Would including real-world experiences of people with hearing loss in audiology student classrooms increase empathy for and understanding of the lived hearing loss experience? Would it motivate students to prioritize person-centered care? Could it be the missing link in creating more effective hearing care for people with hearing loss?

Kathy Cienkowski, PhD, program director of Audiology at the University of Connecticut, and I decided to find out. We are both passionate believers in including lived experience in audiology education, so when we met at the 2022 ASHA Convention, we hit it off immediately.

After the conference, we decided to embark on an experiment. In an upcoming class, Dr Cienkowski would include Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss (the book I co-authored with Gael Hannan) as well as other community-engaged learning opportunities as part of the course curriculum, and we would then analyze and report on the impact. What did the students learn? How easy or hard was it to implement? How could others do this in their classroom?

Spoiler alert: Including community-engaged learning worked incredibly well.

Why Community-Engaged Learning is So Critical

An audiologist is often the first hearing care provider a person with hearing loss will see. The impact that the first appointment can have on a new patient’s hearing loss journey cannot be overstated. I know it certainly was very important for me.

Most of us walk into our first hearing care appointment scared and bogged down with stigma. When an audiologist greets us with empathy and real-world understanding, our care is, in a word, better. It is more person-centered because it goes beyond the hearing aid to include counseling on mental attitude, peer support, and communication best practices. All these elements are necessary to live well with hearing loss.

This is why community-engaged learning is so critical. It lays the foundation for person-centered care. The more empathy and understanding students develop in training, the better equipped they will be to build strong patient-provider bonds. Better hearing outcomes are the result.

What is Community-Engaged Learning?

Community-engaged learning (CEL) is an educational approach where students actively participate in community-based experiences as part of their academic training. This model connects classroom knowledge with real-world community needs, allowing students to apply academic theories and concepts in practical settings.

Benefits of CEL include building partnerships with the community and hands-on field experience. CEL also helps students develop critical thinking skills and enhances their feelings of social responsibility and engagement.

Our Experiment Put CEL in an Unexpected Place

Rather than include CEL in a traditional service-learning class, Dr Cienkowski added it in an unexpected place—her advanced hearing aids course. She included two opportunities for authentic engagement with community stakeholders.

1. Book review of Hear & Beyond

In the first assignment, students were asked to read Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss and write a critical review. The goal of the assignment was for students to gain perspective on using the patient journey to inform clinical practice. I also spoke to the class early in the semester to share my hearing loss journey and to discuss what I hoped the students would take away from the book.

The students learned a lot from this experience, as demonstrated by their reactions:

“This is not just a book for those recently diagnosed with hearing loss (although it serves a great purpose for that!). It should be studied and read by clinicians so we can understand how people cope with hearing loss before coming to see us for the first time, and how our clinical choices are interpreted, whether right or wrong.”

“We learn in our classes about the struggles and problems for people with hearing loss, but sometimes I feel like we have lost the human aspect…I also really want to work towards discussing support groups and other resources with first-time patients.”

“As a future clinician, I want to emphasize to patients that ‘They deserve to participate in their life.’”

2. Attending an in-person HLAA meeting

For the second assignment, students were asked to attend an in-person Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) meeting and complete a guided reflection about their experience using the 5R framework below.

1. Provide a brief description of the experience.
2. How did the experience relate to your own knowledge and past experiences? 
3. How did what happened make you feel? What surprised you by this experience and why?
4. What is the most important takeaway from this experience and why?
5. How might you incorporate “takeaways” into your own clinical practice?

The students gained incredible insights from this experience, sharing these reflections: 

“My biggest takeaway is that those affected with hearing loss need more advocacy and awareness, some of which can be helped by actions that I as someone involved in the hearing healthcare field can carry out.”

“It got me thinking about how little I truly know about the resources available to patients when they leave the clinic and what resources may be available for financial concerns or for individuals who do not necessarily want to pursue amplification.”

“The most important takeaway for me is that I don’t only want to serve a population, but I also want to support them as they move through a world that is not thinking of them.”

Join Us!

Dr Cienkowski and I have been thrilled by the success of our initial experiment and are eager to refine and augment its impact for future classes. How can you help?

In classrooms: To include CEL in your classroom, please be in touch! We would love to share this experience with as many students as possible.

At conferences: We have reported on our findings at the 2024 ASHA Convention as well as through an Audiology Online course. We would love to share our results at additional conferences.

For hearing loss support groups: Let us know if you would like to partner with a local audiology class for this experience and we can put you in touch.

Community-engaged learning is the future of audiology student education. Please join us in helping to make it a reality. 

About the Author:

Shari Eberts, an editorial advisory board member for The Hearing Review, is a passionate hearing health advocate and internationally recognized author and speaker. She is the founder of Living with Hearing Loss, a popular blog for people with hearing loss, and an executive producer of We Hear You, an award-winning documentary about the hearing loss experience. Her award-winning book, Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss, (co-authored with Gael Hannan) is the ultimate survival guide to living well with hearing loss. Eberts has an adult-onset genetic hearing loss and hopes that by sharing her story, she will help others to live more peacefully with their own hearing issues. Correspondence can be sent via editor@hearingreview.com or to shari.eberts@gmail.com.

Key Takeaways:

1. Scholarship Purpose – The award supports audiology students dedicated to expanding hearing care accessibility, particularly in underserved areas.
2. Eligibility & Award – Open to full-time U.S. audiology students who have completed their first year, with a $5,000 grant for educational expenses.
3. Application Deadline – Interested students must apply by April 30, 2025, with recipients announced by August 15, 2025.

Hearing care retailer HearUSA announced that the 2025 American Academy of Audiology Foundation Jill Botkin Hearing Health-Care Accessibility Scholarship is now open for nominations. The annual scholarship was created last year in memory of 35-year HearUSA employee Jill Botkin, who passed away in 2023. The program is open for applications until April 30, 2025.

According to HearUSA’s Gemma Gray, AuD, senior director of professional development, the scholarship will be awarded to one full-time audiology student enrolled in a U.S. university who is committed to enhancing access to hearing care services, especially in communities that lack geographic access to hearing care as evidenced by the student’s resume, rubric, and personal statement. The winning student must have completed the first year of their doctor of audiology (AuD) program in good standing to be considered.

“The field of audiology plays a vital role in addressing the challenges faced by individuals with hearing loss. However, despite advancements in technology and treatment options, accessibility to hearing care remains a significant issue, particularly in geographically underserved areas. The Jill Botkin scholarship seeks to honor and celebrate students working to address those challenges,” Gray says.

“Aspiring audiologists are crucial to enhancing access to underserved populations and ensuring equitable access to essential hearing healthcare services,” adds Patrick Gallagher, the Academy’s executive director. “The Jill Botkin Hearing Health-Care Accessibility Scholarship was created to help address this need while honoring the memory of someone who dedicated her entire career to making better hearing health-care available to those who deserve it most.”

A veteran of HearUSA, Jill Botkin began her career with the company as an audiologist in South Florida. From there, she rose through the ranks, serving in various roles, including sales trainer, regional manager, division manager, and vice president of operations, before transitioning to her role as senior advisor. Her dynamic personality and passionate leadership allowed her to advocate for HearUSA hearing center teams and clients while balancing the needs of the business.

Once the application window closes, Academy staff will compile all the completed applications and supporting documentation and submit them for review by a dedicated scholarship program task force. Recipients and nonrecipients will be notified on or before Friday, August 15, 2025. Sponsors will be notified about the recipients after the recipients confirm their acceptance of the award. The selected recipient will receive a $5,000 scholarship grant intended for educational support in their AuD program.

For more information about the award and to apply, visit the Jill Botkin scholarship page.

Featured image: Dreamstime

Key Takeaways:

1. Phonak U offers audiology students opportunities to learn from field experts and develop both technical and professional skills, preparing them for diverse career paths in hearing healthcare.
2. The event emphasizes holistic student development, focusing on leadership, inclusive care, and the future of audiology practice.
3. With growing demand, Phonak U plans to expand next year to accommodate more students and continue its mission of providing accessible, impactful education.

From October 24th to October 26th, 2024, over 100 audiology students and Phonak staff gathered in the Chicagoland area to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Phonak University, better known as “Phonak U”—the annual event dedicated to inspiring the next generation of hearing care professionals. 

This year’s high-energy Phonak U provided students from across the country with immersive learning opportunities, including thought-provoking discussions on advancements in audiology, hands-on product demos, and workshops led by field experts. Central to the event were sessions on empathetic leadership, inclusive patient care, and navigating various career paths within hearing healthcare. 

“Phonak U isn’t just about the latest technology. It’s about the holistic development of each student’s professional potential,” says Brandy Pouliot, AuD, Director of Audiology & Education at Phonak. “One of the reasons Phonak U is so popular is because we cut through the noise to focus on what is truly important to emerging clinicians in their careers. It’s inspiring to aid these students in their professional goals because they are the future of audiology and will be shaping the next generation of patient care.”

With a waitlist of over 150 students, the Phonak University team is looking to expand the program next year to reach even more future hearing care providers. 

For those who missed this year’s in-person event, Phonak U will be hosting a virtual “Welcome to Phonak” session on November 18th at 12pm EST. Students are also encouraged to join the Student AuDience network, to be in the loop for future events. 

About Phonak U

Since its founding two decades ago, Phonak U has been a cornerstone of Phonak’s commitment to ongoing education and professional development, offering students access to knowledge, tools, and mentors that empower them to launch successful audiology careers. Phonak U shows a commitment to inclusivity through its efforts to reduce financial and educational barriers, ensuring that audiology students at any level can participate. Held one weekend each year, students leave the event with a broader network of fellow emerging audiologists, valuable career insights, and strengthened connections with industry experts. 

Images: Phonak

Key Takeaways:

1. Focus on Hearing-Brain Health Connection: The series highlights the critical relationship between hearing loss and cognitive decline, showing how addressing hearing health can reduce dementia risks.
2. Expert-Led, Practical Content: Leading experts deliver nine concise, on-demand modules, offering actionable insights for hearing care professionals to apply in clinical settings.
3. Free Resources for HCPs: Upon completing the masterclass, participants gain access to educational materials to help counsel patients on the cognitive benefits of hearing care

GN, a global provider in intelligent hearing and audio solutions, and its partners announced the launch of the LISTEN TO THIS masterclass video series. This educational initiative is designed to empower hearing care professionals (HCPs) with essential insights into the critical interplay between hearing health, brain health and overall quality of life.

A Master Class on Hearing Health

The LISTEN TO THIS masterclass series addresses the urgent need for greater awareness of the link between hearing health and brain health. Recent studies have identified hearing loss as a potentially modifiable risk factor for the development of dementia and suggest that hearing aids could slow down cognitive decline by up to half in individuals at increased risk.(1,2) However, translating these findings into practical, real-world applications remains challenging. The series delves into the latest research providing HCPs with cutting-edge insights and practical strategies to incorporate this knowledge into their practice and counsel patients on the positive benefits of hearing care.

Each module is crafted and presented by leading experts in the field, like board-certified neurologist Anitha Rao, MD, and otologic surgeon and epidemiologist Frank Lin, MD, Phd, ensuring that the content is applicable in real-world clinical settings. The series includes nine on-demand videos which concisely yet comprehensively cover topics such as the importance of hearing care, the impact of hearing loss on brain physiology, and cognitive screening in audiology.

“This is the first time an educational resource of this standard has been made available specifically for the audiology community, and marks a significant milestone in our commitment to the advancement of audiology and hearing healthcare,” says Scott Davis, Hearing Division President at GN. “By leveraging the expertise of world-renowned specialists, we are pioneering a new approach to understanding the connections between hearing loss and broader brain health. Our goal is to facilitate meaningful conversations about integrating hearing care with overall health strategies.”

Further Reading

Hearing and Brain Health: Understanding The Relationship

“The relationship between hearing and brain health represents one of the most promising frontiers in preventive neurology,” says Rao. “Research shows that addressing hearing loss, along with other modifiable risk factors, could potentially reduce cognitive decline and dementia risk by up to half in high-risk individuals, making hearing care professionals critical partners in brain health preservation. This Masterclass series bridges an important knowledge gap by providing evidence-based tools for hearing care professionals to identify cognitive concerns early and engage in meaningful conversations about brain health with their patients.”

Launched earlier this year, LISTEN TO THIS is a global initiative aiming to ensure hearing health is recognized as an important factor in good cognitive health and overall well-being. In an unprecedented collaborative effort, leading public and private organizations, including UsAgainstAlzheimer’s and the National Acoustics Laboratories (NAL), have united with a common goal and this masterclass series is an important step in the right direction.The LISTEN TO THIS Masterclass series is available for free now at https://goto.listentothis.com. Once HCPs complete all the modules, they will gain access to accompanying informational brochures and posters to use in their practices with their patient.

Photo: Dreamstime

References:

1. Livingston G, Huntley J, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The lancet. 2020 Aug 8;396(10248):413-46.
2. Lin FR, Pike JR, et al. Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet. 2023 Sep 2;402(10404):786-97.

Takeaways:

1. Educational and Networking Opportunities: The Signia Student University program is specifically designed for audiology doctoral students, providing free access to training sessions that focus on industry trends, hearing aid technology, and career advice to enhance their professional development and readiness.
2. Hands-On Experience with Latest Technologies: Participants will have the chance to interact with Signia’s newest hearing aid technologies built on the Integrated Xperience (IX) platform.
3. Support for Career Advancement: Beyond technical training, the program includes sessions by WS Audiology’s staff on how to effectively apply for audiology positions and stand out in the job market, alongside an online series, “Research Quick Takes,” that connects students with the academic community and ongoing learning resources.

Signia announced its 2024 Signia Student University schedule, complete with an all-new lineup of regional professional training sessions taking place in July and September 2024.

Providing Professional Advancement in Audiology

Free to audiology doctoral students, the program is designed to supercharge professional advancement with networking opportunities, educational training sessions, and exposure to the industry’s most cutting-edge technology.

Students can choose to attend one of two in-person Signia Student University programs held in Orlando, Fla., on July 30, 2024, at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa and Irvine, Calif., on Sept. 11, 2024, at the Irvine Marriot.

Signia Student University Sessions

All Signia Student University sessions will be led by industry experts, including Senior Director of Audiology Brian Taylor, AuD and Gus Mueller, PhD, who will cover essential hearing care trends and developments like how to select and fit hearing aids for the best patient outcomes. In addition, WS Audiology’s human resources staff will share insights into how to stand out as students begin applying for audiology positions.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about Signia’s latest innovations including the hearing aids built on the Integrated Xperience (IX) platform – Styletto IX, Insio IX, Pure Charge&Go IX, and Silk Charge&Go IX, as well as additional advanced audiological solutions from Signia.

Students are also encouraged to leverage Signia’s Research Quick Takes online series, which can be accessed here, the company says. Launched quarterly, the series provides essential learning materials and empowers students to make meaningful connections with the academic audiology community. 

Photo: Signia

Takeaways:

1. The scholarship initiative reflects a commitment to addressing the ongoing issue of limited access to hearing care services, especially in geographically underserved regions
2. The scholarship will provide a $5,000 grant to a full-time audiology student who has completed the first year of their Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program.
3. Named in memory of Jill Botkin, a former HearUSA employee, the scholarship will provide financial assistance to a full-time audiology student enrolled in a U.S. university.

HearUSA announced a joint scholarship with the American Academy of Audiology to support future audiologists committed to providing greater access to hearing care services.

The Jill Botkin Hearing Healthcare Accessibility Scholarship

The Jill Botkin Hearing Healthcare Accessibility Scholarship will be announced at the AAA 2024+HearTECH Expo, April 17-20, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. 

“Despite significant advancements in technology and treatment options, accessibility to hearing care remains a major issue in the United States, particularly in geographically underserved areas,” says Gemma Gray, AuD, senior director of Professional Development & Retail Expansion at HearUSA. “This inability to access timely diagnosis, treatment, and support can significantly diminish quality of life for individuals with hearing loss, affecting their communication, social interactions, and overall well-being.”

The Jill Botkin Hearing Healthcare Accessibility Scholarship was created knowing that support for aspiring audiologists is crucial to ensuring equitable access to essential hearing healthcare services. It’s named in memory of Botkin — a thirty-five year employee of HearUSA who passed away in 2023. She began her career as an audiologist in South Florida before serving in various roles, including Sales Trainer, Regional Manager, Division Manager, and Vice President of Operations, before transitioning to a Senior Advisor position.

Audiology Scholarship Funding

Funds will be awarded to a full-time audiology student who is enrolled in a U.S. university at the time the scholarship is granted. This student must have completed the first year of their Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program in good standing in order to be considered. The selected recipient will receive a $5,000 scholarship grant intended for educational support in their AuD program.  This scholarship will be available through the American Academy of Audiology Foundation with applications opening in January 2025.

“More audiologists are needed to ensure everyone with hearing loss receives the care and support they deserve, no matter where they live,” Gray says. “That’s why we’re proud to partner with the American Academy of Audiology on a scholarship that will empower aspiring audiologists to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals and communities.”

The Grow Beyond Together initiative

The scholarship fund dovetails with other HearUSA programs designed to grow and support its network of providers. The company’s Grow Beyond Together initiative focuses on recruiting both existing hearing care professionals and network providers, engaging students and faculty through networking for internships/externships and showcasing HearUSA as the hearing care retailer that’s best equipped to solve the hearing accessibility issue.

HearUSA’s HCPs are either audiologists, the majority of which have an AuD degree, or hearing instrument specialists (HISs). HearUSA’s HearAcademy also has its own HIS Apprentice programs to develop and sponsor talent to become HISs.

Developments at HearUSA

In addition to the new scholarship, post-graduate students pursuing their AuD, HISs, and established audiologists, can visit AAA booth to learn more about other ways HearUSA is continuing to invest in development and recruitment, through its dedicated professional development team; tuition, continuing education, and licensing reimbursement offers; and opportunities for advancement through roles like HCP Team Leads, Advisory Board members, or District Managers.

“It’s imperative that everyone at every level of hearing healthcare understands the severe impact limited access to hearing services can have not just on individuals, but their families and communities,” says Gray. “At AAA 2024, through this new scholarship and our continued recruitment efforts, we’re doing our part to ensure the future of hearing care is one that guarantees care for every person who needs it in every community across America.”

Further reading: HearUSA to Open Six New Hearing Centers in Texas

Photo: Dreamstime

All courses are free to attend and learners can earn CE credits from the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), AG Bell Academy, and American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). The 2024 course catalog opened for registration earlier this week.

Hearing First courses translate the latest research and evidence-based science for hearing healthcare industry professionals to apply to their practice, the organization says. Courses are led by some of the industry’s leading experts in pediatric audiology and LSL intervention, selected based on their research, experience, and expertise.

Further reading: American Academy of Pediatrics Updates Policy Statement on Hearing Risks for Children

“The Oberkotter Foundation’s mission to support families of children with hearing loss includes supporting the professionals who work with them. As a subsidiary of the foundation, Hearing First wants professionals to challenge their thinking, learn the latest research, and expand their knowledge of pediatric audiology and LSL best practices through online learning,” says Teresa Caraway, PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, CEO of Oberkotter Foundation. “The goal is to remove barriers to the information that will improve outcomes by creating free access to relevant, research-based information. In 2024, Hearing First expanded its course offerings and increased the number of pediatric-audiology focused courses to help achieve that goal.”

Hearing First has emphasized coordinated collaborative care and the importance of a multidisciplinary team to support families. A small sample of the catalog topics includes:

• Genetics and Childhood Hearing Loss
• Autism and Hearing Loss
• Imaging of the Auditory System
• Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
• Best of Pediatric Audiology Literature – 2023
• What’s New in Pediatric Audiology Research: LOCHI, OCHL, CDaCI, and Melbourne CI Research
• Theory of Mind
• Assessment in LSL Intervention
• Music and Singing in LSL Intervention
• Literacy Development in LSL Intervention
• Motivational Interviewing
• Auditory Skill Development

Courses include live-online learning and self-study opportunities. In order to register, learners can join the Professional Learning Community for free. Professionals can grow their network through the community and get access to thousands of other hearing healthcare professionals through community forums and discussions. 

“We’ve entered a new era for pediatric audiology. Hearing healthcare professionals are hungry for evidence-based protocols to apply to their clinical practice,” says Jace Wolfe, PhD, CCC-A, sr. VP of Innovation, Oberkotter Foundation. “Hearing First has diligently designed courses at all levels for those working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. These new pediatric audiology courses are designed to meet an intermediate to advanced learning level and provide takeaways that will help shape a new standard of care.”
A two-part genetics course kicks off the new pediatric audiology learning in the new year. This intermediate-level course offers comprehensive coverage of genetics and hearing loss. Part one focuses on the fundamentals of genetics and part two looks at the connection between genetics and auditory function in children.

Providing audiology care remotely is now possible thanks to technology, but not all hearing care professionals (HCPs) are making use of this option— often because they are unsure of how to incorporate it into their practice. The new textbook “Teleaudiology Today: Remote Assessment and Management of Hearing” aims to bridge that gap. Here, two of the authors—Vinaya Manchaiah, AuD, MBA, PhD, and De Wet Swanepoel, PhD—share with The Hearing Review their perspective on teleaudiology as it’s currently being used and how they hope their book will help to increase adoption through educating clinicians and students about its use and benefits.

Further reading: Teleaudiology And Hearing Aid Care: Consumers Are Satisfied, Why Aren’t We?

Melanie Hamilton-Basich: Why did you and your co-authors write the book “Teleaudiology Today: Remote Assessment and Management of Hearing Loss”? Who is it for, and what hopes do you have for its use and impact?

Vinaya Manchaiah: During the COVID- 19 pandemic there was an increase in the need for audiologists to use teleaudiology methods to deliver services to their patients as a result of physical distancing measures enforced throughout the world. As there is limited coverage of teleaudiology concepts in audiology education programs, many of us were contacted by practicing clinicians to provide information via emails and webinars so that they could get a quick training. At that time, we decided to work on this textbook.

This book is targeted at audiology clinicians and students who are interested in learning teleaudiology approaches for providing hearing care for adults with hearing loss. We have written the text in a consulting style to provide more practical knowledge and hope that it will help its users to adopt some of the approaches discussed in their clinical practice.

Hamilton-Basich: How much of a factor is people’s familiarity with digital technologies when it comes to their openness to teleaudiology—for HCPs and their patients?

De Wet Swanepoel: Openness to technology could be an important factor in hearing healthcare professionals’ adoption of telehealth approaches in the clinical practice as well as in patients accepting the new models of service delivery model. Nevertheless, we also believe that people who have less exposure to technology can also quickly learn to become proficient users with some support. For instance, if we go back a decade or two ago, who would have thought then that such a large percentage of the population would now be using online banking or social media. We believe that people have much more technological competence than they generally realize.

Hamilton-Basich: You state in the book that “many audiologists have been slower to embrace this model compared to their healthcare counterparts.” Why do you think telehealth is not being used by HCPs as much as it maybe should or could be?

Manchaiah: Despite being a technology driven profession, audiology has been slow to adopt telehealth approaches in our practices. One reason could be that a large portion of the population we serve are older adults and many hearing healthcare professionals may underestimate the technological competency of this population. And then there is the additional cost as well as training required to implement such methods in clinical practice. Plus, there are some policy issues in terms of getting reimbursement for teleaudiology practice that could influence whether HCPs make use of this technology. There is also limited education about teleaudiology approaches in audiology training programs.

COVID-19 forced rapid adoption of teleaudiology approaches, increasing familiarity as well as an openness to utilize these approaches in service delivery. But then when lockdowns ended, they were no longer seen as necessary. Some clinicians have continued to use them afterward, while others may have returned to normal practices.

Providing training in teleaudiology approaches very early in audiology education, ensuring appropriate policy to have teleaudiology services reimbursed, and also making some funding available for equipment could potentially help increase and sustain the adoption of teleaudiology approaches.

Hamilton-Basich: How important is it for patients to understand not just the advantages, but also the limitations of remote audiology care? How does that impact HCPs’ ability to make effective use of teleaudiology in their practices?

Swanepoel: Like any type of practice, teleaudiology has some potential limitations. For instance, not all patients may have either the competency or the motivation to participate in a teleaudiology service delivery model. In addition, if we think of offering the care directly at home, many individuals may not have the infrastructure (i.e., personal computer, good bandwidth internet connection) to be able to participate in such approaches. Moreover, many individuals may also have difficulties in communicating with a clinician being in a different space and missing out on some spatial cues.

It is important for hearing care professionals to identify which patients are right for these approaches, and also what type of service can be most appropriately delivered using teleaudiology. For instance, often clinicians limit the use of teleaudiology approaches for screening, diagnosis, or hearing instrument provision. While these aspects can be effectively done via teleaudiology approaches, other aspects such as counseling, decision-making, and rehabilitation can also be effectively delivered via teleaudiology.

Hamilton-Basich: In your opinion and experience, how is the use of teleaudiology changing hearing care—for HCPs and for patients— and what do you expect it to look like in the future?

Manchaiah: Despite slow adoption, teleaudiology approaches have made their way into audiology practice. This is partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But also, direct-to-consumer (DTC) devices and services are becoming popular in hearing healthcare, fueled by technological advancements as well as policy changes. For example, many hearing aid companies and some cochlear implant companies offer smartphone apps for their devices through which clinicians can connect with their patients and monitor them closely as well as provide necessary care remotely.

With the emergence of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids in the United States, we’re also seeing a lot of service delivery innovation with companies offering different levels of services using teleaudiology models. However, we only see this as the beginning.

In the future, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ ML) models are likely to significantly intersect with teleaudiology approaches. For instance, it is likely that many chatbots will be created that will help serve a large number of people 24/7.

Hamilton-Basich: Is there anything else you’d like to share about the benefits of reading this book?

Swanepoel: We believe that the new book will help fill a gap in audiology by providing sorely needed clinical information for practicing clinicians and students. All of the chapters are written by clinician scientists who have both extensive research experience as well as clinical knowledge and are considered leading experts in their field. We have also kept the price lower (Kindle version for $9.99 or a paperback version for $19.99) compared to other textbooks on the market. It is also important to note that all proceeds from this book will be used to support research into providing accessible hearing care in sub-Saharan Africa.

As the practice of teleaudiology is dynamic, we hope to make periodic updates to this textbook. We welcome any suggestions hearing care professionals may have which could help improve the textbook for future versions.

Teleaudiology Today: Remote Assessment and Management of Hearing can be purchased at Amazon.com.

Featured image: (left to right) Vinaya Manchaiah, AuD, MBA, PhD; and De Wet Swanepoel, PhD.

Signia unveiled its 2023 Signia Student University program, complete with an all-new lineup of regional professional training sessions set to take place in August and September 2023.

The program is designed to connect with and provide expert advice to the next generation of hearing care professionals (HCPs) and is free to register for all students in audiology doctorate programs.

“This year’s Signia Student University program tackles the current challenges and exciting trends within our industry, and we look forward to gathering with key leaders and eager students who share our passion about the hearing care industry,” said Mike O’Neil, Signia president. “We’ve created a comprehensive lineup of sessions to help prepare students entering the audiology field, and we are excited to share our technological breakthroughs and industry advice with these young professionals.”

Students can choose to attend one of four in-person Signia Student University programs: Tuesday, August 1, in Dallas, Texas; Wednesday, August 9th, in Signia’s new headquarters in Iselin, New Jersey; Thursday, August 10th, in Schaumburg, Illinois; Thursday, September 28th, in San Jose, California, in conjunction with the California Academy of Audiology conference. Students who attend an event in-person will receive special Signia Student University gifts, including backpacks, water bottles and baseball caps.

Every program’s keynote speech will be delivered by Brian Taylor, AuD, senior director of audiology at Signia, and all sessions will be led by industry experts, including Jeanette Fitzke, AuD, and James Thornburg, AuD, covering increasingly important topics in the hearing care industry including real-ear verification, ear impressions, and professional interviewing tips – all of which aim to empower students with valuable knowledge and insights as they prepare for careers in the hearing care industry.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about Signia’s latest technologies and innovations including Signia’s Augmented Xperience (AX) platform, the hearing aids built on Signia AX – Styletto AX, Pure Charge&Go AX and Insio Charge&Go AX – as well as how to navigate Signia software to achieve the best patient satisfaction.

“Through a thoughtfully crafted curriculum, Signia is dedicated to equipping audiology students with the essential skills needed to address the industry’s most pressing trends and challenges,” said Lisa Klop, director of clinical education at Signia. “This year, our program leverages the knowledge of top hearing health experts who bring decades of invaluable experience. In addition to the interactive educational component, attending students can look forward to networking with Signia staff and their peers throughout the event.”

For those who are unable to travel to attend courses in-person, Signia’s 2023 Student University program will be available via livestream.

For more information and for students to register for Signia Student University, click here.

Digital hearing health company, Tuned, announces it is funding the student sponsorship grant for the 3^rd annual Future of Hearing Healthcare Conference. The grant allows up to 75 audiology graduate students to attend the event at no cost for any students currently pursuing a graduate-level degree in audiology, hearing science, or related discipline.

The conference, hosted by Hearing Health & Technology Matters (HHTM), will take place virtually over 3 days—May 17, 24 & 31—with a focus on developments and technologies shaping hearing healthcare.

“At Tuned, we firmly believe in a holistic and modern approach to hearing healthcare. As such, we also recognize the importance of a well-rounded and holistic approach to audiologic education for professionals and doctoral students alike,” commented Tuned’s head of audiology, Heather Malyuk, AuD. “Conferences such as the Future of Hearing Healthcare Conference are becoming essential for showing audiology students the beautiful diversity of our field. We are thrilled to offer our support to provide the next generation of audiologists access to this conference.”

Attendees participating in this year’s event can earn over 15 contact hours of CEUs from experts and researchers in clinical audiology, neuroscience, hearing aids, consumer technology, and more.

Some of the topics being addressed during the conference are: AI and machine learning in hearing healthcare, inner ear therapeutics, Auracast and Bluetooth LE Audio, and auditory processing disorders.

Attendees will have access to the sessions on-demand for up to 30 days.

Tickets are available at an early-bird rate of $99, if purchased by April 19th. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit: https://www.accelevents.com/e/futurehearinghealthcare23

Source: Hearing Health & Technology Matters

Images: Tuned; Photo 14702306 © Goldenkb | Dreamstime.com