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10/26/2019  |   9:00 AM - 10:00 AM   |  Ventana Ballroom C

Essential Knowledge in Hearing, Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids for Non-Hearing Professionals

Advances in technology have led to hearing aids that send text messages, translate language and even have fall detection. We primarily evaluate hearing by measuring sound emitted from the ear. Strong links between hearing loss and cognitive decline are undeniable now, and the fact that about 50% of deaf children had normal hearing at birth, have triggered significant changes in how we see hearing. More than ever these changes emphasize the importance of understanding hearing and hearing rehabilitation by other health professionals, patients and their families. Our understanding of hearing has evolved along with the hearing-related technology. The approach to hearing testing and rehabilitation has changed to a degree that other disciplines have little or no familiarity with its components. Modern audiological procedures that incorporate evidence-based protocols allow patients to be diagnosed faster and more effectively. More efficient hearing evaluations can avoid delays in therapy. Further technological advances include sophisticated electronic interfaces that allow cochlear implants and hearing aids to simultaneously communicate with smartphones and stream audio from other devices. These advancements facilitate interactions and have the potential to significantly increase the quality of life. Access to these advances in treatment and diagnosis been so critical. Subjective responses of pure tone and speech audiometry of 100 patients were compared to their non-behavioral physiological test results. The sensitivity of the physiological non-behavioral testing was measured, and coefficients were calculated to quantify the degree of agreement between behavioral and non-behavioral testing. The results of our study verified the benefit of using a non-behavioral test flowchart to guide the application of behavioral procedures, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the auditory test battery. The utilization of an audiometric flowchart incorporating non-behavioral testing has changed how we diagnose hearing loss.

• As a result of this presentation, the participant will explain how hearing evaluation procedures have evolved over the past two decades.
• As a result of this presentation, the participant will know the current technology available to the hearing-impaired community and how it affects therapy.
• As a result of this presentation, the participant will be able to describe comorbidities linked to hearing loss, including the social isolation and cognitive decline.

Presentation:
18369_12230EdwardGarcia.pdf

Handouts:
18369_12230EdwardGarcia.docx

Edward Garcia (POC,Primary Presenter), California State University, Long Beach, Edward.Garcia2@csulb.edu;
Edward Garcia, AuD is an Assistant Professor in the Speech-Language Pathology department at Long Beach State University. Dr. Garcia is an Audiologist who has been teaching audiology-related courses at Long Beach State since 2001. His area of specialty is diagnostic audiological, providing services to linguistically diverse geriatric clients. His current interests include investigating the link between untreated hearing loss and Alzheimer’s and related dementias, hearing loss related social isolation, and how health disparities in the Latinx populations. He is a bilingual, California licensed audiologist in private practice for 25 years with an Au.D. from University of Florida, Gainesville.

ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.

AAA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.

Terrance Yuen (Co-Presenter), AT Still University, Mesa, Arizona, sa201163@atsu.edu;
Terrance Yuen is a licensed hearing aid dispenser and graduate audiology student specializing in the fitting of advanced hearing aid technology and related devices.

ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.

AAA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.