Transforming Silence into Symphony: A Personal Journey Through the World of Pediatric Hearing Loss

In this edition of Pulse on Devices, we turn our attention to the transformative realm of the hearing loss sector within the medical device industry. This sector is not just about technological advancements; it's about profoundly impacting lives. Our exploration begins with a personal story from my own life, illuminating the complex journey families undertake when dealing with hearing impairment, especially in young children.

Let me introduce you to my son, Jayce, a bright seven-year-old whose world was recently reshaped by the introduction of hearing aids. Jayce's journey is emblematic of many children who experience undiagnosed hearing issues. His hearing impairment was first identified during a routine school screening upon entering first grade. This discovery set us on a path from his primary physician to an audiologist, culminating in the diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss that had quietly been influencing his young life.

For years, Jayce navigated a partially silent world, his experiences shadowed by the constant struggle to connect with a soundscape that was only partially accessible to him. This reality manifested in various ways: he excelled academically in visual-spatial areas like math but faced challenges in language-based subjects; behaviors often mistaken for inattentiveness or non-compliance; a persistent undertone of frustration and anxiety due to the effort required to decipher the indistinct sounds around him. These experiences are common among children with hearing impairments, highlighting the complex relationship between hearing and overall development.

The introduction of hearing aids marked a significant turning point for Jayce. This milestone went beyond improving his auditory perception; it dramatically enhanced his overall quality of life. Witnessing his joy and amazement at hearing everyday sounds for the first time was profoundly moving and served as a powerful testament to the impact of medical devices designed for hearing loss. A visit to the Mall of America with Jayce, experiencing a new world of sounds together, underscored the life-changing nature of these devices.

In this issue, my goal is to delve into the broader landscape of the hearing loss sector within the medical device industry. We will investigate the latest developments in hearing aid technology, understand more about pediatric hearing loss, and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. We'll also explore the challenges and opportunities in this field from the perspectives of healthcare professionals, patients, and industry innovators.

Jayce's journey is a source of inspiration and a call to action. It not only underscores the vital need for early detection and intervention in hearing loss but also highlights the extraordinary potential of medical devices to enrich the lives of those with hearing impairments. Join me as we navigate this dynamic sector, where innovative technology intersects with human experience, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth and exploration.

Hearing Harry's Story: A Journey of Understanding and Acceptance in 'Harry Can Hear'

In this issue of Pulse on Devices, I am delighted to spotlight "Harry Can Hear" by Fynisa Engler, a touching and insightful children's book on hearing loss. This story resonates deeply with families like mine, who have experienced the journey of a child diagnosed with hearing loss and adapting to life with hearing aids. The book beautifully captures Harry's transformation across various settings—home, school, and everyday places like ice cream shops—mirroring the experiences of many children like our son Jayce. It's a heartwarming and educational read, offering both understanding and hope to families navigating similar paths.

Following my deep personal connection to "Harry Can Hear," I am thrilled to share this special Q&A with author Fynisa Engler. After sharing how her book profoundly impacted our family, especially our son Jayce's journey with hearing loss and hearing aids, Fynisa graciously agreed to discuss her work and its influence. This conversation delves into the heart of her storytelling, the insights she brings to children's literature on medical themes, and the profound effect such narratives can have on families like ours.

As a parent of a child who has hearing loss and benefits from hearing aids your book really resonated with my family, how did you ensure such accuracy in portraying hearing loss in a child?

I am glad to know my book connected with your family. I wrote “Harry Can Hear” based on my background as a pediatric audiology assistant and cochlear implant coordinator. I have worked with children of all ages and in all stages of their hearing aid journey. I was able to pull from my knowledge along with these experiences to develop a story that maintained accuracy while keeping the process simple for kids to understand.?

How does "Harry Can Hear" differ from other books about hearing loss?

In crafting “Harry Can Hear,” my aim was not just to provide representation for children with hearing devices but also to enlighten kids unfamiliar with hearing aids that those who use them are just like any other children. Many books often focus solely on one perspective, and I wanted to bridge that gap.

What do you hope parents and educators take away from the book?

I would like for parents and educators to gain a deeper understanding of hearing loss and exhibit more patience towards related behaviors. Drawing from my experience with dyslexia, my childhood behaviors might have appeared lazy and anxious, and I wish for educators to look beyond surface behaviors to comprehend the underlying cause, as illustrated in Harry’s case with hearing loss.

How did you balance educational content with an engaging story?

While writing, my focus was on the universal dislike kids have for missing out. This resonates with the reality that children with hearing loss often miss out on parts of conversations. Through Harry, who is oblivious to what he's missing, the story weaves in the diagnostic process many kids experience at school or at the doctors office. Readers get to witness Harry's day once more, gaining insight into everything happening, with a delightful twist awaiting them at the end.

What resources would you recommend for families dealing with hearing loss?

For school aged children I would recommend that the family have close contact with the school to make sure their child is receiving all the necessary accommodations such as preferential seating, visual aids, speech therapy, and an FM system to name a few.?

For family resources I’d recommend visiting:

Hands and Voices at:

A.G. Bell at:

How do you see technology changing the future of hearing aids?

Hearing aid technology is extremely complex. While some may perceive it as simply amplifying sounds, the reality is more complex. Tailoring to factors like low and/or high frequency loss as well as the extent of the hearing loss requires unique programming for each individual. The advancement enabling hearing aids to automatically adapt to different environments, distinguishing between quiet and noisy settings, is remarkable. I anticipate further enhancements in hearing aid clarity over time.

What’s your advice for parents discussing hearing loss with their children?

Consider comparing it to eyeglasses, as many children are familiar with them. Glasses enhance vision, and similarly, hearing aids improve auditory perception. As the child matures, educating them about their hearing aids becomes crucial, enabling self advocacy and fostering comfort with the device.

How do you think Harry's story can change perceptions about hearing aids?

It is my hope that “Harry Can Hear” can spread awareness about hearing aids to educate children by fostering an understanding that a child wearing hearing aids is similar to them, just requiring a bit of assistance to hear better.

What are the misconceptions about hearing loss that you aim to address?

The main misconception I aim to address is that the person with hearing loss just simply isn’t paying attention. What the reader can take away from “Harry Can Hear” is that this isn’t the case, Harry didn’t want to miss out on all he did at school and home. And he definitely didn’t want his ice cream to be plain.

Can you share an experience of reader feedback that impacted you?

A parent reported that their child did not want to wear her hearing aids because they made her feel different. After reading “Harry Can Hear” she felt encouraged and didn’t want to miss out on important things like Harry did before his hearing aids.

Hearing the Future: Innovations in AI Hearing Aids and Smartphone Technologies

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, two fields are witnessing significant breakthroughs that promise to redefine our approach to hearing health. On one hand, there's the remarkable advancement in AI-integrated hearing aids, exemplified by Starkey's Livio AI, which combines the power of artificial intelligence with auditory assistance. On the other hand, we have the burgeoning domain of smartphone technology, where giants like Apple are transforming everyday devices into tools for hearing enhancement. Both these innovations are not just about enhancing auditory experiences; they represent a broader shift towards more accessible, personalized, and tech-driven solutions in healthcare. In the following articles, we delve into these two groundbreaking developments, exploring how they are shaping the future of hearing health.

The Intersection of AI and Audiology

In an era where technology intertwines with every aspect of life, the field of audiology is not left behind. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now playing a pivotal role in transforming hearing aids from simple sound amplifying devices to sophisticated tools that promise a richer, more nuanced auditory experience. This leap in technology is not just enhancing the way people hear but also how they interact with their surroundings and monitor their health.

Starkey Livio AI: Leading the Charge in AI-Enhanced Hearing Aids

At the forefront of this revolution is the Starkey Hearing Livio AI hearing aid. It's a device that symbolizes the convergence of audiology and AI technology, offering features that were once the realm of science fiction.

• Adaptive Sound Enhancement: The core function of any hearing aid is to improve hearing, but Livio AI takes it a step further. It uses AI to optimize sound settings in real-time, tailoring the auditory experience to the environment. Whether in a bustling street or a quiet café, Livio AI adjusts to provide the clearest sound possible.
• Beyond Hearing - A Health Monitoring Device: What sets Livio AI apart is its integration of health monitoring features. It tracks physical activity and can even detect falls, a critical feature for the elderly or those with health concerns.
• Breaking Language Barriers: In a nod to our globalized world, Livio AI offers real-time language translation. This feature is not just convenient for travelers but also a game-changer for cross-cultural communication.
• The Power of Connectivity: With the Thrive Hearing Control app, Livio AI becomes more than a hearing aid; it's a central hub for auditory and health management, directly from a smartphone.
• Customized for Comfort: Catering to diverse needs, it offers tinnitus relief features and comes in both rechargeable and traditional battery options.
• Remote Care and Personalized Settings: The remote care capability allows for adjustments by hearing professionals from afar, and its geotagged settings automatically adjust to the user's frequented locations.

The Bigger Picture

The Starkey Livio AI exemplifies how AI is reshaping the landscape of hearing aids. It's a glimpse into a future where technology not only assists with disabilities but also enhances human capabilities in unforeseen ways. For those with hearing loss, this isn't just about hearing better—it's about an enriched life experience. The integration of AI into hearing aids like Livio AI is a beacon of hope, showcasing the immense potential of technology to improve the quality of life.

In a world where technology is often seen as a disruptor, it’s heartening to witness its role as an enabler, especially in the field of healthcare and personal well-being. As we move forward, the blend of AI and audiology promises not just advancements in hearing technology but a new horizon in holistic health management and personal empowerment.

Discover more about these cutting-edge developments at:

The Smartphone Revolution in Hearing Health: A Wired Look at Apple's Latest Innovations and Beyond

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and health, a quiet revolution is unfolding, one that’s turning ordinary smartphones and earbuds into powerful tools for hearing assistance. At the forefront of this movement is Apple with its AirPods, but the story is much bigger, encompassing a range of apps transforming the way we address hearing health.

Apple's Foray into Hearing Assistance

Recent updates to Apple’s AirPods, particularly the AirPods Pro, have ushered in a new era of hearing health technology. The introduction of the "Conversation Boost" feature is a game changer for individuals with mild hearing issues. This tool is designed to amplify and clarify voices, a boon for those struggling in noisy environments or who just need a bit of auditory assistance. Coupled with ambient noise adjustment capabilities in iOS 15, Apple is tailoring the auditory experience to individual needs.

But Apple's commitment to hearing health doesn't stop at feature updates. The company's involvement in the Apple Hearing Study, in collaboration with the University of Michigan, demonstrates a deeper investment in understanding and improving hearing health on a global scale. This study is part of a larger effort to democratize medical research through technology, leveraging user data to gain insights into noise exposures and their impacts on hearing.

The Broader World of Smartphone Hearing Apps

Beyond Apple's specific initiatives, the smartphone hearing app market is booming, offering a range of functionalities to those with hearing loss. These apps use the smartphone’s microphone to pick up sounds, which are then amplified and processed for clearer listening through earphones or hearing aids. They come with features like frequency adjustment, noise reduction, directional hearing, and even real-time transcription, making them indispensable tools for the hard of hearing.

These apps cater to a diverse group, particularly beneficial for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. They provide an affordable and accessible alternative to traditional hearing aids for budget-conscious users, younger, tech-savvy individuals, and those in the early stages of hearing loss.

The Limitations and Future

While these technological advancements are impressive, it’s important to note their limitations. Smartphone hearing apps and features like Apple’s Conversation Boost are not replacements for professional medical solutions in cases of severe hearing loss. They are, however, valuable supplements, bridging gaps in accessibility and convenience.

The integration of hearing assistance technology into everyday devices like smartphones and earbuds is a significant step forward. It highlights the potential of consumer technology to not only enhance our daily lives but also to address key health challenges. As we look to the future, the line between health device and consumer technology continues to blur, opening up exciting possibilities for inclusive and accessible solutions in hearing health and beyond.

For an in-depth examination of these new advancements, head over to:

Book Excerpt: Unveiling Humor in HealthTech

In the humor section, excerpts from the upcoming book "Paging Dr. Startup: A View Into Medical Device Madness" are featured. Drawing inspiration from Al Hirschfeld's "Show Business is No Business," it humorously pays homage to the medical device industry, exploring the often-overlooked humor in medical device startups. This work celebrates resilient entrepreneurs who bring life-saving technologies to the forefront, fueling innovation in a field ripe with breakthroughs and uncertainties. It not only highlights the serious advancements in HealthTech but also uncovers the industry's amusing quirks and trials, offering laughter, reflection, and inspiration.

Paging Dr. Startup: A View into Medical Device Madness

Chapter 2: Screening the Unmet Clinical Need: A High-Wire Act in the Circus of Innovation

In the enthralling spectacle of medical innovation, screening the unmet clinical need takes center stage, and much like a high-wire act, it requires balance, precision, and a dash of showmanship. Following the careful selection from a multitude of ideas, a rigorous subsequent process of screening and specification is crucial before embarking on the journey of invention, much like a challenging endeavor of herding cats.

Few are born with a natural talent for this skill. Exceptional thinkers often stumble upon a clinical need and, like magicians, conjure solutions without first validating their targeted direction. But make no mistake; careful scrutiny of every facet of the need is the cornerstone of this mesmerizing performance. A formal process is needed to corral the restless feline minds toward a reliable process to vet clinical needs and set the stage for the grand act of invention.

To truly understand the intricacies of the disease states that surround a clinical need, we must embark on a journey of disease state research. It's like studying the script before stepping onto the stage. For needs that span multiple disease areas, the innovator(s) must become virtuoso actors, immersing themselves in the nuances of each related condition while keeping a watchful eye on the aspects that most directly pertain to the need. It's a bit like soaring at 30 thousand feet while navigating the dense forest below.

Anatomy and physiology, dear friends, are our props and cues. We must have a working knowledge of "normal" anatomy, although, in the world of medicine, there's often no such thing as normal. We must delve deep into the physiology of the affected organ, system, or the vast ecosystem that is the human body. It's akin to learning the choreography of a dance, and in this case, the dance is the functioning of the human body.

Understanding the disease of the affected organ or system is paramount, akin to studying the motivations and nuances of a complex character in a play. Pathophysiology and clinical presentation must take center stage, followed by the defining clinical outcomes—these are not mere symptoms but the climactic moments of our medical drama, supported by hard data, epidemiology, and the economic impact on our grand stage.

It's a delicate act of spinning plates. Each plate represents a facet of the need, and we must keep them all aloft simultaneously. And when the music stops, when the curtains draw to a close, the data must be summarized, synthesized, and understood. It sets the foundation for the grand invention, the breathtaking climax of our performance.

So, my fellow innovators, embrace the chaos of needs screening, for it is the overture to a symphony of invention. In this mesmerizing circus of healthcare, we are the ringmasters, the acrobats, and the magicians, all rolled into one. The show must go on, and it's nothing short of spectacular!

To be Continued in the Next Issue...

Your Voice in Healthcare: Connect with Pulse on Devices

I am always on the lookout for the next big story in medtech and healthcare. If you're a leader in these fields with insights on technology advancements, inspiring stories, or suggestions for future features, I'd love to hear from you! Reach out to me through LinkedIn or email me at [email protected] to share your ideas and be a part of our dynamic newsletter. Let's collaborate to keep our community informed and at the forefront of innovation.