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Some problems in a relationship don’t show up as big fights. They show up as tiny misses: a mumbled comment from the next room, a joke that lands late, a “good morning” that never happens because the hearing aids aren’t on yet.

We’re sitting down with writer, advocate, and bimodal hearing device user Gael Hannan to talk about the part of hearing loss that rarely gets discussed out loud: intimacy, and what it takes to protect closeness when communication takes effort.

Gael explains why spontaneity can be one of the biggest losses, and how she and her husband build a morning rhythm that works with real life hearing realities. We dig into “purpose-driven communication” (structured conversations, better environments, less bluffing), the power of nonverbal language like touch and facial expression, and why a focused moment can matter more than perfect words. We also get candid about physical intimacy, hearing aids, and the stigma that can make someone feel “flawed” even when nothing about their worth has changed.

We zoom out to hearing health care, too: hearing technology is improving fast, but aural rehabilitation, counseling, and partner support often lag behind. If you’re a hearing aid user, a partner, or a hearing care professional, you’ll leave with practical communication strategies, a clearer view of listening fatigue, and a stronger case for community support. Subscribe, share this with someone you care about, and leave a review so more people can find conversations like this.

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What is Auracast, and why does it matter for hearing aids, earbuds, cochlear implants, and public venues?

In this Friday Audiogram, Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS speaks with Mikey Shaffer, Vice President of North American Sales at Listen Technologies, about how Auracast broadcast audio is changing the future of assistive listening. Mikey explains how Auracast works through Bluetooth Low Energy, why it is often described as “Wi-Fi for audio,” and how it allows people to stream sound directly to compatible hearing aids, earbuds, phones, and cochlear implants without traditional one-to-one pairing.

This clip also explores why Auracast could improve listening access in restaurants, airports, stadiums, arenas, houses of worship, higher education, performing arts centers, and other noisy public spaces. For people with hearing loss and for those with normal hearing who struggle in background noise, Auracast represents a major step forward in accessibility, connectivity, and community-based hearing healthcare.

Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team

Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com

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Auracast may be one of the biggest shifts in hearing accessibility, Bluetooth audio, and assistive listening technology in decades.

In this episode of the Hearing Matters Podcast, Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS speaks with Mikey Shaffer, Vice President of North American Sales at Listen Technologies, about how Auracast broadcast audio is changing the way people with hearing loss, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and Auracast-compatible earbuds connect in public spaces.

Mikey explains how Auracast works within Bluetooth Low Energy, why it is often described as “Wi-Fi for audio,” and how venues like houses of worship, higher education, performing arts centers, airports, stadiums, restaurants, and corporate environments can use this technology to improve accessibility. The conversation also explores the future of assistive listening systems, hearing loops, telecoil technology, direct audio input, hearing aid stigma, and why community-based hearing healthcare matters more than ever.

Whether you are a hearing care professional, audiologist, hearing instrument specialist, venue operator, caregiver, or someone who struggles to hear clearly in noisy environments, this episode offers a clear look at how Auracast could help more people stay connected, engaged, and included.

Learn more about Listen Technologies here, and explore Auracast resources through Bluetooth and Auri Audio.

Omega AI hearing aids don’t just keep up. They redefine what it means to be modern and discreet yet durable and comfortable for all-day wear.

They’re waterproof, everyday-proof, and designed to go the distance of your day and then some. All while tailored to your unique hearing needs.

Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team

Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com

Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast

Facebook: Hearing Matters Podcast