Inner Ear Secrets: An Audiology Podcast

Season 2 | Episode 8: Global Perspectives in Audiology

Hearing loss isn’t just a local issue — it’s a global one. Millions of people worldwide live without access to hearing checks, hearing aids, or even basic awareness of hearing health. When hearing loss goes untreated, the impact can last a lifetime. In this season finale, we sit down with Dr Chris Waterworth, an audiologist who has worked across remote Australia and international communities, to explore what hearing care looks like on a global stage. In this episode, we cover: 1. How hearing care is delivered in resource-limited settings 2. The barriers of access, stigma, and workforce shortages 3. The power of collaboration across health disciplines 4. What it takes to build sustainable hearing programs (Chris introduced at 1:08)

Season 2 | Episode 7: Navigating Dual Sensory Loss in Older Adults

Hearing loss and vision loss are often treated as separate issues. But when they occur together, the impact on daily life can be profound — from communication breakdowns to safety risks, dual sensory loss can affect independence, mental health, and overall quality of life. In this episode, we sit down with Lachlan Smith, a clinician who is both an audiologist and an optometrist, to explore the unique challenges and opportunities for care when hearing and vision loss combine. In this episode, we cover: 1. How hearing and vision loss compound each other in older adults 2. Why diabetes and other chronic conditions put patients at higher risk 3. The functional impacts on safety, independence, and social connection 4. Practical ways audiologists and optometrists can collaborate in care 5. Tips for communicating with patients who live with dual sensory loss (Lachlan's introduction at 2:17) Whether you are an audiologist, an optometrist, a student, or simply passionate about ageing well, this episode offers insights into supporting older adults with complex sensory needs. Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube — and don’t miss the final episodes of Inner Ear Secrets Season 2! #InnerEarSecrets

Season 2 | Episode 6: How Occupational Therapists Support Hearing & Balance

Hearing and balance issues don’t exist in isolation. In complex adult cases, they can quietly shape a person’s safety, independence, and quality of life in ways that aren’t always obvious in clinic. In this episode, we sit down with Emily Calabro, an occupational therapist from the regional Gippsland adults community team, to explore how OTs support clients beyond traditional hearing care. In this episode, we cover: 1. How OTs help clients manage everyday tasks at home 2. Where hearing loss and balance fit into the OT scope of care 3. When and why OTs refer clients to audiology 4. Practical strategies for audiologists and OTs to collaborate for better outcomes (Emily Calabro introduction at 2:24) Whether you are a student, new graduate, or experienced clinician, this episode offers a fresh perspective on hearing care that extends beyond the clinic walls.

Season 2 | Episode 5: Audiology & Speech Pathology in Paediatric Care

Supporting a child’s communication is rarely a solo effort. In paediatric care, audiologists and speech pathologists often work side by side to make sure kids get the best possible start in life. In this episode, we sit down with Ana Lopez Flores, a paediatric speech pathologist, to explore where these two professions meet — and how collaboration shapes real-world outcomes for children and families. In this episode, we cover: 1. Where audiology ends and speech pathology begins (and where they overlap) 2. Why early intervention before age 3 is critical for language outcomes 3. The signs speech pathologists look for when referring children back to audiology 4. Practical ways audiologists and speech pathologists can collaborate for better results (Ana Lopez Flores introduction at 1:41) Whether you are an audiology student, speech pathology student, or clinician working with children, this episode offers valuable insights into the shared role of these professions in paediatric care.

Season 2 | Episode 4: Medical Considerations in Paediatric Hearing Loss

Hearing loss in children is not always straightforward. Sometimes it is part of a much bigger story that can be linked to genetic syndromes, medical complexity, or early life risk factors such as NICU admission or exposure to ototoxic medications. In this episode, we speak with Dr Valerie Sung, paediatrician and childhood hearing loss expert, to explore what happens when audiology and medicine come together. (Dr Valerie Sung introduction at 3:25)