We proudly present: our authors

Megan is a Research Audiologist with Sonova. She has been with Sonova since 2008 and previously worked in Technical Support as part of the Customer Success Team. Her prior work history includes administering and interpreting audiological evaluations as well as hearing aid fitting and dispensing for adults and pediatrics at an Ear, Nose and Throat office. She earned her M.A. in Audiology at Northern Illinois University and Au.D. from Pennsylvania College of Optometry (now called Salus University).

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Dr. Alvand is a PhD graduate from the school of Psychology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Ashkan's research utilized Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques and network science approaches to investigate brain mechanisms in children diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). His findings were published in top-tier journals in neuroscience and enriched the literature, furthering our understanding and contributing to the development of diagnostic and treatment tools for APD.

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Jennifer joined Phonak HQ in 2013. She previously worked clinically as an Audiological Scientist mainly in the UK and Switzerland, with both adults and pediatrics (in the areas of hearing aids and cochlear implants). She received her MSc in Audiology from the University of Manchester.

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After working in hospitals and private practice, Kristen came to the hearing aid manufacturing realm, first working in tech support, and then moving from being a rep to a manager. Kristen currently leads a team of audiologists and software support team members who support Phonak. She is honored to be part of a company with not just amazing people, but one that is on the leading edge of technology which allows people to live a life of better hearing!

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Shelby, AuD is the pediatric audiologist at soundSTART, a non-profit hearing clinic serving children throughout Oregon. Dr. Atwill is also the audiologist on the Oregon Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program team. She is a Board Member of the Oregon Academy of Audiology and a state champion with the American Cochlear Implant Alliance.

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Lisa is Global Manager of Audiology Thought Leadership and Editor-in-Chief of the Phonak Audiology Blog, where she works with experts across hearing care to translate evidence and professional insights into content for hearing care professionals around the world. A speech-language pathologist and audiologist by training, Lisa has more than 15 years of clinical experience and holds a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology.

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Debbie has worked for Sonova for over 10 years. According to Debbie, “You really become very proficient with Bluetooth troubleshooting when you are trying to help someone with a hearing loss pair hearing aids to their phone when they are calling the support line on the same phone!” She hopes to continue helping people with hearing loss live their lives without limitations, and support the hearing care professionals that get to change lives every day in any way she can!

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Sarah worked clinically as a Hearing Instrument Specialist before being brought on as an audiology support representative at Sonova Canada. A lifelong science and tech enthusiast, Sarah is passionate about finding the best solution for her clients. Sarah received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-barker-29a671214

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Dr Caitlin Barr is CEO of Soundfair Australia and honorary senior clinical researcher at the University of Melbourne. Dr Barr is passionate about putting people with lived experience of hearing conditions at the center to transform the way hearing care is provided.

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An audiologist herself, Shannon brought years of experience to her role where she educated and inspired other hearing healthcare professionals to provide life changing solutions that meet the individualized needs of patients with hearing loss. Curious by nature, she seeks out all things that lead to improve the human experience and overall well-being. Although rarely home, she, her husband Mike, and their son John Michael call the Atlanta area home.

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Dr Bennett's research focuses on adult audiological rehabilitation, the social and emotional impacts of hearing loss, and eHealth service delivery. She currently leads a program of work developing a digital self-management tool to address the social and emotional impacts of hearing loss. Bec is a 2022-27 NHMRC Investigator Fellow and a Director of the Board, Audiology Australia.

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With 20+ years of product development experience, Sudeep has contributed to industries spanning compute data storage, wearables, and medical devices, including hearing aids, neuromodulation, and cochlear implants. His expertise in systems design, embedded architecture, data analytics, and product strategy drives innovation from concept to market. Passionate about delivering cutting-edge solutions, Sudeep collaborates with business leaders, industry experts, technical teams, marketing, and customers to develop accessible technologies and impactful products. He is dedicated to making complex advancements both understandable and beneficial to those who need them most.

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