Interviewer: Stacey Ebert, Veteran Support Network
Organization: AudioCardio
Title in Organization: CEO
Why Veterans? We built AudioCardio with veterans in mind – especially given the high prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus. We want to support veterans where support may be lacking and provide additional options for better hearing health.
What got you interested in this organization (if you started the organization - what inspired you to do so)? My grandfather was a hydraulics engineer in the Air Force and suffered from hearing loss and tinnitus. Although he had access to care, he left his hearing loss and tinnitus untreated due to the negative social stigma associated with hearing aids. In his later years, he showed cognitive decline and eventually passed after suffering from dementia. Studies show that people with untreated hearing loss are up to five times more likely to have dementia. This is the reason we built a solution that is easy to access, affordable, and has no social stigma associated with it. It utilizes a mobile app and headphones to deliver sound therapies.
What's your favorite thing about working in this field? Giving hope to people who had lost hope in finding a solution for their hearing issues and hearing about how much AudioCardio has helped them in their lives. People have shared that AudioCardio has helped them with communicating better, being less frustrated and isolated, and even improving their relationships with friends and family.
How has community service involvement impacted your life? Community service is a great way to give back and honor those that have helped me along my own journey. It's incredibly rewarding to help others and see the difference it can make. I gain new perspectives and learn about some of the issues faced by individuals and groups that I might not otherwise understand.
Why should veterans and families use these services? AudioCardio aims to help maintain and strengthen hearing. Hearing loss is more than just an inconvenience. Untreated hearing loss has many, more devastating secondary mental and physical issues associated with it. Addressing hearing loss is important in not only your hearing health, but your overall health and wellness.
Anything else you would like us to know about you, your past experiences, or advice for veterans? The benefits of healthy hearing are tremendous. Healthy hearing allows us to be more social, allows us to be more efficient when following instructions, improves our relationships, and keeps us safe. Don't ignore your hearing issues or put them off for a later date.
Why this person? Chris and his team help humans hear better. Drawing energy from his personal story, Chris uses his knowledge of start ups and product development to put tools in the hands of others who can benefit from his services and enables all to gain easy access to hearing care.