Cochlear Implants, Hearing Aids, and a Whole Lot of hEARt: A Mom’s Journey Raising DHH Boys

Let's continue the conversation- send me a text!When hearing loss enters a family with no history, everything shifts.In this episode of the EmpowEAR Audiology Podcast, Dr. Carrie Spangler sits down with Makaela, a mom of three boys — two of whom are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. One son has bilateral cochlear implants, and the other wears bilateral hearing aids. She shares what diagnosis felt like, how her family navigated early decisions and intervention, and the emotional journey that followed.Out of her lived experience, Makaela founded hEART to hEARt CLE, a parent support and collaboration group bridging families and professionals.This conversation is about more than technology — it’s about advocacy, resilience, and the power of community.If you’re a parent at the beginning of this journey — or a professional walking alongside families — this episode is for you.You are not alone.🔗 Learn more about hEART to hEARt CLE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/663519298193613/ 🎙 Follow the EmpowEAR Audiology Podcast for more conversations For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her Linktree at https://linktr.ee/carrie.spangler. For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

Let's continue the conversation- send me a text!What does it really mean to live with single-sided deafness?In this episode of the EmpowEAR Audiology Podcast, I sit down with a mom and her teen daughter to share their family’s journey with single-sided deafness (SSD) — from diagnosis and daily listening challenges to the decision to pursue a cochlear implant and life beyond activation.Although SSD can appear “invisible,” this conversation highlights the real impact it can have on listening effort, fatigue, confidence, and identity — especially in school and social settings. Together, we explore what it’s like to grow up with hearing in one ear, how cochlear implantation entered the conversation, and what families and professionals need to understand to better support students with SSD.This episode blends lived experience with educational insight, offering encouragement, perspective, and reassurance for families navigating similar decisions.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share — it helps more families and professionals find the stories they need to hear.For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her Linktree at https://linktr.ee/carrie.spangler. For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

Let's continue the conversation- send me a text!In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Carrie Spangler shares about her upcoming second cochlear implant as she reflects on resilience, bouncing forward and her CI marathon mantra. From the first magical sounds she heard years ago—Jingle Bells, her dog’s collar, a car turn signal—to the lessons learned along the way, Carrie explores what it means to bounce forward, not just back. It’s a episode of resilience, rediscovery, and connection—and a reminder that whether you’re facing a cochlear implant journey or another life challenge, you’re never alone in learning to bounce forward. Follow HearingSpanglish blog at https://hearingspanglish.com/For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her Linktree at https://linktr.ee/carrie.spangler. For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

Let's continue the conversation- send me a text!In this special episode of the EmpowEAR Audiology Podcast, host Dr. Carrie Spangler honors Educational Audiology Awareness Week 2025 with notable guests in the educational audiology field: Dr. Cheryl DeConde Johnson and Dr. Kristin Samuelson.Cheryl and Kristin share their professional journeys and the collective advocacy behind the Certificate Holder in Educational Audiology (CH-EdAud) program, developed through the collaboration of the American Board of Audiology and the Educational Audiology Association. This program strengthens professional identity, raises awareness of the vital role educational audiologists play in schools, and ensures better outcomes for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.From program development and system change to direct school-based support, our guests highlight the power of educational audiology to make a difference. Whether you’re a seasoned audiologist, a new educational audiologist, or thinking about making a switch, this episode is for you!https://www.audiology.org/american-board-of-audiology/aba-certificate-programs/certificate-holder-educational-audiology-ch-edaud/https://www.edaud.org/For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her Linktree at https://linktr.ee/carrie.spangler. For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

Let's continue the conversation- send me a text!Joining a professional organization is more than paying dues—it’s a powerful step toward building connections, influencing change, and amplifying your voice.In this episode, host Dr. Carrie Spangler sits down with Dr. Gina Hounam (Audiology Program Manager at Nationwide Children's in Ohio) and Dr. Maggie Kettler (Senior Clinical Director at Cincinnati Children's)  to explore the role professional organizations play in shaping the future of audiology and hearing healthcare. They share their personal journeys, the impact of getting involved, and practical ways you can start advocating—whether you’re a student, new professional, or seasoned expert.For more information about today's guests, please reach out via [email protected]@cchmc.orgFor more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her Linktree at https://linktr.ee/carrie.spangler. For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

Let's continue the conversation- send me a text!In this episode, I sit down with Cris Edwards, founder of SoQuiet, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with misophonia through their mission of offering advocacy, support, and resources for people who suffer from misophonia so that they may lead productive and serene lives.Cris shares his personal journey living with misophonia, what inspired them to launch SoQuiet, and the nonprofit's growing impact through advocacy, education, and peer community connection. Cris also shares about World Misophonia Day which occurs on July 9 and the story behind this special day.  Take a listen as this conversation offers powerful insights, practical takeaways, and a hopeful look at the future of misophonia.For more information about SoQuiet: SoQuiet Website: https://soquiet.orgFree Misophonia Info Cards: https://soquiet.org/cardsFor more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her Linktree at https://linktr.ee/carrie.spangler. For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

Let's continue the conversation- send me a text!Welcome to a milestone moment for the EmpowEAR Audiology Podcast! I’m Dr. Carrie Spangler—deaf/hard of hearing audiologist and certified professional coach—and today marks the beginning of a brand-new chapter.After 4.5 amazing years of partnership with 3C Digital Media Network, I’m stepping into the world of independent podcasting. I reflect on the journey so far, thank the voices who’ve helped shape this community, and share what’s next for the show.From lived experiences to new professional insights, more guests, more depth, and more heart—this next season is for you.For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her Linktree at https://linktr.ee/carrie.spangler. For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

Let's continue the conversation- send me a text!In this episode of the EmpowEAR Audiology Podcast, meet author Tiffany Yu as we discuss her newly published book, The Anti-Ableist Manifesto. Tiffany is an award-winning social impact entrepreneur, disability advocate, and content creator. She is the founder and CEO of Diversability, a social enterprise dedicated to elevating disability pride and building disability power.Tiffany’s impressive career spans roles at Goldman Sachs, Bloomberg, and Revolt, and she is now an in-demand corporate speaker, helping bridge corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts with actionable insights for disability inclusion. Her TED Talk, How to Help Employees with Disabilities Thrive, has garnered over one million views, and her work has been featured in prominent publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and USA Today.In this conversation, Tiffany challenges the notion that disability is a bad word. We explore how The Anti-Ableist Manifesto provides a framework for transformative conversations, deconstructs the language of ableism, and empowers allies with actionable steps. Tiffany introduces the powerful “me, we, us” approach to driving meaningful change and confronting ableism head-on.As you listen, take time to reflect on your own experiences and biases, share this episode to spark further dialogue, and commit to actionable steps for inclusivity. Be sure to order Tiffany’s book on Amazon to read, reflect, and take action.To Learn More about Tiffany Yu:  https://www.tiffanyyu.com/https://www.instagram.com/imtiffanyyuhttps://www.facebook.com/imtiffanyyu\https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyayu/https://mydiversability.com/You can listen to this episode wherever you stream podcasts and at https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com  For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her Linktree at https://linktr.ee/carrie.spangler. For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

Let's continue the conversation- send me a text!In this insightful episode of empowEAR Audiology,  I am joined by two experts in vestibular and balance care. Dr. Julie Honaker and Dr. Violette Lavender shed light on the complexities of vestibular disorders in children and adults. Representing care across the lifespan, they discuss the impact of these conditions on daily life, advancements in diagnosis and treatment, and the vital role audiologists play in managing balance and hearing health.  Dr. Honaker is the Director of the Vestibular and Balance Disorders Program within the Head and Neck Institute at Cleveland Clinic Foundation. She specializes in assessing and managing dizziness, imbalance, and fall risks while advancing clinical research focused on fall prevention across the lifespan. Dr. Violette Lavender is at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, a pediatric audiologist specializing in hearing and balance disorders. She is passionate about making vestibular testing accessible to young children and advancing research in pediatric balance assessment. Whether you’re an audiologist, a healthcare professional, or someone curious about vestibular health, this episode provides valuable takeaways for understanding and addressing these often-overlooked conditions. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of vestibular health and how it impacts people of all ages. Subscribe, rate, and review to stay updated on future episodes!For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her Linktree at https://linktr.ee/carrie.spangler. For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

Let's continue the conversation- send me a text!In this episode of the empowEAR Audiology Podcast, we explore the importance of Educational Audiology Awareness Week with guests Dr. Kristin Jolkowski and Dr. Tori Ashton of the Educational Audiology Association, who highlights the essential role of school hearing screenings. They discuss how early identification of hearing loss impacts students' academic success and the importance of collaboration between educational audiologists, nurses, school staff, and families. The episode also provides valuable resources and advocacy tips to raise awareness and improve hearing support in schools.  #EdAudWeek  #EdAudAdvocacy For more information:  https://edaud.org/edaudawarenessweek/ ___________________ You can listen to this episode wherever you stream podcasts and at www.3cdigitalmedianetwork.com/empowear-audiology-podcastFor more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her Linktree at https://linktr.ee/carrie.spangler. For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com