Research

New Israeli Study Suggests COVID-19 Does Not Damage Auditory System

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been reports in the professional literature on possible hearing loss caused by the disease. A new study from Tel Aviv University (TAU), in collaboration with the Galilee Medical Center, finds no evidence of damage to the auditory system as a result of COVID-19 infection.

Research Grants in Hearing and Balance: Call for Applications

The American Academy of Audiology is now accepting proposals for the 2021 cycle of the Research Grants in Hearing and Balance Program.

Funded by the American Academy of Audiology Foundation (AAAF), this program awards research grants of up to $10,000 for a new investigator’s study and up to $5,000 for a study by a student investigator.

Also available through AAAF funding is one $2,500 stipend for a student summer research fellowship.

Coronavirus: Why We’re Investigating the Long-Term Impact on Hearing

Despite the multitude of ongoing research studies on COVID-19, there are many unknowns about the disease. What is known, however, is that it is more than just a simple lung infection.

Current research suggests that the respiratory system is not the lone organ system bearing long-term effects from the disease. COVID-19 may impact cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems. Coronaviruses also may cause peripheral neuropathy or Guillain-Barré syndrome, both of which could result in auditory neuropathy.

Grant Writing Success at AAA 2020

By Nicholas S. Reed, AuD

Photo of drummer with protective headgear in a performance

ACADEMY NEWS | Academy Launches Music and Hearing Research Grant

In April 2020, the American Academy of Audiology launches its newest grant program to support research relative to the prevention and treatment of hearing loss in musicians. The Music and Hearing Research Grant program will support research studies to add to the body of knowledge that will shape best practices in this area of audiology practice. The grant program is sponsored by the American Academy of Audiology Foundation through the generous contribution of Michael Santucci, AuD.

Topic(s): Music, Research, grants, scholarships, Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Publication Issue: Audiology Today March/April 2020

Academy Comments to CMS Highlight Disproportionate Impact of Expected 2021 Medicare Payment Reductions on Audiology

The Academy submitted a letter to CMS to supplement related comments submitted collectively with other physician and non-physician provider groups about the impact of the expected 2021 reimbursement reductions. The Academy letter highlights some of the nuances of these planned reductions in relation to providing audiological care.

A New Way to Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Washington University School of Medicine and the University of Iowa may have discovered a new way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

JAAA Table of Contents (February 2020)

Vol. 31, No. 2 (February 2020) of the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology (JAAA) is now available online.

President’s Message: Strategic Documents, Advocacy Update, and HearTECH Expo—February 2020

Message from Catherine Palmer, PhD | February 2020

Academy Publishes Two New Strategic Documents

At the January 23, 2020, board meeting, the board approved two strategic documents contributing to our overall audiology body of knowledge. These are now published on the Academy website here and will be published in Audiology Today and the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology (JAAA) in various formats in the near future.

Clinical Guidance Document: Assessment of Hearing in Infants and Young Children
Clinical Consensus Document: Audiological Services for Musicians and Music Industry Personnel

Advocacy in Review and Legislative Updates

Building on the Academy President’s videos, the Advocacy Year in Review is available to highlight activities over the last year.
Academy Senior Director of Government Relations Susan Pilch also did a webinar that offers the prospectus for this year ahead. The archive version of the webinar is available at no charge.
The Government Relations Committee (GRC) and staff also have planned a highly valuable and interactive session in the Future Hub. Come to the Thursday 1:30 session in the Future Hub to engage in communication exercises to hone skills and messaging for successful advocacy.
Legislation is being introduced in numerous states to adopt the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. The Academy is helping efforts to counter opposition to the licensure compact, and do not hesitate to reach out to Academy staff if assistance is needed in your state.

AAA 2020 + HearTECH Expo in New Orleans

Check out the presentations, learning, and interactive fun in the HearTECH Expo…specifically, the Future Hub schedule and plan to attend these thought-provoking and informative sessions relevant to audiology practice today and in the future.
Special Accommodations: The Academy is committed to providing the utmost service to our conference attendees, while working closely with the New Orleans Convention Center and all of our vendors, to provide reasonable services to accommodate our attendees while in attendance at AAA 2020 + HearTECH Expo. This year, we have added complimentary options for auditory accommodations that will help make the most of your conference experience.

Read more about President’s Message: Strategic Documents, Advocacy Update, and HearTECH Expo—February 2020

JAAA Editorial: Clinical Case Reports: Striking the Right Balance

As both a clinician and an editor, one of the types of journal submissions I am always excited to send out for review is the clinical case report. In the medical literature, the clinical case report has always served an important role.