Welcome to our author directory, where we recognize the experts behind our scientific publications in audiology. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive list of researchers, scientists, and professionals whose work advances hearing science and innovation.
Barinder Samra received his MSc degree in audiological sciences from the University of Southampton. He has a background as a hearing care professional in the UK National Health Service where he has gained extensive clinical experience in multiple audiological fields. In 2023 he joined WS Audiology where he holds a position as Commercial Audiology Manager in Lynge, Denmark.
2025 08 White paper:
Binaural OneMic Directionality 2.0 delivers 5 times the speech enhancement in noise versus key competitors
2025 04 Journal paper:
86% of participants performed better with Signia Integrated Xperience versus key competitor in noisy group conversation
2025 02 White paper:
Beyond the lab: Signia IX with RealTime Conversation Enhancement significantly improves real-world busy group conversations
2024 12 Journal paper:
Signia IX with pioneering multi-stream technology delivers 22% better speech understanding in noisy group conversation than a competitor with an AI co-processor-driven platform
2024 10 White paper:
Signia IX delivers more than twice the speech enhancement benefit in a noisy group conversation than the closest competitors
2024 09 Journal paper:
Improving the real-world conversation experience with a multi-stream architecture
2024 03 White paper:
Real-world assessment of Signia Integrated Xperience with RealTime Conversation Enhancement
2023 11 Journal paper:
Multi-Stream Architecture for Improved Conversation Performance
2023 09 White paper:
Power the conversation with Signia Integrated Xperience and RealTime Conversation Enhancement
Brian Taylor is the Senior Director of Audiology at WS Audiology US. He is also the editor of Audiology Practices, a quarterly journal of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and editor-at-large for Hearing Healthcare and Technology Matters, a leading industry blog.
2025 04 Journal paper:
86% of participants performed better with Signia Integrated Xperience versus key competitor in noisy group conversation
2025 02 White paper:
Beyond the lab: Signia IX with RealTime Conversation Enhancement significantly improves real-world busy group conversations
2024 12 Journal paper:
Signia IX with pioneering multi-stream technology delivers 22% better speech understanding in noisy group conversation than a competitor with an AI co-processor-driven platform
2024 10 White paper:
Signia IX delivers more than twice the speech enhancement benefit in a noisy group conversation than the closest competitors
2024 09 Journal paper:
Improving the real-world conversation experience with a multi-stream architecture
2024 06 Journal paper:
Accentuating the positive: Overcoming the complexities of stigma through thoughtful product design & more-effective person-centered communication
2024 03 White paper:
Real-world assessment of Signia Integrated Xperience with RealTime Conversation Enhancement
2023 11 Journal paper:
Multi-Stream Architecture for Improved Conversation Performance
2023 10 White paper:
Improving the signal-to-noise ratio in group conversations with Signia Integrated Xperience and RealTime Conversation Enhancement
2023 09 White paper:
Power the conversation with Signia Integrated Xperience and RealTime Conversation Enhancement
2023 05 Journal paper:
Unlocking Quality of Life Benefits Through Firmware and Apps
2023 04 Journal paper:
AI-based fine-tuning: How Signia Assistant improves wearer acceptance rates
2022 09 White paper:
Supporting hearing health and general health with My WellBeing
2022 06 White paper:
Evidence Supports the Advantages of Signia AX' s Split Processing
2022 05 White paper:
Upgrading the performance of Signia AX with Auto EchoShield and Own Voice Processing 2.0
2021 11 Journal paper:
AI Assistant Improves Both Wearer Outcomes and Clinical Efficiency
2021 05 White paper:
Performance of Signia AX in at-home listening situations
2019 12 How-to-use:
Dynamic Soundscape Processing Slider
Cecil Wilson received his MSc degree in Signal processing from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He works in the hearing industry at WS Audiology since 2010. He is currently a Research Audiologist in the Sound and Fitting team. His key expertise is in automatic directional microphone systems for hearing aids and currently focuses on developing and optimization audiological features for hearing aid platforms.
2025 04 Journal paper:
86% of participants performed better with Signia Integrated Xperience versus key competitor in noisy group conversation
2024 12 Journal paper:
Signia IX with pioneering multi-stream technology delivers 22% better speech understanding in noisy group conversation than a competitor with an AI co-processor-driven platform
2024 10 White paper:
Signia IX delivers more than twice the speech enhancement benefit in a noisy group conversation than the closest competitors
2023 10 White paper:
Improving the signal-to-noise ratio in group conversations with Signia Integrated Xperience and RealTime Conversation Enhancement
2015 12 Journal paper:
New Wireless, Binaural Processing Reduces Problems Associated with Wind Noise in Hearing Aids
Christopher Slugocki has been a research scientist at ORCA Labs (USA), The Scientific Institute of WS Audiology, since 2016. He earned his PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour from McMaster University studying how the brain makes and tests predictions about the auditory world in infancy and adulthood. His work at ORCA Labs combines neuroscience with psychoacoustics to explore how technology interacts with listeners' auditory systems to help process sounds in challenging listening conditions.
2024 12 Journal paper:
Conversations in noise: Multi-stream architecture vs. deep neural network approach to hearing aids
2024 05 Journal paper:
Augmenting split processing with a multi-stream architecture algorithm
Claudia Pischel has been a research and development audiologist at WS Audiology in Erlangen Germany since 2013. She holds a master craftsman’s certificate as a hearing care professional, and a MSc in Audio Communication and Technology from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany.
2022 05 White paper:
Upgrading the performance of Signia AX with Auto EchoShield and Own Voice Processing 2.0
2021 05 White paper:
Performance of Signia AX in at-home listening situations
2015 10 Journal paper:
New Wireless, Binaural Processing Reduces Problems Associated with Wind Noise in Hearing Aids
Dr. Eric Branda is an Audiologist and Director of Research Audiology for WS Audiology in the USA. For over 20 years, Eric has provided audiological, technical and product training support around the globe. He specializes in bringing new product innovations to market, helping WS Audiology fulfill its goal of creating advanced hearing solutions for all types and degrees of hearing loss. Dr. Branda received his PhD from Salus University, his AuD from the Arizona School of Health Sciences and his Master’s degree in Audiology from the University of Akron.
2025 08 White paper:
Binaural OneMic Directionality 2.0 delivers 5 times the speech enhancement in noise versus key competitors
2023 01 Journal paper:
HandsFree and CallControl in Signia AX deliver a great phone experience for the wearer and the conversation partner
2022 11 White paper:
Signia AX HandsFree and CallControl: A dream to stream
2022 09 White paper:
Measuring steps at the ear: How My Steps improves accuracy
2021 12 Journal paper:
Split-processing: A new technology for a new generation of hearing aid
2021 09 Journal paper:
Motion Sensors in Automatic Steering of Hearing Aids
2021 05 White paper:
Improving speech understanding with Signia AX and Augmented Focus
2020 09 White paper:
The effect of new signal processing techniques on real world satisfaction in key listening situations.
2020 07 White paper:
Improving communication with face masks
2020 05 White paper:
The new way: Ensuring consistent support and individualized care through the Signia Assistant
2020 04 White paper:
StreamLine Mic
2020 02 Journal paper:
User Engagement with Signia TeleCare: A Way to Facilitate Hearing Aid Acceptance
2019 12 Journal paper:
Dynamic Soundscape Processing: Research Supporting Patient Benefit
2019 12 Journal paper:
Maintaining Narrow Directionality While Improving Soundscape Processing
2019 11 Journal paper:
Research Evidence for Dynamic Soundscape Processing Benefits
Heidi Peeters received her MA in audiology from the University of Illinois. She has 9+ years of experience with ORCA USA as a research audiologist. Much of the work she had been privileged to take part in focuses on amplification and auditory perception, with occasional diverting topics such as frequency lowering, tinnitus management, and the speech-in-noise problem.
Homayoun Kamkar Parsi received his PhD degree in electrical engineering from the University of Ottawa, Canada. He works in the hearing industry at WS Audiology since 2009. He is currently the Head of Signal Processing Algorithmic Research and Neural Networks. Main work, expertise and research include audio processing applications, speech enhancement, multi-microphone beamforming, source localization and tracking, own voice processing, scene analysis and towards neural networks based algorithms.
2025 02 White paper:
Beyond the lab: Signia IX with RealTime Conversation Enhancement significantly improves real-world busy group conversations
2024 12 Journal paper:
Signia IX with pioneering multi-stream technology delivers 22% better speech understanding in noisy group conversation than a competitor with an AI co-processor-driven platform
2024 10 White paper:
Signia IX delivers more than twice the speech enhancement benefit in a noisy group conversation than the closest competitors
2024 07 Journal paper:
Hearing at the mall: Multibeam processing technology improves hearing group conversations in a real-world food court environment
2023 11 Journal paper:
Multi-Stream Architecture for Improved Conversation Performance
2023 10 White paper:
Improving the signal-to-noise ratio in group conversations with Signia Integrated Xperience and RealTime Conversation Enhancement
2023 09 White paper:
Power the conversation with Signia Integrated Xperience and RealTime Conversation Enhancement
Dr. Jennifer “Jenny” Weber is Professor of Audiology and Speech-Language Sciences (ASLS) at the University of Northern Colorado. Her areas of interest include amplification and diagnostic, pediatric, and animal audiology. She serves as Audiology Graduate Coordinator at UNC.
2023 01 Journal paper:
HandsFree and CallControl in Signia AX deliver a great phone experience for the wearer and the conversation partner
2022 11 White paper:
Signia AX HandsFree and CallControl: A dream to stream
2021 05 White paper:
Improving speech understanding with Signia AX and Augmented Focus
2019 12 Journal paper:
Maintaining Narrow Directionality While Improving Soundscape Processing
2019 07 Journal paper:
Industry Research: Clinical Comparison of Premier Hearing Aids
2018 04 Journal paper:
Perception of Own Voice Wearing Hearing Aids: Why "Natural" is the New Normal
2018 01 Journal paper:
Clinical Study Shows Significant Benefit of Own Voice Processing
Jens Hain studied electrical engineering at the Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany. He works in the hearing industry at WS Audiology since 2001. As a member of the signal processing group he focused on developing directional processing algorithms.
Julia Warmuth is a hearing care professional with 12 years of professional experience. She then studied Audiology and Hearing technology at Jade University of Applied Sciences for a few semesters. Since 2018, she has been working at WS Audiology as a Research Audiologist in the department of applied audiological research in Erlangen, Germany.
Katharina Mohnlein-Gilbert is a hearing care professional and received her MSc degree in hearing acoustics and audiological technology from the University of Lübeck. She works in the hearing industry at WS Audiology since 2020. As a member of the Sound and Audiology team, her key expertise is in the study preparation and conduction.
Dr. Leanne Powers is Head of Product Management at WS Audiology USA. In this role, she orchestrates the development and implementation of hearing aid technologies across all WS Audiology brands while providing vital support to Hearing Care Professionals throughout the country. Dr. Powers brings nearly three decades of industry expertise to her position. Her journey with WS Audiology began in 2011 as a Clinical Educational Specialist at Signia, and she has since evolved into a pivotal figure who bridges global launch planning, product management, sales, and marketing initiatives. Before joining the manufacturing sector, she dedicated 16 years to clinical practice, building a strong foundation in patient care. Her academic credentials include a doctorate from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, complemented by a graduate degree from RUSH University and an undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University.
2021 09 Journal paper:
Enhancing Real-World Listening and Quality of Life with New Split-Processing Technology
2021 05 White paper:
Boosting real-world listening performance with Signia AX: A first glimpse at data from an international survey
2016 10 Journal paper:
Notch Therapy: A New Approach to Tinnitus Treatment
Michael Müller received his MSc in Information and Computer Engineering and a PhD in Computational Neuroscience from Graz University of Technology. He joined WS Audiology in 2022, where he uses his background in machine learning and data analysis for improving hearing aid signal processing. Current project include the data-driven updates to the Signia Assistant and developing new low power signal processing algorithms.
Nathan Berwick received his BSc degree in Music Technology and Audio Systems from the University of Huddersfield, England. He has worked for WS Audiology since 2020 as a Research Audiologist for the Sound & Audiology team. He has a background in Audio Engineering, Psychoacoustics, and Software Development for Audio. He currently specialises on developing and optimizing the audiological algorithms for the latest hearing aid platforms and creates software tools for Audiological development and testing.
Navid Taghvaei is a Senior Clinical Education Specialist at WS Audiology, where he assumes responsibility for delivering complex individual and group technical training courses. His purview extends to encompassing the latest advancements in audiology, products, software, and technology, tailored for both internal employees and external customers. Navid demonstrates best practices in patient care and working with multifaceted product lines through clinician training sessions, providing support for clinical product offerings, as well as in-house clinical trials, offering insights to both the Audiology and Clinical Education teams.
2024 09 Journal paper:
Improving the real-world conversation experience with a multi-stream architecture
2024 03 White paper:
Real-world assessment of Signia Integrated Xperience with RealTime Conversation Enhancement
Niels Søgaard Jensen received his MSc degree in acoustics and psychoacoustics from the Technical University of Denmark. He has a background as research engineer in the hearing aid industry where he has done research on various topics related to hearing loss and hearing aids. In 2016 he joined WS Audiology where he holds a position as Senior Evidence and Research Specialist in Lynge, Denmark.
2025 04 Journal paper:
86% of participants performed better with Signia Integrated Xperience versus key competitor in noisy group conversation
2025 02 White paper:
Beyond the lab: Signia IX with RealTime Conversation Enhancement significantly improves real-world busy group conversations
2024 12 Journal paper:
Signia IX with pioneering multi-stream technology delivers 22% better speech understanding in noisy group conversation than a competitor with an AI co-processor-driven platform
2024 10 White paper:
Signia IX delivers more than twice the speech enhancement benefit in a noisy group conversation than the closest competitors
2024 09 Journal paper:
Improving the real-world conversation experience with a multi-stream architecture
2024 07 Journal paper:
Hearing at the mall: Multibeam processing technology improves hearing group conversations in a real-world food court environment
2024 06 Journal paper:
Accentuating the positive: Overcoming the complexities of stigma through thoughtful product design & more-effective person-centered communication
2024 03 White paper:
Real-world assessment of Signia Integrated Xperience with RealTime Conversation Enhancement
2023 11 Journal paper:
Multi-Stream Architecture for Improved Conversation Performance
2023 10 White paper:
Improving the signal-to-noise ratio in group conversations with Signia Integrated Xperience and RealTime Conversation Enhancement
2023 09 White paper:
Power the conversation with Signia Integrated Xperience and RealTime Conversation Enhancement
2023 04 Journal paper:
AI-based fine-tuning: How Signia Assistant improves wearer acceptance rates
2023 01 Journal paper:
HandsFree and CallControl in Signia AX deliver a great phone experience for the wearer and the conversation partner
2022 11 White paper:
Signia AX HandsFree and CallControl: A dream to stream
2022 09 White paper:
Measuring steps at the ear: How My Steps improves accuracy
2022 09 White paper:
Supporting hearing health and general health with My WellBeing
2022 06 White paper:
Evidence Supports the Advantages of Signia AX' s Split Processing
2022 05 White paper:
Upgrading the performance of Signia AX with Auto EchoShield and Own Voice Processing 2.0
2021 11 Journal paper:
AI Assistant Improves Both Wearer Outcomes and Clinical Efficiency
2021 09 Journal paper:
Enhancing Real-World Listening and Quality of Life with New Split-Processing Technology
2021 05 White paper:
Boosting real-world listening performance with Signia AX: A first glimpse at data from an international survey
2021 05 White paper:
Performance of Signia AX in at-home listening situations
2021 05 White paper:
Improving speech understanding with Signia AX and Augmented Focus
2021 01 White paper:
Signia Xperience Super Power devices - the true heroes
Paula Folkeard is a Research Manager and Audiologist at the National Centre for Audiology. She coordinates projects with the hearing aid industry through the Translational Research Unit and is a member of the Innovations in Hearing Technologies and the Hearing Aid Technologies and Outcomes Labs within the NCA. Her research interests are adult amplification, outcomes measurement, and product and procedure validation.
2024 07 Journal paper:
Hearing at the mall: Multibeam processing technology improves hearing group conversations in a real-world food court environment
2017 08 Journal paper:
Comparison of Music Sound Quality Between Hearing Aids and Music Programs
2017 07 White paper:
Signia Rated Superior to Competing Products for Music Sound Quality
2017 04 Journal paper:
Using a De-reverberation Program to Improve Speech Intelligibility and Reduce Perceived Listening Effort
Petri Korhonen received his MSc (Tech) degree in electrical engineering and telecommunication science from Helsinki University of Technology (Aalto University). He joined Widex ORCA-US in 2006.
2024 12 Journal paper:
Conversations in noise: Multi-stream architecture vs. deep neural network approach to hearing aids
2024 05 Journl paper_
Augmenting split processing with a multi-stream architecture algorithm
Philippe Lantin is a hearing care professional and received his audiologist degree from the University of Montpellier, France. He has 10 years of professional experience as an audiologist in a lab, before joining a manufacturer. He has been working at WS Audiology since 1999. As a member of the Product Expert team, he is an internal & external audiology trainer.
Rosa-Linde Fischer is a scientific audiologist at WS Audiology in Germany. She specializes in research and optimization of hearing aid algorithms and gain prescriptions. She received her PhD in Psychoacoustics from the Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany. Prior to joining WS Audiology in 2011, Dr. Fischer worked as a clinical audiologist.
2021 11 Journal paper:
AI Assistant Improves Both Wearer Outcomes and Clinical Efficiency
2020 05 White paper:
The new way: Ensuring consistent support and individualized care through the Signia Assistant
Sascha Bilert received his MSc degree in engineering acoustics from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Before his studies, he was trained and practiced as an HCP for several years. Throughout his studies Sascha worked on different topics within the hearing science domain such as auditory neuroscience. He joined the Sound & Fitting team at WS Audiology as a Research Audiologist in 2021, where his focus lies on the hearing aid platform feature optimization.
2024 07 Journal paper:
Hearing at the mall: Multibeam processing technology improves hearing group conversations in a real-world food court environment
2023 11 Journal paper:
Multi-Stream Architecture for Improved Conversation Performance
2023 09 White paper:
Power the conversation with Signia Integrated Xperience and RealTime Conversation Enhancement
2021 11 Journal paper:
AI Assistant Improves Both Wearer Outcomes and Clinical Efficiency
2021 09 Journal paper:
Enhancing Real-World Listening and Quality of Life with New Split-Processing Technology
Sebastian Best is Head of the Audiology Expert Team within the global WS Audiology research and development team. His team develops of the Signia fitting and sound strategy and does the audiological optimization of our latest digital signal processing platforms. Mr. Best holds several patents within the field of digital signal processing and drives innovations within the audiological development. He earned his Dipl.-Ing. degree at the Technical University of Ilmenau. Prior to joining WS Audiology, he gained extensive experience working with a variety of innovative recording and sound reproduction technologies – always in order to achieve the best possible listening experience.
2025 04 Journal paper:
86% of participants performed better with Signia Integrated Xperience versus key competitor in noisy group conversation
2024 12 Journal paper:
Signia IX with pioneering multi-stream technology delivers 22% better speech understanding in noisy group conversation than a competitor with an AI co-processor-driven platform
2024 10 White paper:
Signia IX delivers more than twice the speech enhancement benefit in a noisy group conversation than the closest competitors
Dr. Sonie Harris is a Senior Clinical Education Specialist for WS Audiology. She is responsible for training customers and sales staff on the company’s current technology and products. She conducts training sessions in customers’ offices, remotely, and at regional and national events. Dr. Harris has been with WS Audiology for 11 years, serving accounts in both the Commercial market and Government Services. Dr. Harris earned her undergraduate and graduate degree from University of Northern Colorado, and doctorate from University of Florida.
2023 01 Journal paper:
HandsFree and CallControl in Signia AX deliver a great phone experience for the wearer and the conversation partner
2022 11 White paper:
Signia AX HandsFree and CallControl: A dream to stream
Susan Scollie, PhD is a Professor at Western University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and is the Director of the National Centre for Audiology. She leads the team responsible for DSL who won a Governor General’s Award for being the first pediatric hearing aid prescription. Her research interests are efficacy of hearing aid signal processing, outcomes for infants, children, and adults who use hearing aids, hearing aid verification strategies, and simulation in education.