LM219 - In a Test Box, Far, Far Away: Reviving Electroacoustic Analysis for Direct, Value-Added Patient Care

Abstract: your practice in efficient and meaningful ways.  Basic and advanced measures and how their results relate to patient report will be discussed.  Tests of advanced hearing aid features, telecoil, CROS, and wireless connectivity will be introduced as well as how to evaluate OTCs.  Techniques for efficiency and ideas for incorporating into routine checks as well as troubleshooting problems will be provided.  Finally, incorporating these services into a variety of business models to promote a higher standard of ethical care will be explored.

Summary: Electroacoustic analysis (EAA) of hearing devices is less widespread than real ear measurements in today's busy clinics.  Most clinicians rely on listening checks to assess hearing aid quality and to troubleshoot patient complaints.  However, regular testing of basic hearing aid function and advanced features can ensure clinicians and reassure patients that they are being provided the best information for appropriate and effective clinical decision making.  Incorporating EAA into usual patient care will yield more revenue and add value to clinic services. 

Our clinics use EAA every day for every patient's hearing aid and throughout their follow-up care.  We have found that understanding the objective function and performance of devices is invaluable for maintaining the highest level of quality control for our patients, identifying sources of patient's complaints, and understanding the behavior of aids under different conditions to evaluate and understand how hearing aids work "behind the scenes" across a variety of manufacturers and models.

This presentation is aimed at returning to fundamentals of audiological care and rehabilitation in order to make what is old, new again.  EAA is a differentiator for patients seeking a high level of knowledge, expertise, and value when investing in their hearing healthcare.  A variety of tests in addition to ANSI measures will be presented including noise reduction, directionality, telecoil, and wireless transmission.  A variety of service provision patterns and billing models to fit clinic and patient needs will be discussed, so attendees will be able to identify and select a battery of tests that will be meaningful to their clinical decision making process.  A cursory review of continuing education in this area revealed a dearth of learning opportunities, and we aim to promote the utilization of our knowledge and expertise to promote patient care and our profession.