level

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This Week in Hearing, June 2024

An insightful discussion with live demos describing how cutting-edge connectivity is revolutionizing hearing care through Bluetooth® LE Audio and Auracast™. Originally presented by Andrew Bellavia at the 2024 Australian College of Audiology conference on May 9th, this session delves into the transformative impact of these technologies on everyday listening experiences, enabling people to hear their best in various situations.

The conversation highlights the significant advantages of LE Audio and Auracast over current systems, emphasizing the benefits for both hearing care professionals and their patients.

Pioneering Efforts to Provide Affordable and Accessible Hearing Care on a Global Scale

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This Week in Hearing, September 2023

Andrew Bellavia is joined by Deaftronics co-founder, Tendekayi Katsiga, whose company Deaftronics designs and manufactures affordable hearing aids that utilize solar power while promoting awareness and accessibility to hearing care solutions in underserved regions, and Georgia Tech professor Dr. Saad Bhamla, whose lab has been working towards creating a $1 hearing aid.

How Intel is Improving Accessibility for People with Hearing Loss

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This Week in Hearing, June 2023

Intel’s Head of Accessibility, Darryl Adams, joined host Andrew Bellavia to discuss Intel’s commitment to improve accessibility for individuals with hearing loss and other disabilities including their collaboration with 3DP4ME, utilizing 3D printing tech to develop custom-fitted hearing aids in developing countries. Another area of focus is improving alternative communication for nonverbal people, an outgrowth of their work with Stephen Hawking.

Breaking Through the Traditional: JLab CEO Discusses Vision to Revolutionize the Hearing Aid Market

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This Week in Hearing, April 2023

Win Cramer, CEO of JLab, a growing top-5 headphone brand globally, joins host Andrew Bellavia to discuss their hearing health products launched at CES in January. JLab is the first major consumer audio brand to focus on hearing loss prevention and treatment. Given their sheer size and popularity with a younger demographic than that of traditional hearing aid companies, JLab’s entry into the hearing space has the potential to make a big impact.

OTC Hearing Aids: Is Proposed Rule Already Obsolete?

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This Week In Hearing, March 2022

After reading my article on the same subject, This Week In Hearing invited me on the podcast to explain how developments in the consumer earphone world could make an end run around the OTC hearing aid rule.

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