The Future is Accessibility: Auracast™ & Audiology

Auracast™ is a next generation Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology that allows audio to be transmitted directly to hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive listening devices, creating clearer access in public spaces such as classrooms, airports, theaters, and clinics. For audiologists and the patients they serve, Auracast offers an alternative to traditional loop systems by delivering low latency, high quality audio that patients can connect to seamlessly through their own devices. This technology can significantly enhance accessibility by broadening inclusive design for people with hearing loss.

Learning Objectives

• Learn how to discuss Auracast use with consumers/patients
• Learn the current limitations/barriers to acceptance with Auracast
• Learn about connectivity capabilities and benefits of Auracast transmissions compared to other types of connectivity (i.e. telecoil and traditional Bluetooth)

Moderator

Bridget Sobek Dobyan, Executive Director of the Hearing Industries Association (HIA)
Ms Dobyan leads the organization’s strategic initiatives and advocacy efforts. Prior to this role, she served as HIA’s Director of Public Policy. She has a diverse background in nonprofit leadership, federal and state government affairs, and legislative policy. She previously worked on Capitol Hill as Legislative Director for U.S. Representative Dave Trott of Michigan, advised the Michigan Senate on policy matters, and managed government affairs for a Washington, D.C.-based energy efficiency advocacy organization. Ms. Dobyan holds a J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law and a B.A. in political science from Saginaw Valley State University. She is a member of both the State Bar of Michigan and the D.C. Bar.

Panelists

Dave Fabry, PhD, Chief Hearing Health Officer, Starkey As Chief Hearing Health Officer

Dr. Fabry studies and educates professionals and the public on the link between hearing loss and other health issues such as dementia, depression, and overall well-being. His 40 years of industry experience and proven ability to implement forward-thinking concepts is instrumental in shaping the future innovations at Starkey.

David Kemp, Director of Business Development (Oaktree) representing Auri by Listen Technologies

David is the Director of Business Development at Oaktree Products, a family-owned, wholesale distributor of hearing healthcare supplies and equipment. For the last two years, David and his team have been working closely with audiologists to help facilitate Auracast installations throughout the country, at many large and popular theatres, assistive living facilities, stadiums, and houses of worship. David is an expert in all things Auracast and has been instrumental in helping with the deployment of Auracast, by helping hearing professionals to Auracast-enable local venues in their market.

Jay Patterson, Director of Connected Care for Cochlear North America

Jay leads strategy and commercialization initiatives focused on connected hearing technologies, digital health solutions, and customer experience innovation. Since joining Cochlear in 2008, he has held a variety of leadership roles across Product Management, Sales, and Operations in both the United States and Sweden.

Throughout his career, Jay has supported a broad range of Cochlear's hearing solutions, including cochlear implants, acoustic implants, sound processors, fitting software and apps, and surgical technologies. In his current role, he works cross-functionally to advance connected care capabilities that enhance access, engagement, and outcomes for hearing implant recipients and hearing healthcare professionals. Jay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio.

Notes

• Automatic live captioning will be available through Zoom to support accessibility during the webinar.
• This free event is open to all ASHA members and non-members. It is not offered for CMHs or ASHA CEUs.
• If attending this event live, you may email Audiology@asha.org to receive a certificate of attendance to use towards your professional development requirements. This is the only record of your attendance. This event will NOT appear on the ASHA Registry. This information is not shared with ASHA’s Certification Department.
• Disclaimer: ASHA does not endorse external programs, products, or services.

Any questions? Please contact sponsorship@asha.org for assistance.

Sponsored by Starkey

Sponsored by Auri by Listen Technologies

Sponsored by Cochlear