Podcast: Science Meets the Sound Booth

In this episode of Science Meets the Sound Booth, host Emily Venskytis is joined by special guest co-host Dr. Erin Piker, editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology (JAAA), and Dr. Chizuko Tamaki to discuss the recent JAAA article, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale in American Sign Language(opens in new tab). Together, they explore the importance of language access, the connection between hearing and vestibular function, and how culturally and linguistically appropriate clinical tools can help improve patient care.

The conversation also highlights JAAA's new open-access publishing option and the role of accessible research in advancing equitable healthcare. A special thank you to Hearing Research International for supporting this important research and helping make the article available open access.

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Leadership is more than a title. It's a skill that shapes teams, strengthens patient care, and drives the future of the profession. In this episode of Science Meets the Sound Booth, hosts Sarah McAlexander and Maggie Kettler sit down with Dr. Samantha Ramirez to discuss the Academy's new Leadership Excellence in Audiology Professionals (LEAP) program. Learn why leadership development is becoming increasingly important in audiology, how LEAP equips participants with practical skills in communication, emotional intelligence, strategic decision-making, and change management, and why every audiologist can benefit from investing in their leadership journey.

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Gene therapy is no longer a future possibility—it’s here. In this episode, Emily Venskytis and Maggie Kettler sit down with Dr. Jonathon Whitton, Vice President and Global Program Head of Genetic Medicines at Regeneron, to discuss the first-ever gene therapy for genetic hearing loss. From molecular diagnosis and genetic testing to changing standards of care and emerging treatment pathways, Dr. Whitton shares how precision medicine is reshaping the future of hearing healthcare and why audiologists will play a critical role in this new era.

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In this live-recorded episode of Science Meets the Sound Booth at AAA 2026, hosts Emily Venskytis, AuD, and Sarah McAlexander, AuD, sit down with Carrie Meyer, AuD, to explore the launch of the General Audiology Board Certification. From eligibility and exam development to real-world impact, Dr. Meyer breaks down how this new credential aims to elevate clinical practice, validate expertise, and align audiology with other evidence-driven healthcare professions. Learn how board certification can enhance career growth, improve patient outcomes, and shape the future of hearing healthcare.

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In this episode, hosts Emily Venskytis, AuD, and Maggie Kettler, AuD, sit down with Riley DeBacker, AuD, PhD, to explore his work with the American Academy of Audiology’s Guidelines and Strategic Documents Committee. They discuss how clinical practice guidelines are developed, why they matter for clinicians, and how emerging concepts like evidence-informed decision-making are shaping the future of audiology. The conversation highlights the real-world impact of guidelines on patient care, policy, and reimbursement, while offering insight into how audiologists can get involved in shaping the profession.

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In this episode, hosts Maggie Kettler, AuD, and Sarah McAlexander, AuD, interview Anna Jilla, AuD, PhD, and Carole Johnson, AuD, PhD, to discuss their work with the American Academy of Audiology writing group examining the health-related quality of life benefits of hearing aid use. They explore new evidence showing how hearing aids improve overall well-being, the importance of evidence-based care, and what these findings mean for patient counseling, policy, and the future of hearing health care.

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In this episode, hosts Emily Venskytis, AuD, and Maggie Kettler, AuD, sit down with Riley DeBacker, AuD, PhD, to explore his work with the American Academy of Audiology’s Guidelines and Strategic Documents Committee. They discuss how clinical practice guidelines are developed, why they matter for clinicians, and how emerging concepts like evidence-informed decision-making are shaping the future of audiology. The conversation highlights the real-world impact of guidelines on patient care, policy, and reimbursement, while offering insight into how audiologists can get involved in shaping the profession.

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