How Can I Access the COSI and APHAB Questionnaires in Noah?

This course provides insights into the degree to which provider interaction influences patient readiness towards audiological services. Patient readiness is quantified through predisposed and post-appointment expectation profiles across 10 dimensions and among three professional settings. Overall, outcomes indicate that patient readiness is influenced by the behavior of the provider which, at present, appears to be a barrier to patient acceptance of treatment options.

This course addresses unique challenges for those who find themselves working with the aging population. An overview of dementia and the connections to hearing loss and hearing health care interventions will be discussed. Also, age-related changes in both sensory function and cognitive abilities and social disengagement and withdrawal as a result of listening fatigue will be reviewed.

Non-custom amplification devices broadly defined entail everything from personal sound amplification devices (PSAPs), assistive listening devices (ALDs), amplification smartphone-based apps, and the yet-to-be-created category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. This 5-part course will explore the underlying public health rationale for embracing these devices (Jan Blustein), an evidence-based review of their efficacy and effectiveness (Vinaya Manchaiah), and current real-world examples of clinics that are using non-customized amplification devices to provide more comprehensive and inclusive solutions for patients (Lori Zitelli and Nicholas Reed). The series will begin with a course by Dr. Brian Taylor review of the findings of the June 2016 NASEM report on affordability and accessibility of hearing health care for adults, the shortcomings of the current audiology practice delivery model and opportunities for improving patient care by using new technology.

More than 30 million U.S. adults have disabling hearing loss. In addition to negatively affecting the quality of life, hearing impairment is associated with dementia, depression, and social isolation. Despite the well-demonstrated benefits of hearing aids, relatively few eligible people (an estimated 15% to 30%) wear them. As federal regulations of over-the-counter hearing aids get closer to becoming reality, this course attempts to review the opportunities, threats, and challenges associated with hearing aids being sold over-the-counter without the direct involvement of a licensed audiologist. A primary focus of this course will be to demonstrate how the hearing care professional’s ability to customize along two fronts, customizing a start-gain target and customizing ear coupling, will allow them to stand apart from OTC and other online retailers.

As most hearing care professionals know, the functional capabilities of individuals with hearing loss are defined by more than the audiogram. Many of these functional capabilities fall under the rubric, auditory wellness. This podcast will be a discussion between Brian Taylor of Signia and his guest, Barbara Weinstein, professor of audiology at City University of New York. They will outline the concept of auditory wellness, how it can be measured clinically and how properly fitted hearing aids have the potential to improve auditory wellness.