Learn more about today's guest: How is modern hearing technology transforming accessibility for everyone—not just people with hearing loss?
In this episode of Assistive Tech Today, host Vinny Livoti sits down with Alison Mendez (Senior Territory Sales Manager at ReSound) to explore groundbreaking innovations like AuraCast™ and Bluetooth® Low Energy Audio.Learn how these technologies stream audio directly to hearing aids, earbuds, and public venues like airports, theaters, and museums. Vinny and Alison also dive into the critical connection between hearing health and cognitive wellness, the evolution of medical-grade hearing aids vs. over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives, and the future of inclusion.
CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction to Assistive Tech Today
2:15 - Meet Alison Mendez & Her 25+ Year Journey
6:30 - What is AuraCast™ & Bluetooth® Low Energy Audio?
12:45 - Revolutionizing Public Spaces (Airports, Museums, Theaters)1
8:20 - Hearing Health, Cognitive Wellness & Brain Function
24:10 - Medical-Grade Hearing Aids vs. Over-The-Counter (OTC)
31:00 - The Future of Accessibility and Inclusion
ABOUT ALISON MENDEZ:Alison Mendez is the Senior Territory Sales Manager at ReSound and a member of the company's Sales Advisory Council. With over 25 years of experience in hearing healthcare, her background spans clinical, educational, and industry roles:
• Former Territory Representative at Cochlear
• Former Educational Specialist at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary
• Former Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• M.S. in Deaf Studies (Adelphi University) & B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders (University of Maryland)KEY TOPICS COVERED:• AuraCast™ and Bluetooth® Low Energy Audio applications• Accessibility infrastructure in public and community spaces• The link between hearing loss and cognitive decline• Why properly fitted, professional hearing care matters
CONNECT WITH US:• Subscribe to Assistive Tech Today: [https://open.spotify.com/show/5W8cDldTeydnlbFi2lI4I1]
• Follow Alison Mendez on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-mendez-2092389]
• Contact Alison: Amendez@gnresound.com
• Visit ReSound: [https://www.resound.com/en-us/hearing-aids/resound-hearing-aids]
• Follow Vinny Livoti on LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-livoti-46912767]
“Welcome to Assistive Tech Today Podcast — where innovation meets inclusion.I’m Vinny Livoti, an assistive technology specialist with over twenty-four years of experience supporting children, teens, and adults with special needs through technology.From product design and development to education, consulting, and hands-on demonstrations, this podcast is dedicated to exploring today’s cutting-edge assistive and adaptive technologies.This is Assistive Tech Today Podcast — empowering lives through technology.
”"Please note: Many people in the neurodiverse community prefer identity‑first language and describe themselves as “Autistic,” which is also the language our guest typically uses. At the same time, there are individuals, families and professionals who grew up with or prefer using person‑first language (“person with autism”). We want to acknowledge these differences and honor the full range of perspectives within the community."
"The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this program belong solely to the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of any agency, company, or entity they represent.
"#AssistiveTechnology #AuraCast #HearingHealth #Accessibility #Podcast #ReSound #HearingAids #cochlearimplant #cochlearimplants
