Hearing Innovation with Bill Schiffmiller, Andy Bellavia, Brian Maguire and Alex Westner
May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month.
Debbie Howard provided an introduction to the hearing topic.
Bill Schiffmiller highlighted the shift from traditional hearing aids to more inclusive designs, emphasizing the importance of auditory accessibility.
Andy Bellavia spoke about Auracast, hearing aid fashion and the impact of Apple’s FDA-approved hearing aid software.
Brian Maguire introduced Lexi Hearing’s self-fitting over-the-counter hearing aids and Eargo’s nearly invisible CIC models that scan for issues like ear wax.
Alex Westner added some illuminating commentary.
The discussion also covered the role of technology in reducing stigma and improving accessibility, with a focus on early detection and personalized solutions. The panel emphasized the need for better communication tools and the potential of AI in enhancing hearing care.
Recorded on May 22, 2025, this episode is part of our Hearing and Speech Support as well as our CES Highlights Series (our 13th in 2025). Speakers are listed in their order of appearance.
Bill Schiffmiller, Founder & Chief Development Officer, Akoio;
Board Member Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center; Forbes columnist
Member of both Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Hearing and Accessibility Roundtables.
Andrew Bellavia, Founder and consultant, AuraFuturity; Contributor and co-host Hearing Health Matters Website, This Week in Hearing Podcast
Brian Maguire, Chief Commercial Officer (Lead Commercial Growth, Revenue Generation and Performance Marketing for LXE Hearing Brands: Eargo, Lexie, hearX
Special guest comment
Alex Westner, co-Founder and CEO, Xander
Resources:
Bellavia: Forbes, Apple’s AirPods, 9-11-24
Bellavia: AudioXpress, Perception, Stigma, and Ergonomics in Hearing, 10-3-24
HearX and Bellavia – Interview
Akoio Complementary Research and Guides including: How to Talk to Someone Who Has Hearing Loss, Questions You Should Ask Your Audiologist, Managing Your Soundscapes in the Workplace and more.
Eargo and hearX Close Merger, Announce New Combined Company, LXE Hearing 3-31-25
New Yorker 4-21-25 “Subtitling your Life” by David Owen mentions Xander Glasses
Auracast photos and videos by Andy Bellavia and Linda Sherman
Mentioned:
We spoke about Hearing Self-care on our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club podcast on 5-20-25 with Ray Gordon’s AARP article.
Auracast Photos and videos from Linda Sherman at CES and Andy Bellavia
Deaf Metal hearing aid jewelry
Other Resources:
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
National Institute for Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Hearing Loss for Dummies book by Frank Lin
CTA Standards for OTC Hearing Aids
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Music: Solemnity written and performed by Richard Sherman
