CEU Courses

This course will describe how non-custom amplification can be used in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Details about each of the clinic settings and data collected from these clinics will be shared, as well as tips for those who are interested in implementing similar strategies. This course is part of a 5-part webinar series in August 2017 entitled, Navigating the Risks and Rewards of Non-Custom Amplification Devices.

This course will begin by covering efficacy research as it relates to direct to consumer products. It will then explore implementation and brief outcomes of effectiveness research of a community-based hearing care program.

Direct-to-consumer hearing devices have become popular in recent days. This talk will present a summary of literature review on applications of direct-to-consumer hearing devices for adults with hearing loss. The summary is presented on three themes, including: (1) personal sound amplification products (PSAPs); (2) direct-mail hearing aids; and (3) over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.

New insights from animal studies of noise-induced and age-related hearing loss suggest that the most vulnerable elements in the inner ear are the synaptic connections between the sensory inner hair cells (IHCs) and the afferent neurons that communicate the information they receive to higher centers. When less than total, IHC synapse loss does not elevate thresholds. This means that it can be widespread in ears with intact hair cell populations and normal audiograms, where it has been called “hidden hearing loss”. Cochlear synapse loss is a likely contributor to difficulties understanding speech in a noisy environment and may be an instigating factor in the generation of tinnitus and hyperacusis, even when thresholds are normal. Beyond noise and aging, cochlear synaptopathy may be widespread in acquired sensorineural hearing loss of other etiologies and degrees of hair cell damage and loss. Normal thresholds or not, this loss of IHC – neural communication is expected to have significant perceptual consequences.

This course approaches hearing loss from a population/public health perspective, rather than from the perspective of clinical audiology. It also highlights the perspective of people with hearing loss, as consumers of hearing health care.

The is the first course of a 5-part series entitled, Navigating the Risks and Rewards of Non-Custom Amplification Devices. In this course, Dr. Brian Taylor reviews the findings of the June 2016 NASEM report on affordability and accessibility of hearing healthcare for adults, the shortcomings of the current audiology practice delivery model, and opportunities for improving patient care by using new technology. Visit the AudiologyOnline course library to register for this exciting and timely webinar series.

This course is part of the 10th Annual Noise Induced Hearing Loss Webinar Series on AudiologyOnline. This course will review the phenomenon of cochlear synaptopathy, sometimes referred to as "hidden hearing loss", including its origins, pathophysiology, manifestation/behavioral symptoms and potential future treatments, based on emerging research in this area. Visit the AudiologyOnline course library to register for other courses in this webinar series.

This course is part of the 10th Annual Noise Induced Hearing Loss Webinar Series on AudiologyOnline. Audiologists and students should be aware of the risk signs and predictors of suicide and how to assess this risk, so this presentation will include a list of suicide warning signs and some suggestions for how to react when a patient discloses this intent. Crisis resources and personal experience with this issue will be shared.

The World Health Organization (WHO) "Make Listening Safe" Initiative began in 2015, and is an impetus behind the recent international resolution on hearing loss prevention. The presenter is subject matter expert for WHO on hearing loss prevention, and chair of the WHO working group to develop standards for noise exposure limits for personal audio systems (i.e., headphones). This webinar details the guidance this working group has provided to WHO, which is expected to be incorporated into manufacture of personal audio systems in the near future.

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