CEU Courses

Part 3

Moderated by Dr. Catherine Palmer, this course brings together several experts from leading companies in hearing care as part of the 2023 AudiologyOnline Industry Innovations Summit. The theme is Supporting Individualized Patient Care. A wide arrange of products and services are discussed along with their supporting evidence. Insight into trends and changes in the hearing care market is also provided in this lively roundtable forum that includes a distinguished panel of presenters from Audioscan, CaptionCall, CareCredit, Cochlear, Phonak, ReSound, Signia, and Starkey.

Hearing aid processing of music is much less thoroughly researched than hearing aid processing of speech. This presentation will report on a study using normal-hearing listeners that evaluated the efficacy of programs specifically designed for music listening in state-of-the-art hearing aids. In addition, an analysis of signal processing and acoustic features relating to the results are discussed.

There are several large-scale databases of consumer ratings, including those from MarkeTrak and HearingTracker. These databases provide a wealth of information about consumer perspectives of hearing loss and hearing aids. Findings from several such databases are discussed and we will distill the findings into tips for clinical practice.

The Over the counter (OTC) hearing aid regulations issued by the FDA went into effect on October 17, 2022. The distinction between OTC or self-fit OTC devices does not appear to be clear, and in some cases deceptive. The flood of devices and claims further cloud the decision pathway for consumer and professionals. Amazon recently initiated a review of all devices on their site to ensure they have met the appropriate clearances and labeling as required under regulations. Several examples of correct labeling and claims, as well as those that are considered suspect are discussed. Examples of questions that both consumer and professionals should be asking when looking into OTC devices are discussed.

In the new era of self-directed care, the market is expected to offer several amplification technology options for consumers with self-perceived, mild to moderate hearing loss (and their clinicians). A gap exists as to the ability of individuals to make an informed choice about what technology is best suited for their hearing needs. In this presentation, we provide attendees with information about a new approach that provides consumers with quantitative and qualitative measures regarding electroacoustic performance and perceptual benefits. In addition, we describe how this approach will assist consumers and professionals in navigating this evolving landscape.

This course addresses hearing aid technology levels. Specifically, the course explains what hearing aid technology levels are, summarizes current research regarding the evaluation of hearing aid technology levels, and provides clinical implications for the selection and verification of hearing aid technology levels for the practicing hearing health care provider.

This course provides the annual update of coding, managed care, reimbursement and compliance issues that impact the profession of audiology. Information on the Medicare physician order changes, good faith estimates and insurance changes will be addressed.

This course concentrates on helping clinicians build health literacy with their patients and their families. Hearing loss is a chronic condition. Therefore, we must help our patients better understand their diagnosis, develop strategies for long-term self-advocacy and self-management related to hearing protection, hearing loss monitoring, and effective use of hearing technology.

This course highlights some of the new tools and apps that are available for aural rehabilitation (AR). It will specifically explore how we have incorporated them into our cochlear implant (CI) program in a VA setting.