Science Meets the Sound Booth

Gene Therapy and the Future of Hearing Care: A Conversation with Dr. Jonathon Whitton

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.

Advancing Audiology: The Future of Board Certification with Dr. Carrie Meyer

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.

From Evidence to Action: Guidelines and the Future of Practice with Dr. Riley DeBacker

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.

Health-Related Quality of Life Benefits with Hearing Aids: A Conversation with Drs. Anna Jilla and Carole Johnson

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.

Measuring Meaningful Hearing Outcomes in Adults: A Conversation with Dr. Catherine Palmer

In this episode, Emily Jo Venskytis, AuD, and Sarah McAlexander, AuD, interview Catherine Palmer, PhD, a leading expert in audiology and professor at the University of Pittsburgh, on her recent work with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the committee that developed Measuring Meaningful Outcomes for Adult Hearing Health Interventions [https://www.nationalacademies.org/projects/HMD-HCS-23-06], which focuses on advancing standard, patient-centered outcome measures in adult hearing health care. Listen to learn why meaningful outcomes matter, how they’re defined beyond traditional clinical metrics, and what this work means for clinicians, researchers, and individuals with hearing loss.