Audiology Today
November / December 2022
ONLINE FEATURE | A Hidden Aspect of Acquired Brain Injury: Central Auditory Processing Disorder
There is considerable hope for recovery for people who have had a stroke and significant opportunities for audiologists to educate the general population on this topic. Stroke is a very common cardio-vascular event, and it is very likely that this issue will touch the lives of someone we know.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE | Let’s Insist on Professionalism
There are numerous potential benefits to the use of social media. I believe that our professional interactions are nearly always well-intentioned, and most of the sharing is beneficial to our goals. But destructive content does exist, and in my view, it is a violation of the values of civility and trust that are the cornerstone of professionalism. This is not unique to us. The issues are societal and beyond our ability as individuals or even as a profession to meaningfully control. But every one of us has our own sphere of influence regarding how we engage with it and what to tolerate, just as we do for any other social interaction.
Stories Matter: The Power of Storytelling in the Patient Journey
By using a purely analytical approach, we fail to connect with the emotions of hearing loss and may fail to encourage patients to accept recommended hearing services. Storytelling can help us create an emotional connection with patients and build trust in our expertise.
Pharmacology for the Audiology Practitioner
This article discusses basic principles of pharmacology that impact the ototoxic potential of drugs. Important pharmacokinetic parameters that potentially contribute to ototoxicity are introduced, common medications that have potentially ototoxic effects are identified, and the assessment of investigational medicines for auditory effects is discussed.
Elder Abuse: A Need for Heightened Vigilance
Abuse of older people is an important public health issue. The precepts of person-centered care from a biopsychosocial perspective require audiologists to maintain vigilance for patient safety while at the clinic and within patients’ broader life context. In this article, the authors present the prevalence of abuse among elderly patients, signs of abuse of which clinicians should be cognizant, and the mandate for reporting suspected or observed abuse. The authors conclude with a call to change the Academy’s Scope of Practice document to include screening for patient safety and other health-care concerns.
Helping People Use Communication Strategies
Helping adults with hearing loss to be able to use communication strategies in everyday life is about encouraging them to discover these strategies themselves, use the ones that work for them and their families, and empower them to use the strategies they choose on a regular basis.
CODING AND REIMBURSEMENT | Health Insurance: A Primer on Navigating Care
Insurance is a means of protection against loss, and health insurance protects an enrollee from financial loss from costs of health care (AHIP, 2022). Insurers provide a health insurance policy or contract with health-care enrollees. In some cases, the contract may exist between a third party or an employer. An enrollee must weigh the chance of needing health care with paying for a premium that covers their need.
ACADEMY NEWS | Audiology Outreach Making a Difference
In 2019, the Academy’s Health-Care Relations (HCR) Committee launched the Outreach Grant Program to support members’ development of and participation in outreach to other health-care-related providers. The committee applied to the American Academy of Audiology Foundation (AAAF) for funding to support a program that would advance the Academy’s focus of outreach to referring providers. The AAAF provided funding for grants of up to $1,000 to support member projects for outreach at the community level.
ON TREND | Sound Bite for Success: Make the Cost Conversation Easier
Cost concerns are one of the biggest reasons that patients often don’t move forward with the purchase of hearing technology. If patients can fit the cost into their lifestyle and monthly budget, they may be more likely to move forward with purchasing the technology they want and need to help them live a connected life.