Dr. Nashley Brogan, a cochlear implant user and long-time private practice audiologist, shared her personal and clinical journey. Initially disillusioned with the sales-driven nature of audiology, she embraced Amplify’s tools to prioritize personalized care and long-term treatment strategies over hearing aid sales. Dr. Anne Michelle Puglisi, Vice President of Audiology at Amplify, offered clinical context and outlined the evolution of AR, referencing global models such as the WHO’s ICF framework and various scholarly contributions that advocate for person- and family-centered care.
The core of the presentation revolved around the four pillars of Amplify:
- Interactive Curriculum – a 12-week educational series to teach patients about hearing health, listening strategies, and cognitive health.
- Peer Support Community – an online, moderated group fostering social engagement and mutual support.
- Hearing Health Coaches – professionals who offer motivation and personalized guidance distinct from clinical counseling.
- Auditory Brain Training Games – evidence-based games tailored to different needs, including voice and background noise customization, to improve speech perception and listening confidence.
Both presenters emphasized the need for clinicians to integrate these tools during the assessment phase rather than after a diagnosis is delivered. This timing helps build buy-in and improves adherence. A structured clinical workflow was demonstrated, pairing patient assessments (like HHIA, speech-in-noise tests, and cognitive screenings) with specific Amplify tools for more tailored treatment planning.
Special attention was given to cochlear implant recipients through a dedicated Amplify track, adapted to their unique needs. The program also showed potential for broader applications, including for patients with auditory processing disorders (APD), youth, and those requiring hearing conservation.
From an implementation standpoint, the presenters highlighted flexible billing models, such as self-pay versus clinic-sponsored access, with an emphasis on charging something to promote patient engagement. The clinic also benefits from data portals that enable real-time monitoring of patient progress across the program.
In summary, the presentation championed a holistic, scalable AR model using Amplify to improve patient outcomes, foster professional satisfaction, and elevate audiology practice beyond a sales-oriented paradigm.