Bill Schiffmiller

I am thrilled to announce the launch of Akoio’s new, patented hearing aid battery dispenser! The idea for a hearing aid battery dispenser germinated during my graduate school years at Pratt Institute. I have used hearing aids since I was 6 years old, and I was discouraged by the lack of innovation in hearing products, especially the batteries I had to carry with me at all times. 

Understanding the Need for a Hearing Aid Battery Dispenser

For my friends who are unfamiliar with hearing aid batteries, I will provide a bit of background. Those buggers are small!  As a person who is over six feet tall with hands and feet sized to match, it is difficult to handle these tiny batteries. Adding to the challenge, hearing aid batteries are powered with zinc air technology. That means the battery “powers up” or becomes activated when the chemicals inside the battery mix with oxygen from the air.  Therefore, the batteries have tiny air holes that are covered by a very sticky tab, which you peel off when you are ready to use the battery. Again….big hands, tiny tabs to grip…not ideal. Next, there is the question of  portability (or lack thereof). Hearing aid users rely on zinc air batteries to hear, and therefore we must carry fresh batteries with us everywhere we go.

Traditional hearing aid batteries brands come in flimsy packages that are prone to breaking and spilling batteries all over. (The story about the time my batteries spilled everywhere while going through TSA security at the airport is a story for another day. Let’s just say crawling under the conveyor belt was quite an adventure.)  Go ahead, check out the price of hearing aid batteries at the drugstore. You’ll see they cost over $1.00 each. So, with every lost battery we hearing aid users silently hear the “cha-ching” of the cash register. The next dilemma is what to do with used batteries. There are many occasions when there is no trash can or recycling bin nearby to dispose of a spent battery. And, finally, let’s talk Design. Those old hearing aid battery packages were so uncool for my twenty-something, design-student self. I knew there had to be a better way.

So, I formed Akoio and assembled an incredible team of design and manufacturing experts to help me reimagine the hearing aid user experience. We set out to make hearing aid use more efficient, accessible, and stylish. I believe we have accomplished our goal to make it simple and easy for people of all ages to manage hearing aid batteries and to carry them everywhere you go – all in a stylish dispenser.  (See the hearing aid battery dispenser page for all the details.)

VARTA Battery Partnership

Of course, a hearing aid battery dispenser must start with the best hearing aid batteries. Safety and reliability were paramount concerns from the start. I am incredibly proud of the partnership we have with our battery supplier, VARTA.  Widely considered the world leader in hearing aid battery technology, VARTA is a German company that has been an industry leader for over a hundred years. (Fun Fact: VARTA batteries powered Neil Armstrong’s camera when he became the first person to ever walk on the moon.) With the Akoio hearing aid battery dispenser, our customers will receive long-lasting, rust-proof batteries and ultimate quality assurance.  Because our dispenser is patented, Akoio stores batteries securely like no other brand can. This secure storage helps ensure you don’t lose any batteries, as well as prevents potential safety hazards that can occur when batteries are loose. 

Now Available on Amazon

Calling all my friends who use hearing aids, please buy Akoio on Amazon!  We’d also love it if you would leave a product review to share your experience with the dispenser. 

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In 2019 I wrote my first “Why I Am Grateful for My Hearing Loss” blog article. It quickly became one of our most popular posts. So, I continued the theme in 2020 and 2021. Now, it just doesn’t seem like Thanksgiving without taking some time to reflect and share on this topic. Hearing (loss) and sound have significantly shaped my life and my perspective. And I’ve been especially grateful for my continuing journey of discovery in the area of sound and wellness — a journey I might never have started had it not been for my early hearing loss.

Sound and wellness experiences

I recently met Robbie, a web developer who moved from Chicago to Phoenix, partly to escape city noise. In Chicago, he enjoyed walking along downtown streets, but the unrelenting city noise sapped his energy and heightened his anxiety. He’s happy with his new job in a quieter suburb out west, but he misses the city, too. I suggested noise-canceling earbuds might help, next time he was in the windy city. He lit up at the idea. “You know,” he said, “when we go outside, we usually think about sunglasses to protect our eyes, or sunblock to protect our skin. But it makes sense that we should do something to protect our ears from sound and noise, too! I never thought of that before.”

Or consider my new friend, Juan, an Uber driver I met in Columbus, Ohio. He is a fellow New Yorker, so we had a lot to chat about on the drive. He likes living and working in Columbus, but he often finds it quiet — too quiet. His solution? He uses earbuds to generate low-level white noise. For Juan, simulating the steady rhythm of the Big Apple reduces stress and helps him better concentrate.

And that’s the fascinating thing about soundscapes: they are as personal and individual as they are critical to our wellbeing. The right conditions for our soundscapes are as varied as we are.

Sound-related health conditions

Properly managing sound and noise is even more important for people with sound-related conditions, like misophonia or tinnitus. Jayme, who has mild misophonia, couldn’t stand her husband’s office fan. The regular click and whir drove her to distraction and annoyance, even if she was in another room. Helping him upgrade to a quieter appliance may have saved their marriage! 

Jason, a talented chef and good friend, has tinnitus. He uses a comfy pair of sleep headphones to generate various sonic hues (white, brown, or pink noise). The headphones help improve his sleep, and his energy and focus for the next day. 

Rachel suffers from Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR). Seemingly mundane sounds, like crinkling wrappers or squelching styrofoam, can cause uncomfortable tingling sensations along her scalp, neck, and back. So, she avoids plastic packaging — which helps both the environment and her wellbeing! When in public, she often uses earbuds to cancel noises or interrupt repetitive sounds with her favorite music or a podcast.

Connection and inclusion

Of course, carefully managing sound and noise is an everyday activity for those of us with hearing loss. I’m particularly thankful this year for the long-overdue arrival of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. These hearing aids are essentially enhanced earbuds that combine hearing aid technology with the comfort, style, and features we’ve come to expect from devices primarily used for music and podcasts. Available without a prescription, OTC hearing aids will make hearing health more affordable and accessible. 

But more than that, I believe these new devices can upend the negative stereotypes and stigma sometimes associated with “hearing aids” and even “hearing loss.” After all, just about everyone has a set of earbuds, don’t they? Soon, it may be nearly impossible to tell whether those earbuds are for “hearing loss” or for “sound wellness.” OTC hearing aids may help us realize that the distinction doesn’t matter at all.

Sound and wellness insights

The sounds we hear — the sounds we share — are part of our human experience. We can use earbuds to compensate for hearing loss, to help us concentrate, or just to enjoy our music stream. We can use other technologies, from noise generators to acoustic paneling to quiet appliances, to create our ideal soundscapes.

I’m grateful to my friends for sharing their experiences. Their insights have profoundly affected me and the entire Akoio team, as we continue expanding our vision beyond hearing health to include all aspects of sound and wellness. I’m also thankful — and proud! — of the work our team has done so far in publishing a new series of Akoio Guides focused on “Managing Soundscapes.” 

My friends and colleagues remind me that we’re all sharing this world, and its sounds and noises, together. I’ve met many of them because of my own hearing loss, or my work with hearing health. I’ve met even more on my journey to better understand sound and wellness. Along with my family, they’ve helped me realize that the path to better living, perhaps to a better world, begins with careful listening — to the sounds around us, and to one another.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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As the temperature drops, the leaves begin to change, and the Thanksgiving leftovers are almost gone, I am reminded of my annual tradition of putting my thoughts to paper. Last year, I wrote about why I am STILL grateful for my hearing loss. That post, along with its predecessor, remain our most popular blog entries.

The world as we know it…now

The world continues to grapple with a pandemic and a host of other issues that affect our daily lives. Personally, I’ve grown tired of the negativity and want more than anything to spread hope and gratitude. I’ve made a conscious decision to find the silver lining every day. The rose doesn’t always reveal itself as easily as the thorns, but it’s there!

Thinking about sound in a new, healthier way

This year, 2021, transformed me in ways I didn’t imagine possible. For one, I’m much more aware of how sound plays a significant role in my happiness. Afterall, like many of you, my time inside my home has grown exponentially and I’m affected much more by factors like street noise, virtual meetings, internet connectivity (or lack thereof), and quite frankly isolation. I’ve taken charge of my overall health, eating healthier (thanks to Noom and my SodaStream), exercising more (love my morning bike rides and pilates), and investigating and purchasing products that minimize noise and control sound. 

New year, new friends

My hearing loss used to be a point of contention in my life, but now I see (once again) that my hearing ability has been a blessing beyond measure. Recently my alma maters, Rochester Institute of Technology (undergrad) and Pratt Institute (grad), approached me to speak to their student bodies about my life’s work dedicated to hearing technology and accessibility. These renewed relationships have validated my strong desire to help others find new ways to improve their daily routines and overall wellness. 

Along those same lines of making meaningful connections, I was fortunate to participate in a podcast with mindfulness coach, Wade Brill, of Centered in the City. One bit of advice she gives on her website is “Instead of getting distracted by the noise and overwhelm of the world, come back to your center with intentional practices that enhance your wellbeing…”.

Enter …  epiphany: Improving our emotional and physical health is not just about how well we hear, but about how well we manage sound!

Sound affects almost every part of your life. That’s why some noises drive you to distraction or make you angry, while other noises lull you to sleep. Sound helps you think better, focus more intensely, and even reduces anxiety and pain. Positive sounds, like music or pleasant conversation, can be disrupted by noise. Taking control of what you hear and what you don’t — your soundscape — changes everything!

The relationship between sound and quality of life is like breathing. You know it’s there, but you don’t overtly think about it. Matters of hearing, sound, and noise naturally integrate with what is most important in a post-pandemic world.

Knowledge is power

I was already familiar with a large body of research that connects hearing better to a vast array of benefits (see also:  “The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss” from Johns Hopkins), including:

• Greater satisfaction with relationships with friends and family 
• Increased job satisfaction
• Higher income level
• Less incidence of loneliness or isolation
• Lower rates of depression and anxiety related to stress
• Shorter, less frequent hospital visits
• Greater cognitive functioning
• Lower rates of dementia

But what I’m discovering is that it’s not just about hearing. Many of these benefits are directly affected by our ability to manage our personal soundscapes at home, at work, or at play. In fact, managing sound is a significant part of how we manage our overall wellness. At-home workers and students are learning how to create (or even purchase) quiet spaces that boost productivity and reduce stress. Many sleepers have found that a sound (or white noise) generator helps them sleep more soundly and have more energy the next day. And every year, music and sound therapy sessions help thousands of people use sound to focus on healing their bodies and minds.

McKinsey & Company recently published consumer research findings that show an increased interest in overall wellness. I’m grateful that sound — and hearing — is becoming a healthy part of that trend.

Progress with OTC hearing aids

Of course, hearing remains a most important part of our soundscapes. So, better access to affordable hearing devices is critical. In October of this year, the FDA released device requirements for a new class of hearing aids officially called over-the-counter (OTC). These devices can make hearing aids more affordable and encourage those with mild to moderate hearing loss to take action earlier. I can hardly express how happy I am about this new legislation! Accessibility has always been a passion of mine and this will provide better access for many who would benefit from a hearing aid, but who are not currently using them.

Looking forward to 2022

Going into 2022 a healthier me, I feel ever so grateful. I’m particularly grateful for this journey into sound wellness that started with managing my own hearing loss. I plan to continue my quest for overall wellness with a bigger focus on managing my own soundscape. And, of course, I’ll use my knowledge, resources, and experiences to help others hear better and manage their own soundscapes more effectively. Now, more than ever, I’m grateful to know that by conquering sound, noise, and hearing, we can conquer life!

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Are you optimistic about 2021? You’re not alone. In a recent Forbes article, Robert Tucker made a compelling case for optimism in 2021. McKinsey & Co notes that consumers generally feel positive about the new year. The Medical Futurist suggests that 2021 offers great hope in “science, technology, digital health” and even “human … kindness.” 

So, why do we remain so hopeful, even after a year of pandemic? Psychologists tell us that it has something to do with self improvement or perhaps wishful thinking. But our human tendency toward optimism and hope for the future goes deeper than weight-loss goals and market forecasts. And it has to do with our unconquerable spirit. 

Conquering life is a choice

Those of us who are (ahem) older and more experienced know that life moves through natural cycles. Night turns to day, winter to spring. So, even after economic depressions, wars, and pandemics, things naturally get better. Thus, in some sense, a post-pandemic year simply has to be better than this one.

But we’re not just waiting around for the inevitable. Things get better, in large part, because we choose to make them so. Holocaust survivor and pyschologist Viktor Frankl suggested that we humans can choose our reaction to any circumstances, no matter how difficult or traumatic. Stephen R. Covey eloquently summed up Frankl’s idea with these words:

Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

Stephen R. Covey

And that’s why you (yes, you!) can conquer life. Because you can choose to conquer life — under any circumstances.

An unconquerable spirit

Last July, my father passed away at age 88. As his caregiver amid the pandemic, I felt blessed to be with him. We were close. He was my role model and best friend. Dad and I had often spoken, having priceless conversations about life’s most important topics. Through his example, I learned how to overcome adversity. I also learned that much of life’s meaning comes from focusing on people and relationships.

His bout with childhood polio gave my dad a lifelong limp. It also gave him firsthand experience with marginalization and discrimination in an era when people referred to him as a “cripple.” Nevertheless, he built a successful business and a reputation as “the guy you need to know, look up to, and trust.” My father became a passionate leader. He inspired his colleagues, mentored young talent, and forged long-term customer relationships. He told me his “secret sauce” was to listen — truly listen — to each person and then take genuine action to help, no matter how big or small their needs.

Upon reflection, I realize my passion for accessibility and product innovation comes largely from my dad. He never let his limp slow him down. In his penchant for life, he was always learning and looking for ways to help his friends, customers, and family. And, he never allowed my own hearing loss to stand in the way of my dreams. His “stimulus” may have been an awkward limp, name-calling, and hurtful discrimination. But his response was a determination to walk, to succeed, to love others, and to truly conquer life.

A ‘conquer life’ mindset

Having a ‘conquer life’ mindset, being ready to choose our response whatever life throws at us, transforms problems into opportunities. For example, we know that masks pose a particular problem for those who are hard of hearing. But on the positive side, masks make more of us aware that lip-reading and facial expressions are an essential part of good communication. Masks also make us more aware of the hard of hearing or deaf around us. Further, some suggest that coronavirus masks even help doctors catch hearing loss earlier. And, the pandemic has driven some professionals to make sure hearing health care is more accessible for older adults.

These responses to the pandemic show that we can conquer life under any conditions. And they reflect the larger trend of embracing hearing wellness and hearing health. 

At Akoio, we’re honored to be a part of that movement. Our newly launched subscription hearing aid battery service  delivers batteries straight to your door so you don’t have to make a trip to the store or run out of batteries. Our free hearing guides help start meaningful conversations about hearing loss.

And that’s just the beginning. In 2021, we’ll expand our services to include more products and resources designed to help everyone hear better — whether or not you have hearing loss. It’s all part of our simple, two-word mission: conquer life.

Happy New Year!

So, we at Akoio wish all of you a happy, healthy new year. It’s a great time to reflect and to choose our response to 2020, by making 2021 our best year yet. We hope your choices are filled with optimism and destined for success. For our friends with hearing loss, and everyone interested in hearing wellness, we welcome you to the Akoio community. Please follow us, share your thoughts, and tell us your story. We look forward to being inspired by you and we’re eager to conquer life together!

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For many of us, Thanksgiving weekend heralds the official start of the holiday season. It’s a time for food, family, celebration, and reflection. Last year, I wrote about how grateful I am for my hearing loss. That post quickly became (and remains) one of our most popular articles. 

Of course being (and remaining) grateful has been particularly challenging in 2020. But, even in such a troublesome year, I find I’m still grateful for the unique perspective my hearing loss gives me. 

Grateful, even during a pandemic

There is plenty of evidence that being thankful is good for your health. But it takes practice and effort — especially in a year marked by a global pandemic. The coronavirus has created truly terrifying and trying conditions. I earnestly hope that relief and comfort comes to any who have lost jobs or homes or loved ones during this difficult time.

However, even amidst the grief, I see hope. Just take a look at Twitter UK’s top picks for acts of kindness during COVID-19. Impressively, many businesses organized quickly to donate and give back in response to the pandemic. And thousands of people still spend countless hours making masks for front-line workers and those most at risk.

Sure … but what about those masks?

Of course, mask wearing and conversations through plexiglass  can be uncomfortable and frustrating — especially if you are hard of hearing. But still, it’s another area where I find good reasons for hope. 

First, I’m impressed with how many people recognize that masks pose particular problems for lip readers like me. Further, many manufacturers and do-it-yourselfers not only saw the problem, but also found solutions. Now, it’s not uncommon to see clear-windowed masks or face shields that accomodate lip reading.

Secondly, communication difficulties related to masks and barriers have given our “hearing friends” some appreciation for what life with hearing loss can be like. As Professor of Linguistics Valerie Fridland points out, masks make it harder for all of us to understand each other, whether or not we have hearing loss. So, masks have reminded us all about the need for good visual cues in effective communication.

More room at the table

Perhaps most encouragingly, these problems (and solutions) — specific to those with deafness or hearing loss — have received significant airtime. Despite broader pandemic concerns and election woes, agencies like  NBC News, CNN, and The Washington Post, regularly remind us how the hearing loss community is particularly affected. I believe the increased awareness helps us all.

Recently, I needed to ship a package overnight. The poor young woman helping me (and many others) had to communicate through her own mask, a plexiglass wall, my mask — and any further barrier created by my own hearing loss. Thankfully, I was confident and comfortable enough to say, “I am hard of hearing. You don’t need to speak louder, but please keep eye contact and talk with me face to face as much as we can.” She seemed to immediately understand and made the extra effort to help me ship my package.

In the past, even in the best of times, concern for those with hearing loss may have been a mere afterthought. Now, even during our greatest challenges, we’re better at keeping those with hearing loss in mind. That’s real progress. And it’s something I’m very grateful for.

So, be thankful

Even with all the chaos and uncertainty around us (and even from behind my mask), I’m still thankful. I’m thankful that, today, I am more comfortable than ever in acknowledging my own hearing loss. I’m also thankful that others are informed enough, aware enough, and kind enough to communicate with me effectively.

I’m especially thankful to live in a world that, despite dark shadows from crises and controversy, still shows flashes of laudable light. Along with Jud Brewer of Elemental, I believe that kindness is more contagious than COVID-19. So, I’m hopeful. From small acts of kindness and consideration to broader inclusivity for our society at large, I find much to be grateful for. And, as we head into this season thanksgiving and reflection, I hope you do too.

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