Audiology Today May/June 2021
The American Academy of Audiology promotes quality hearing and balance care by advancing the profession of audiology through leadership, advocacy, education, public awareness, and support of research. Dive into the May/June 2021 Audiology Today issue below!
ONLINE FEATURE | COVID-19 and Its Impact on the Auditory and Vestibular Systems
Although the COVID-19 virus has been a part our lives for over 18 months, auditory research is slowly emerging to guide our profession as to which tests to use, what findings to expect and how to better manage COVID-19 survivors—especially those with special needs—both short term and long term.
ONLINE FEATURE | A Review of the Academy Research Conference (ARC) 2021: Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
The American Academy of Audiology and the 2021 Academy Research Conference organizers wish to express their sincere gratitude to all of the speakers for sharing their expertise and time. Their outstanding presentations made the 2021 ARC a resounding success. Below, please find summaries of each of the conference presentations.
ONLINE FEATURE | First-Ever All-Digital Event Designed with Audiologists in Mind: AAA 2021 Virtual
In keeping with the theme, “All Audiology, All Digital” the Academy launched its first-ever all-virtual conference, AAA 2021 Virtual, held April 14–16.
ONLINE FEATURE | Healthy Hearing Outreach During COVID-19
When COVID-19 swept across the world, in-person events stopped and opportunities for healthy hearing outreach shifted to a new platform—online. This article discusses how The University of Iowa’s healthy hearing outreach program adapted during the pandemic. We will share some of our best practices and benefits for online outreach for now and in the future
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE | Create a Space for Safe Dialogue
We can model our discussions on civil discourse to create a space for safe dialogue. As a member of this professional community and with a focus on building a shared future, I commit to celebrating the fact that there are multiple viewpoints, honoring and respecting those with the courage and conviction to introduce divergent ideas, and recognizing that, as a group, we make better decisions based on diverse perspectives.
Infection-Control Hindsight from 2020: Lessons Learned from COVID-19
As audiology prepares for a new normal, here are a few key infection-control lessons learned in the past year.
Exploring the Interdisciplinary Relationship Between Otolaryngology and Audiology
Successful symbiotic relationships between audiologists and otolaryngologists rely on the realization that we are two clinicians working on the same team. The respect between the two professions is fostered in the way we communicate, elevate, and educate each other and the future generation of providers.
New Sources of Revenue for the Audiology Practice
The pandemic has created unique challenges that extend into the private audiology practice. In this article, we explore practical ways that clinics are building new revenue streams, including more efficient processes with audiology assistants, cognitive screenings, and partnering with third-party administrators.
ON TREND | A Free Genetic Test Opens Doors for Children with Auditory Neuropathy
The most common genetic cause of auditory neuropathy is insufficient production of a protein called otoferlin, which is expressed in cochlear inner hair cells and enables communication with the auditory nerve.
ON TREND | The Pandemic’s Impact on Clinics—Some Datapoints
Sycle looked at anonymized data from March 2020 to January 2021, compared to the same timeframe the previous year.
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology: Interprofessional Partners
The disciplines of audiology and speech-language pathology are naturally aligned. We work in similar settings and with similar populations, often with the goal of similar functional outcomes. The importance of audiologists and speech-language pathologists’ interprofessional practice is therefore an essential element of person-centered care.
Helping Patients Improve Their Quality of Life as They Face Death
We must recognize that there are gray areas in our discussions with patients that may present a challenge to professional boundaries, rather than a breach of those boundaries.
ON TREND | Payment Options Help Provide Seamless Transition to Providers
While creating greater interprofessional collaboration, health-care providers should look for ways to make the patient experience as seamless as possible.
ON TREND | Make a Positive Lasting Impression On Your Patients
Otoscan® is an innovative 3D digital ear scanner that is transforming the relationship between audiologist and hearing aid manufacturer. But what about the relationship with the patient?
CODING AND REIMBURSEMENT | The Audiology Quality Consortium
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) places great emphasis on outcomes measures that are intended to influence patient-care delivery and current and future provider reimbursement.
AUDIOLOGY ADVOCATE | Despite a Pandemic, Advocacy Continues on Federal and State Fronts
Even though the pandemic is still ongoing, the Academy has been active on the advocacy front on the federal and state levels.
ACADEMY NEWS | Academy Publishes Position Statement on Audiology Assistants
In March 2021, the Academy released an updated position statement on audiology assistants. This document offers the current Academy perspective on the valuable role that audiology assistants can provide in supporting audiologists in the delivery of hearing- and balance-care services.