175 - Hearing Aid Innovations and Why Hearing Loss Is More Dangerous Than You Think with Bill Facteau

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In this episode of Let's Combinate, host Subhi Saadeh interviews Bill Facteau, President and CEO of Earlens Corporation, who has over three decades of experience in the medical device industry, focusing on hearing innovations. Bill discusses his journey in the ear, nose, and throat field, including his motivation to improve hearing aid technology due to personal experiences and unmet needs in the market. The conversation covers the limitations of traditional air conduction hearing aids, the unique advantages of Earlens' technology, and the broader industry challenges such as lack of education and reimbursement issues. Bill also highlights the critical importance of treating hearing loss to prevent cognitive decline and other health issues.

The episode concludes with leadership advice and a discussion on books that have influenced Bill's career.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:42 Bill Facto's Career Journey

03:01 Challenges in Hearing Aid Technology

08:15 Preventing Hearing Loss

12:05 Ear Lens Innovation

33:03 Hearing Loss and Cognitive Health

35:01 Leadership and Personal Insights

39:36 Conclusion and Contact Information

Bill Facteau is the President and CEO of Earlens Corp, which is focused on transforming the hearing aid industry with its novel and proprietary light-based technology. Prior to joining Earlens, Mr. Facteau served as President and CEO of Acclarent, the company that created Balloon Sinuplasty, which was ultimately acquired by JNJ for $800M. Mr. Facteau has served as a Board Director on a number of successfully acquired ventures including Acclarent, Neotract, CVI, Cabachon and ExploraMed.

Subhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let's Combinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations and R&D he's worked in Large Medical Device/Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of Hardware Devices, Disposable Devices, and Combination Products for Vaccines, Generics, and Biologics. Subhi serves currently as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition(CPC) and as a member of ASTM Committee E55 and also served as a committee member on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.

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