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MinneapoliMedia Interviews
Introduction
For 75 years, Amplifon has been a global leader in hearing health, operating in 26 countries and connecting millions of individuals to personalized, life-enhancing hearing solutions. Through a robust and independent national provider network, Amplifon works to break down barriers to access, raise awareness about the critical role of hearing health, and support both patients and providers through innovation and compassion.
At the core of Amplifon’s mission is a belief that hearing well is essential to living well – impacting everything from cognitive function to emotional wellbeing, relationships, and quality of life.
One of the key leaders advancing this mission in the U.S. is Silvana Iseni, Vice President of Human Resources. With a background in human resources and a passion for people-centered care, Silvana plays a pivotal role in building Amplifon’s culture and creating a place of belonging and purpose for employees across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, impacting every customer experience from in-clinic visits to calls with the customer care team.
We’re honored to welcome Silvana to MinneapoliMedia for this conversation.
Interview
Tom Akaolisa (MinneapoliMedia):
Silvana, welcome and thank you so much for joining us today.
Silvana Iseni (Amplifon):
Thank you so much for having me. I’m truly happy to be here and excited to talk about the work we’re doing.
Clarifying the Mission and Global Reach
Tom:
To begin, could you clarify your exact role at Amplifon and share a little about how Amplifon operates here in the U.S.?
Silvana:
Absolutely. I serve as the Head of Human Resources for the Americas region, which includes the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. I’m based in Minneapolis, where our Amplifon’s American headquarters is located.
While Amplifon is a global leader in hearing care, our brand is not always widely recognized in every market, including the U.S. That’s because we often use local brands in the regions we serve. Here in the U.S., we operate under the Miracle-Ear brand, which has a long-standing reputation and more than 1,600 locations nationwide.
Amplifon was founded in Italy in 1950, and Miracle-Ear was founded in the U.S. just one year earlier. Both were started by visionaries who wanted to help veterans and others returning from World War II with hearing loss. Today, the heart of that mission remains the same: to empower people to rediscover all the emotions of sound.
Silvana’s Journey to Amplifon
Tom:
Can you tell us about your background and how you found your way into hearing health care?
Silvana:
Of course. I started my career in human resources in Italy, working in several different industries. Later, I transitioned into larger, multinational companies and moved to France to work in sustainable agriculture. That was a turning point—becoming a mother made me much more aware of aligning my career with a meaningful purpose.
When Amplifon approached me, I was inspired by their mission of connecting people through sound. Hearing health plays such a vital role in inclusion, social connection, and emotional wellbeing. I relocated to the U.S. with my family and joined the company to help lead its people-focused strategy across the Americas.
Defining Her Role at Amplifon
Tom:
As the key leader in human resources, what does your role entail, and how does it contribute to Amplifon’s overall goals?
Silvana:
Our business is very people-centered. We don’t manufacture hearing aids—we partner with top producers around the world. Our role is to understand the needs of each individual and match them with the best hearing solution.
My job is to ensure we attract, train, and retain professionals with both technical knowledge and a deep sense of empathy. Hearing care is not just a transaction; it’s a journey. We build long-term relationships with patients, and that starts with equipping our teams to listen, understand, and support them fully.
Equitable Access to Care
Tom:
Amplifon works across an extensive national network. How do you ensure equitable access to care, especially in underserved or rural areas?
Silvana:
Great question. We operate under two major models: the retail side with our Miracle-Ear locations and our Amplifon Hearing Health Care (AHHC) business, the nation’s leading independent hearing benefits administrator. AHHC partners with local, regional, and national health care organizations and has a nationwide network of more than 7,000 clinics.
For those who may not have insurance or who still face financial barriers, we support the Miracle-Ear Foundation, which provides free hearing aids to those in need. We also organize community events and mobile clinics where our professionals volunteer time to conduct hearing tests and distribute devices at no cost. This helps reach people who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Addressing Barriers to Hearing Care
Tom:
Hearing loss is often undiagnosed or under-treated. What are the major barriers that keep people from seeking help?
Silvana:
The biggest barrier is cultural. There’s still a stigma around hearing loss. People are comfortable wearing glasses, but not hearing aids, which are wrongly associated with aging or decline.
We need to normalize hearing care as part of overall health. Untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation. That’s why we emphasize education, outreach, and even offer free online hearing tests through our website, AmplifonUSA.com, to help people take the first step in the privacy of their own home.
Embracing Innovation and Technology
Tom:
Technology is rapidly transforming hearing care. How is Amplifon leading on that front?
Silvana:
Innovation is central to our approach. We’ve developed a proprietary digital platform that connects to our clinics, allowing customers to receive consistent service anywhere in the country. We’re also piloting a new, automated testing device that streamlines hearing assessments and improves accuracy.
Additionally, we invest in startups, explore AI integration, and continuously improve apps to empower patients to manage their hearing aids from their smartphones. The goal is to make hearing care more accessible, intuitive, and personalized.
Supporting Independent Providers
Tom:
Many of your provider partners are small, independent practices. How do you support them in this evolving health care landscape?
Silvana:
We have a dedicated franchise network team that offers training, marketing, and operational support to help providers thrive. Our goal is to give them the same tools and technologies we use in our corporate stores, so they can focus on delivering excellent care in their own communities.
Balancing Global Expertise with Local Sensitivity
Tom:
Amplifon has global roots but a strong local presence. How do you balance global best practices with the needs of U.S. communities?
Silvana:
It’s a two-way exchange. We share insights and innovations across our global network, and we’re also deeply grounded in local communities. Most of our U.S. team is based here, and we adapt strategies to reflect cultural, regional, and economic differences. It’s not a one-size-fits-all model.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Tom:
Amplifon has launched new initiatives around diversity and inclusion. What does that look like in action?
Silvana:
Inclusion is in our DNA—our mission is to help people “rediscover all the emotions of sound.” We emphasize representation in our stores, invest in inclusive training, and ensure our teams reflect the communities we serve.
We also partner with local organizations to connect with underserved populations and create inclusive spaces for patients and staff alike.
Raising Mental Health Awareness
Tom:
How does Amplifon raise awareness about the link between hearing loss, mental health, and social isolation?
Silvana:
Caregivers are often the first to notice a loved one’s hearing difficulties. We work closely with families, educators, and local organizations to increase awareness and share resources.
Untreated hearing loss can lead to withdrawal and depression. Our professionals explain the emotional journey of adapting to hearing aids and help set realistic expectations, offering support every step of the way.
Looking Ahead
Tom:
What excites you most about the future of hearing care? And what message would you share with someone struggling in silence due to stigma?
Silvana:
I’m most excited that the stigma around hearing loss is slowly fading. There’s a growing awareness that hearing health is part of overall well-being. Younger people are paying attention earlier, which is so encouraging.
My message is simple: take the first step. Many adults have not had their hearing tested in at least a decade. Start by visiting AmplifonUSA.com and take our award-winning (and free) hearing test to understand what your hearing health is like. Remember, you are not alone! We want to come alongside you for your hearing journey. The ability to hear well can transform your life.
Closing & Shoutout
Tom:
Before we let you go, we always ask: Is there someone you’d recommend we interview next—someone doing impactful work in our community?
Silvana:
Absolutely. I’ve recently started collaborating with the Minneapolis Downtown Council. There are so many local companies doing great work to revitalize downtown Minneapolis and foster inclusion.
Tom:
Wonderful. Silvana, thank you for your insight, your leadership, and the incredible work Amplifon is doing. We look forward to revisiting this conversation down the line. Please keep us posted!
Silvana:
Thank you so much for the opportunity. It’s been a pleasure.
