The Audiologist as Part of the EDIS Team
Capt Jennifer Tay
Capt Nicole Cioni
Capts Cioni and Tay will explain the role of the audiologist as part of the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS) Team. The EDIS audiologist plays a unique role a part of the early childhood intervention program at overseas military bases, and there is much to learn when transitioning from the role as a clinical AF audiologist.
Hearing Conservation Data Registry Update
Maj Robert Pluta
AF Metrics from the Data Repository will be presented along with other items regarding hearing conservation in the Air Force.
The Clinical Trial of the Middle Ear Transducerâ„¢ Fully Implantable Ossicular Stimulator at Wilford Hall Medical Center
1Lt Jennifer Jones
This presentation will discuss the clinical trial of the implantable hearing aid device at Wilford Hall Medical Center. The device has the potential to be a beneficial alternative to traditional hearing aids for individuals with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss. Individuals with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss are often dissatisfied with traditional hearing aids for several reasons such as feedback, discomfort caused by the earmold, and distorted or poor sound quality. This presentation will include discussion of candidacy and how the device works.
Cochlear Implants for EDIS, A Progress Report
Capt Jennifer Tay
Capt Nicole Cioni
Capts Jennifer Tay and Nicole Cioni will present a progress report on plans of the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS) adding Cochlear Implants (CI) to their list of services. In this briefing they will define what and where the need is and how it can be met. They will also discuss the need for support from the MTF and DoDDS; as well as what this may mean for the AF, other branches of service, the service member and their family.
Binaural Speech Benefits for Adults Wearing Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants in opposite ears
Col Ben Sierra
Capt Brandon Tourtillott
There have been conflicting views in the past on whether a cochlear implant and hearing aid are compatible on opposite ears. Recent research on the subject has concluded that speech perception is improved with bimodal hearing though the processing is very different. Many of our current Cochlear Implant Recipients have quit wearing amplification on the opposite ear following Cochlear Implant Surgery. We will compare speech perception with a Cochlear Implant only and a Cochlear Implant in conjunction with a Digital Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aid on ten WHMC Cochlear Implant Recipients.
PB% Scores in 2 minutes: AB Word Lists vs the NU 6 lists are they equivalent? A brief report of our findings at WHMC.
1Lt Catherine Wynn
Word recognition is one of the critical measures of speech perception most commonly used in a standard audiometric test battery. Traditionally, this test is performed presenting lists of 25 or 50 phonetically balanced monosyllabic words. The purpose of this study is to determine if the speech recognition scores obtained using the 25-word Northwestern University (NU–6) list is equivalent to the scores obtained using the AB 10-word list created by Arthur Boothroyd. If results indicate scores are equivalent, using the AB list would save critical clinic time without sacrificing reliability.
The Use of Frequency Transposition Hearing Aids as an Alternative to Cochlear Implantation—A Case Study
Maj Cynthia S. Eades
The consideration of non-surgical options for patients is critical in providing our patients with all avenues of communication and the least restrictive and invasive access to communication. This presentation will discuss a case of a teenage patient with profound hearing loss and the process that was followed to his being fit with Frequency Transposition Hearing Aids. The presentation will give an overview of Frequency Transposition technology, parameters to consider during fitting of these devices, and the device that was selected for this particular patient.
Determining the Value of Your Clinic
Maj Tressie Waldo
Coding of clinical procedures is used to determine cost effectiveness and drives resource allocations within medical treatment facilities (MTF) across the Department of Defense. During this time of transformation, Make Versus Buy Analyses are being conducted to decide which disciplines will be purchased on the Tricare network or converted from active duty to alternative resourcing. Accurate coding of audiologic procedures is vital to accurately reflect workload. A business case analysis was developed to represent the entire scope of practice for audiology including facets which are often overlooked in typical MTF analyses. The business case blends coding data for hours dedicated to hearing conservation duties that are not accounted for in other models. Also included is the relative value of hearing aid dispensing for active duty members as compared to the relative market value if purchased on the economy. The intent of this business case analysis to assist the local provider in defending current manning standards during a MTF review. It may also be used to reflect the value of the audiology career field as a whole.
Hearing Conservation Motivation and Education
1Lt Gretchen Haywood
Members of the Armed Forces are exposed to hazardous levels of noise daily. Hearing Conservation Plans are put in place to monitor and inform troops of dangers to their hearing, and personal hearing protection is issued to protect workers from excessive noise exposure. In attempts to determine attitudes and behaviors related to hearing loss and PPE, surveys were distributed to active duty military exposed to hazardous noise levels. The survey’s goal was to determine what motivation and education is necessary for workers to value their hearing. In addition, surveys to retired military members assessed previous attitudes towards hearing and PPE, a change in attitude related to hearing loss, and any words of wisdom for those who still can salvage their hearing. From the survey data, recommendations may be made in attempts to encourage soldiers to take a more active role in their hearing future.