February, 2005-- Audiologists from around the state of Ohio had the opportunity to meet in their own "backyard" to hear some of the most respected and highly skilled speakers in our profession. Conference attendance topped 230 and exceeded the expectations of the 2005 Ohio Audiology Planning Committee.
The pre-conference, which began on Thursday, February 24th, allowed attendees to choose from two fantastic sessions. Topic One: "Blending Classroom Acoustics, Personal FM, and Sound Field FM/IR: Research to Practice" was presented by Carl Crandell, Ph.D., Carol Flexer, Ph.D. and Joseph Smaldino, Ph.D. This well attended session focused on the acoustic accessibility of direct and incidental classroom instruction. Dr.'s Flexer, Crandell and Smaldino examined current research findings about classroom acoustics and personal FM and sound field amplification, discussed efficacy measures, and laws that support acoustic accessibility in classrooms. Attendees were delighted with the combined knowledge these presenters brought to the field of classroom acoustics. The Second Topic: "A Workshop for Maximizing Reimbursement: If Queen Isabella Managed Her Money Better, Would She Have Had to Hock Her Jewels for Columbus?" presented by Paul Pessis, Au.D. was well received by all in attendance. Paul's humor and wit allowed the tedious subjects of Best-Coding practices, chart documentation, interpreting the Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) and current concepts in Medicare both interesting and fun. Paul was able to answer questions and help audiologists throughout the state understand Medicare and private insurance billing.
If the pre-conference sessions were not enough, Friday and Saturdays sessions were packed with valuable information for the practicing audiologist. Many audiologists learned more about VEMP's from Richard Gans, Ph.D., discussed professional burnout with Carl Crandell, Ph.D., and learned about everyday ethics from Attorney Robert Gippen. Helena Soladar, Au.D. presented on practice marketing, and the success she has had in her own private practice and Ted Venema, Ph.D., discussed the auditory steady state response, the latest addition to our non-behavioral audiometric test battery. Additionally there were Grand Round Sessions on Electrophysiology, Amplification, Pediatric Audiology, and Vestibular Issues. Attendees heard Barry Freeman, Ph.D. discuss model licensure issues, Laurel Christensen, Ph.D. discuss measurable end-user benefits with modern hearing aids, Dave Smriga, M.A., discuss the delicate future of private practice audiology in the United States, Dave Fabry, Ph.D. discuss technology updates and Robert Sweetow describe post hearing aid fit counseling and training and clinical management of the tinnitus patient. Finally, Yvonne Sininger, Ph.D. presented audiologic diagnostic assessment following newborn hearing screening, Roxann Bonta discussed increasing market penetration, Deborah Moncrieff, Ph.D., described rehabilitation of auditory processing disorders, Jeff Vehr from Unitron, Joy Glen from GN ReSound and Dave Fabry from Phonak presented a manufacturer's forum and Jodi Chappell discussed how we each must activate to ADVOCATE! No one left this conference without learning new skills that will help them grow as a professional.
The 2005 Ohio Audiology Conference wrapped up on Saturday, February 26th with an informative and wonderfully entertaining "Great Debate". Robert Sweetow took the affirmative and Dave Fabry the opposing viewpoint on "Resolved: Third-party payment for hearing aids leads to a mangled-care environment." It's safe to say everyone learned the pros' and cons of third party payments for hearing aids, attendees had a few good laughs, and a even few audiologists in the front rows were lucky enough to get a little wet (the soaker water guns were a treat!)
If you missed the 2005 Ohio Audiology Conference you not only missed wonderful speakers and presentations, but you missed the chance to be part of the growing "Audiology Family" in Ohio. Gail Whitelaw's opening session address along with Richard Gan's comments were well received and appreciated by all in attendance. Unfortunately you now must now wait until 2007 to be part of the next OAC! If you want to be more actively involved in the planning of this conference, please contact any of the board members listed on the Board of Director's Link. We would love to have you become a part of this wonderful experience. We want to thank all of you who attended and made this conference a success and we hope to see you all at the 2007 OAC!
The 2005 Ohio Audiology Conference Planning Committee
