As mandated by by 2015 New Years resolution, I’m trying to stay aprised of my new field. I have journals, e-mails from professional memberships, community forums of AuDs and students, and the internet to leaf through. The goal: Just to remember anything–or the gist of what the audiology field is about, what’s important, and what’s new. So here’s what I learned today:
-only 20% of those who COULD benefit from hearing aids, get them.
-Those who seek treatment, wait an average of 10 years before being fitted with their first hearing aid.
-91% of adults have a cell phone, and 60% have Smartphones.
-The fastest growing demographic of Smartphone users are 55-64 years old.
-74% of people aged 65 and up have a cell phone.
To connect the phone to hearing technlogies, AuD’s should:
1] stay apprised of new technologies and be ready to answer Qs
-over 50 OTC products claim to alleviate or cure tinnitus–none of them are FDA approved.
-AuD Tinnitus Eval
1) detailed case history
2) review current meds & side-effects
3) review diet + supplements
4) establish a timeline of any meds/nutrition changes and notice of tinnitus
5) otologic exam
6) blood work
7) comprehensive audiological eval (include otoacoustic emissions)
8) self-assessment tool for tinnitus handicap
This one’s short and sweet and really just getting into the routine and getting started. I’ll post some new info periodically (at least once a week, probably more) as I learn new stuff. This is exciting and will help prepare me for my interview–school–my career.
kit10phish.wordpress.com 
Leave a Reply