In this episode of The Psychoaudiology Podcast, I speak with one of the true pioneers of modern audiology — Professor Harvey Dillon.
Originally an engineer who “stumbled” into the world of hearing science, Professor Dillon went on to spend over 40 years at the National Acoustic Laboratory, shaping how we understand and fit hearing aids. But in the later part of his career, he has turned his attention to one of the most complex and controversial corners of the field: auditory processing.
He unpacks why auditory processing disorders remain so difficult to define and diagnose, and he draws crucial distinctions between the tests that assess different auditory functions. We also explore why assessment is only the first step — and how management and treatment present the next great frontier in this area of research.
It’s a rare conversation with one of the field’s great thinkers — someone who has helped shape the very foundation of how we improve hearing.
🎧 Listen in to understand why, for Harvey Dillon, the “messiest” parts of audiology are also the most fascinating.
Imagine if the ear could repair itself — restoring hearing that’s been lost to age or noise. In this episode of the Psychoaudiology Podcast, I explore a new drug trial that tried to do just that by regenerating hair cells, the tiny microphones of the inner ear. We’ll look at how the drug was delivered, what the results showed, and what this could mean for the future of hearing loss treatment.
In this episode of The Psychoaudiology Podcast, presented in partnership with the International Society of Audiology, we sit down with Dr. Philippa James, an audiologist whose work focuses on supporting neurodivergent people with auditory challenges.
Together, we explore the world of reduced sound tolerance and misophonia, unpacking how everyday sonic environments can profoundly shape our emotions and wellbeing. Philippa shares her clinical insights into why sound can be overwhelming for some, why it matters so deeply for neurodivergent individuals, and how audiologists can better recognize and support those living with heightened auditory sensitivity.
This conversation invites us to think about sound not only as a sense, but as a powerful emotional force that can connect, comfort, or destabilize — depending on how we listen.
What if the right technology could transform how a child with autism hears, learns, and connects?
In this episode of the Psychoaudiology Podcast, I speak with Professor Erin Schafer, a leading researcher in auditory interventions, about how remote microphone devices can dramatically improve listening in noisy environments. She explains how these tools help children with autism process sound more effectively, boosting memory, learning, and everyday communication. You’ll also hear a moving testimony from a mother who describes the incredible difference she’s seen in her child’s ability to connect and communicate.
Join us as we explore how clearer sound can open the door to brighter possibilities.
What if the sound of a classroom could shape how well students learn, behave, and even how teachers teach?
In this episode of the Psychoaudiology Podcast, Priscilla sits down with Dr. Kiri Mealings, researcher and creator of the Listen to Learn for Life program, to explore how classroom acoustics influence listening, learning, and wellbeing.
We dive into her reviews showing how poor acoustics can impair literacy, cognition, and reading skills, while disproportionately affecting students with ADHD, autism, hearing loss, and even teachers, who often strain their voices just to be heard.
If you’re an educator, audiologist, or simply curious about how soundscapes shape the mind and performance, you can find out more about Dr. Mealings on this webpage or via email at kiri.mealings@mq.edu.au.
In this episode of The Psychoaudiology Podcast, audiologist and national hearing loop advocate Juliette Sterkens joins us to talk about one of the most overlooked aspects of hearing aid technology — what happens after you fit the hearing aids.
We explore:
Why hearing aids don’t restore normal hearing
The everyday challenges of hearing in noisy environments
How hearing loops dramatically improve clarity and comprehension for hearing aid users
The future potential of Auracast as a universal assistive listening solution
Why accessibility in public spaces is still falling short
The episode opens with a short sound demo so you can hear the difference a hearing loop makes — a powerful experience for both professionals and the general public.
Learn more about hearing loops and public hearing access with Juliette’s impactful TEDx talk
In this episode, Priscilla sits down with Associate Professor Wayne Wilson from the University of Queensland. A leading expert in paediatric auditory processing, Dr. Wilson shares his journey through the evolving landscape of audiology and the complex challenge of defining auditory processing disorder (APD).
Together, we explore the growing pains of audiology as a still-maturing profession, and what it means to cultivate true clinical competence in a field with many grey areas. From regulatory frameworks to real-world clinical reasoning, Dr. Wilson offers insight into how audiologists can forge their own diagnostic pathways—grounded in research, experience, and reflective practice.
Whether you're a seasoned clinician or an early-career audiologist, this conversation will challenge you to think more deeply about how you assess, define, and manage APD in the everyday clinical environment.
Struggling to hear but all your hearing tests come out fine? Tune in to The Psychoaudiology Podcast as host Priscilla Leigh interviews Dr. Cristina Murphy, paediatric audiologist and auditory processing disorder (APD) expert. Discover why APD, a complex condition involving speech, language, and neuroscience, often goes undiagnosed when hearing test reveals normal hearing. Dr. Murphy unpacks the controversies around APD and highlights its multidisciplinary nature, offering hope for those with listening challenges. This episode reveals that not all hearing issues start in the ear!
Learn more here: https://apdsupportuk.wixsite.com/apd-support-uk
Dive into what a complement to audiology auricular acupuncture can be on The Psychoaudiology Podcast! Host Priscilla Leigh interviews Siwan Quinn-Bratton, director of The College of Auricular Acupuncture, exploring its discovery and how ear points mirror an inverted foetus, guiding healing across the body. Far from mere poetry, this practice blends Chinese medicine with evidence-based practice, and unpacks the ear’s anatomic marvels and hidden gems. Tune in!
Join us for Episode 4 of the Psychoaudiology Podcast, in collaboration with the International Society of Audiology! Host Priscilla Leigh interviews Professor Louise Hickson, diving into the profoundly relational power of hearing and its impact on our quality of life. Explore Louise’s groundbreaking work tackling the stigma of hearing loss, her family-centered care approach, and how our environment shapes communication. Learn about her pioneering Active Communication Education (ACE) program, empowering those with hearing loss to connect effectively. Curious? You can contact Professor Louise Hickson at l.hickson@uq.edu.au.
#Psychoaudiology #HearingMatters
Tune into Episode 3 of the Psychoaudiology Podcast, in collaboration with the International Society of Audiology! Host Priscilla Leigh sits down with Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science, to explore the revolutionary world of auditory brain plasticity. Learn how this phenomenon was discovered by Posit Science co-founder Michael Merzenich following the first (pretty rudimentary!) cochlear implantation. Discover how you can boost processing speed and accuracy with Brain HQ. Find out more on www.brainhq.com and join us on psychoaudiology.com, the ISA website, Spotify or Apple Podcasts! #Psychoaudiology #BrainPlasticity
Join us for the second episode of the Psychoaudiology Podcast with host Priscilla Leigh, where we explore the fascinating intersection of the auditory system, mind, and behaviour. This time, we’re thrilled to feature Dr. Nina Kraus from Northwestern University, a global leader in auditory neuroscience. Dr. Kraus shares groundbreaking insights from her research and brilliant book "Of Sound Mind", on how sound shapes our brain and impacts daily life, with a particular focus on music and bilingualism. Dive into the marvels and mysteries of the auditory system with us!
Find out more about Dr. Kraus' important work at https://brainvolts.northwestern.edu/
Kick off the Psychoaudiology Podcast with a powerful episode featuring Astrid van Wieringen, president of the International Society of Audiology! In this collaboration with the ISA, Astrid dives into why owning your hearing health is a game-changer for keeping your mind sharp. Discover the importance of staying informed about your hearing and explore cutting-edge solutions to boost cognitive vitality through sound. Tune in on psychoaudiology.com, the ISA website, or Spotify! #Psychoaudiology #HearingHealth