AuDacity 2020 - Agenda

The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the cost-effectiveness of practitioner- versus self-hearing-aid fitting using a health economic model. Specifically, costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), for an itemized service delivery model, were determined and compared for (1) hearing aids fit by a practitioner using best practices, (2) hearing aids fit by a practitioner lacking best practices, and (3) hearing aids self-fit by the end user. Results shed light on (1) the cost-effectiveness of the healthcare intervention, and (2) whether the type of hearing aid fitting has a positive effect on the end-user’s quality of life.

Through the lens of a case study, this lecture will discuss the ever growing role of the audiologist in accurately evaluating, diagnosing, and managing dizzy patients, and the necessity for strong inter-professional communication in establishing a management strategy for dizzy patients.

Dr. Bon Ku, Director of the Health Design Lab at Thomas Jefferson University, will discuss the identified need for design thinking in healthcare, methods to utilize design thinking and the need and process that led to the creation of the Health Design Lab.

This fast-paced session will reveal practical and proven approaches to integrate empathy, evidence, and evaluative outcome measures to improve patient outcomes (and satisfaction) across the continuum of audiology care. Panelists will discuss the foundational role that functional and communication needs assessments (F&CNA) play in patient-centered care, using telehealth to transform patient experiences and improve outcomes, and find out how one practice prototyped humanitarian practice models to improve hearing health equity in their community and around the world.

Using digital media to connect with people locally and globally has never been easier—or more challenging. Posting, recording, tweeting, friending, following, publishing, and chatting can be exhausting—and without a consistent and compelling message, they alone will not motivate or inspire action. Digital storytelling, with its narrative structure, more readily promotes engagement across channels. The application of design thinking principles within a digital storytelling framework can expand both reach and response. This panel session will bring together leading digital storytelling experts (who also happen to be audiologists), to share their innovative approaches to storyline, content, and channel development. Prepare to be inspired to change the way you communicate with patients, providers, caregivers, and other important audiences.

Public policy initiatives that improve access to and coverage of audiology services are critical for patient-centered care and better outcomes. This session will provide an overview of the most pressing legislative and regulatory issues affecting audiologists and their patients at the state and federal levels, and a practical blueprint for action.

 

This fast-paced 30-minute session will explore perspectives from leading industry thought leaders on the trends and technologies shaping hearing healthcare today. Panelists will also share their insights on the most important innovations on the horizon, and the opportunities they present for practice owners.

There have never been so many challenges to the traditional way of running a private practice as there are today. This panel of experts will discuss threats posed by disruptive forces within hearing health care, and offer recommendations for flexible solutions to help practices grow and adapt in the face of change.

Dr. Jose Colucci, renowned expert on design thinking in healthcare, will discuss how to apply design concepts, that are typically used to create physical products, to services and processes such as health care. He will define design thinking in a way that will help audiologists identify what their patients actually want, and differentiate between products and health care services.

Behavior change is central to medical and public health interventions, such as the use of hearing protection and the adoption of hearing aids. The COM-B Model provides a simple and useful framework to help us understand relationships among capability, opportunity, and motivation (COM), how they influence each other, and their effect on health behavior (B). This session will examine direct-to-consumer (DTC) hearing aids, widely embraced by policymakers as a panacea for increasing hearing aid adoption through improved accessibility and affordability. We will use the COM-B Model to demonstrate that these are only two of several factors that affect consumer behavior in a meaningful way. We will discuss additional influential motivational and behavioral factors that must be addressed to increase demand for hearing health care services and hearing aid adoption among consumers.

Hearing loss is associated with accelerated cognitive decline in older adults and has been identified as a modifiable risk factor for dementia. Hearing loss makes the largest single contribution to the identified potentially modifiable risk factors, yet is the factor that has received the least scientific attention. Whether treatment of hearing loss can delay the onset of cognitive decline is currently unknown, due to limitations in the methodology and data of studies to date. This presentation will discuss an ongoing longitudinal study investigating the effect of hearing aid use on cognitive decline. We expect this study will provide rigorous evidence of the effects of treatment of hearing loss on cognition in older adults over time.

With evolving professions such as audiology, the context in which they are practiced can shape what comes to be understood as scope of practice, or acceptable business practices. Comparing and contrasting with how others practice audiology can help to understand and empathize with the challenges that audiologists face. Understanding and empathizing is the first level of design thinking. Three clinical audiologists representing the USA, Australia and New Zealand respectively will, through discussion of key topics, build an understanding of challenges in audiology, some of which will be addressed in detail in the course of the conference. This session will contextualize independent audiological practice and focus on key issues that challenge independent audiologists in their everyday life.

Evidence based practice has become a term that is loosely used in many policy and funding requirements. Audiologists are faced with evidence on a daily basis, but not all of it is used in decision making. Bias towards quantitative data and measurable benefit is a limiting factor in determining the type of evidence we use as well as restricting innovation in clinical practice. Three expert presenters will discuss how audiology and hearing health services need to understand evidence, both quantitative and qualitative, and how using that we can shift the focus in clinics from a medical/technology model to one that is patient or community focused.

Paediatric audiology is delivered very differently in different countries, driven by funding models, rather than clinical need. In Australia, the current funding model is based on dated concepts that fitting hearing aids to children is risky. As a result, in the area of device fitting for children, little choice or control is available to families who rely on public funding. For some living in Australia, the public system is not available and they have free choice in the private sector. For others, they may opt for private or charitable services, rather than be bound by restrictions that are required by public funding. This session will compare and contrast experiences of consumers and audiologists of publicly funded pediatric audiology with models of service delivery available in the private sector and in other countries. The purpose of this session is to ensure contemporary models of pediatric rehabilitative audiology that are responsive to families’ needs and makes use of available public funding and professional expertise that is available in the community.

Dr. Bon Ku, Director of the Health Design Lab at Thomas Jefferson University, will discuss the identified need for design thinking in healthcare, methods to utilize design thinking and the need and process that led to the creation of the Health Design Lab.

This fast-paced session will reveal practical and proven approaches to integrate empathy, evidence, and evaluative outcome measures to improve patient outcomes (and satisfaction) across the continuum of audiology care. Panelists will discuss the foundational role that functional and communication needs assessments (F&CNA) play in patient-centered care, using tele-health to transform patient experiences and improve outcomes, and find out how one practice prototyped humanitarian practice models to improve hearing health equity in their community and around the world.

Using digital media to connect with people locally and globally has never been easier—or more challenging. Posting, recording, tweeting, friending, following, publishing, and chatting can be exhausting—and without a consistent and compelling message, they alone will not motivate or inspire action. Digital storytelling, with its narrative structure, more readily promotes engagement across channels. The application of design thinking principles within a digital storytelling framework can expand both reach and response. This panel session will bring together leading digital storytelling experts (who also happen to be audiologists), to share their innovative approaches to storyline, content, and channel development. Prepare to be inspired to change the way you communicate with patients, providers, caregivers, and other important audiences.

Gain insights into the rationale, approaches and real practice observations of providing cognitive screening in the Audiology practice. Learn about clinical protocols that integrate patient cognitive assessment results in the fit flow process. Learn the business dynamics, experienced by your peers, on topics including revenue generation, patient engagement/workflow and the overall role of the Audiologist in promoting cognitive health.

Third-party administrators (TPAs) and networks are prolific in the hearing aid space and are having a significant impact on audiology practices. This course will address TPAs, their function, and their impact on patients and practices. We also will discuss different TPAs and their opportunities and limitations. We will provide attendees with the tools to evaluate each agreement so they can determine if participation is professionally and financially viable. Finally, we will work through several scenarios of how to implement or compete against third-party offerings.

Telehealth is gaining momentum as a service delivery method around the world, and teleaudiology applications like teleconsulting, telediagnostics and remote hearing aid programming are becoming ever more present service delivery tools audiologists can use to assist and delight their patients. This course will focus on how teleaudiology services are augmenting traditional clinical service delivery methods, define the benefits these tools provide patients and professionals, discuss the clinical integration of teleaudiology features, and provide examples of how these tools can optimize patient success and provide opportunities for audiologists to differentiate themselves in the professional landscape.

This course provides the fundamental aspects of laws, statutes, codes of ethics and rules which guide and govern audiology. Details of licensure, Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, Physician Payments Sunshine Act, False Claims Act, Codes of Ethics, and more are presented. Brief history and rationale on each is explored and a thorough understanding of each is provided in an engaging, discussion-oriented presentation. Additionally, applicable legal penalties are explored and described. Brief scenarios are reviewed to facilitate learning.

Oticon: Expand Your Practice with Tele-audiology

Speakers: Lana Ward, Au.D. & Amanda Greenwell, Au.D.

Starkey: Technology’s Leading Edge

Speakers: Luis Camacho, Au.D.; Andrea Hannan-Dawkes, Au.D.; Michele Hurley, Au.D.; Sarah Lewandowski, Au.D.

Signia: Using Blended Hearing Care to Improve Hearing Aid Outcomes Over the Long Haul

Speaker: Brian Taylor, Au.D.

CounselEar

Speaker: Brian Urban, Au.D.

Since the introduction of the first multi-channel cochlear implant over 30 years ago, we have watched the technology advance by leaps and bounds while hundreds of thousands of people around the world have benefited from the intervention. Changes in candidacy criteria and patient profile have evolved to the point that a cochlear implant is now considered to be the standard of care for treatment of a moderate to profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The audiologic care itself is now undergoing a revolution, with provision of quality pre- and post-operative services available in traditional academic medical centers and local private practices alike. We have learned through big data projects the breadth and depth of what the typical CI recipient needs and how to appropriately measure outcomes to guide treatment. Through a combination of in clinic care, remote care, and self-care we are able to meet our patients where they are. The goal of this presentation is to review the clinic models and resources that allow care for cochlear implant patients to be accessible to all who may need it and available to all audiologists who wish to provide it. Specific topics to be discussed include remote care options. A panel of experts will culminate the session with a Q&A format.

The continued evolution of the hearing healthcare industry is providing tremendous opportunities for the profession of Audiology. Emerging technologies, such as embedded sensors and Artificial Intelligence in hearing aids, are changing the hearing health landscape and improving the ability to deliver exceptional patient care. This three-hour session will review why hearing is essential and the important role audiologists and audiology students play in providing a patient-centered model of service delivery. We’ll discuss the co-morbidities of hearing loss and the impact of untreated hearing loss on physical, mental and emotional health and explore a variety of tools to help you optimize the art and science of hearing aid fittings. Please join Starkey thought leaders to learn more about the future of audiology and the ability to thrive in today’s dynamic professional landscape.

Audiologists are particularly good at “content/cognitive counseling” where they deal with technical aspects of care that are information-based. The mistake audiologists make in most situations is that they see their task as just supplying cognitive data—cold hard facts and descriptions. They want to be Dr. Explanatory. There is a lack of comfort and experience in managing affect or feeling statements. Feelings are the major factor that make patients feel connected to us. This session will address the major psychological dynamics that hearing loss patients often present. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based method of patient communication/counseling that is designed to manage a variety of health problems such as smoking cessation, drug/alcohol addiction and diabetes management. MI goals are to resolve patient ambivalence, elicit “change talk” and move patients toward their goals, values and behavior change. Participants will receive “hands-on” training in MI.

In the clinic, balancing the technical tasks and the valuable services can be a challenge. It is well documented that real ear measurements not only ensure match to target and audibility, but also have a perceived value to the patient. The gain verification is clearly worth the effort, but the question is, ‘how much effort?’ Best practices around real ear have evolved with hearing aid technologies, but keeping abreast of the changes can be time consuming in itself. Other clinical activities such as marking impressions, completing feedback initialization, airing zinc air batteries, all grab precious minutes, but are they worth it? Another well documented concept is the value of the clinician and time spent counseling the patients. The goal of this presentation is for practitioners to be able to identify ways to tighten up time spent on tasks that are clinically important but low value, as perceived by the patient. An interactive survey will be used during this presentation.

Audiologists who use a smartphone for work-related email, calls, scheduling, or social media introduce potential risks to their business and patients. To avoid patient privacy violations and HIPAA penalties, it is essential that providers understand and address mobile security risks. Attendees will see a demonstration of the personal data recoverable from a lost, stolen, or hacked smartphone. This highly-interactive session will present evidence of the importance of smartphone security and steps to secure mobile devices. The main part of the presentation will allow attendees to follow hands-on guided steps to configure seven security features of the latest version of iPhone and Android.

Accidental falls pose a significant health risk to older adults, often leading to a loss of independence, and can abruptly alter the course of one’s later years. About 40% of individuals who live at home after reaching the age of 65 will fall at least once each year. The risk of falling is even greater among those with hearing loss. Fortunately, breakthroughs in embedded sensors and artificial intelligence have enabled the development of healthable hearing aids. These new devices offer the ability to guide patients through balance training exercises, automatically detect falls and alert others. In addition to empowering audiologists to support their patients’ desire to live life to its fullest, these industry-leading features can help strengthen relationships in the community.

We all know that internet marketing is important, but how does it fit into my audiology practice? Practice owners understand more and more the importance of their digital exposure, while at the same time seeing how much more complicated digital marketing has become. Five broad concepts related to the audiology digital marketing landscape are explained and then broken down so that a practice owner can understand what they need to be focused on and why it matters.

The creation of a great culture will encourage the highest levels of employee engagement. This starts with hiring the right people. We’ll show you how to attract, vet, select, and develop a team that will define the company culture you’ve always wanted to achieve.

In an era of disruption, we can easily lose sight of why we became audiologists. Most of us got into this field because we want to help people hear, yet we find ourselves fighting third party payers, fretting over OTC, and worrying about big box stores. There are many opportunities to help people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to hearing healthcare. Humanitarian audiology can take place at home or abroad. Have you ever considered starting your own non-profit or joining an international audiology humanitarian trip? We will talk about the impact of “give-back” on you, your employees, your current patients and the new people whose lives you could change by giving the gift of hearing.

Ever feel like your patients really know you? Ever wish you could communicate better with those who haven’t met you yet? This presentation will help you merge your tried and true marketing techniques with more cost-effective and efficient ways of keeping patients in your practice and bringing in new patients earlier in the discovery process. This presentation will cover marketing techniques that have been tested in multiple private practices. Staying ahead of your competition without blowing your budget is the key to success.

With over-the-counter hearing aids coming to market soon and as insurance companies move to an outcome-based payment system, audiologists can differentiate their practice by providing a communication needs assessment to patients. By looking at the whole-person along with the entire scope of audiology, providers can recommend a comprehensive communication plan of care, which may include amplification, aural rehabilitation, tinnitus treatment, and hearing protection, among other services. Moving away from the classic hearing aid evaluation (HAE) to a communication needs assessment (CNA) will also show the value of the audiologist’s expertise and cost. Learn what questionnaires, screening tools, and testing measures will provide data to make a thorough recommendation and move your HAE beyond a widget, to a true CNA.

What is a practice required to do to protect patient information today? We’ll review some of the most prevalent security threats today, as well as the Office of Civil Rights’ focus areas on recent penalties. We’ll cover best practices for your HIPAA compliance program, including how to develop a culture of compliance (including a healthy paranoia) within your organization. Learn where to start, how to prepare your practice, what to prioritize, and documentation to maintain in case of an audit.

The best time to prepare your business for your eventual exit is before you see your first patient. The second best time is now, regardless of whether you intend to exit later this year, or in 30 years. Preparing your business for your exit will allow you to run your business as it should be run now, regardless of when you plan on exiting.

From his career spanning over 45 years, Dr. Harvey Abrams will lead attendees through this presentation exploring current and possible future approaches to the profession, including education and training, licensing, boarding and accreditation, inter-organizational relationships, emerging technologies as well as business practices and an expanded role for the audiologist—all to move forward to thrive in a dramatically different hearing healthcare landscape.