Using Speech Mapping Techniques with the Audioscan Verifit Equipment for Objective Measurement of Hearing Aids
1Lt Matthew Williams
Hearing aids are a fundamental element in clinical audiology. Verifying the function of the hearing aid and the benefit it gives to the user is essential. Previously, audiologists have used tools such as patient questionnaires and real ear measurements. Patient questionnaires aren’t always accurate and real ear measures can be time consuming and difficult to interpret with digital technology. Speech mapping is an excellent way to verify the function and accurate fit of a hearing aid to a patient. This presentation will explain why speech mapping is important and how to use the Audioscan Verifit to complete the measurements.
Case Study: Conversion Disorder Manifested by Deaf/Mutism
LtCol Angela Williamson
Conversion Disorder is a psychiatric condition that can be referred to as hysteria or conversion reaction, and can manifest itself in a variety of ways including limb paralysis, involuntary movements and sensory deficits. A rare case of Conversion Disorder which manifested as deaf/mutism was observed in our clinic at Landstuhl. The patient had been previously fit with binaural CIC hearing aids, but was not receiving any benefit from them at that point. He was medically evacuated to Landstuhl for further hearing aid assistance and proper profiling for continued duties. Audiometric results were inconsistent and indicated true hearing ability was much greater than indicated. After evaluation by behavioral health, a diagnosis of Conversion Disorder was made. Presenting symptoms, test results, interactions and follow up care for the soldier will be discussed. Tactics to assist in identification of Conversion Disorder vs. malingering will be discussed.
Mission Trip to Easter Island
Capt Gretchen Haywood
The purpose of this presentation is to give a complete overview of the audiologist participation in the Ophthalmology Humanitarian Mission to Easter Island. Culture, language, people, politics and economy will be touched upon as well as the unique healthcare issues that the people of Easter Island face. Discussion will also include: lessons leaned and follow-up plans for next year’s mission.
Case Study of Humanitarian Missions
Lt Courtney Dobbs
The Otolaryngology Flight participates in several humanitarian mission trips each year in conjunction with teaching opportunities to local physicians. Audiology supports ENT by providing audiological evaluations and hearing aids to individuals that would not otherwise receive these services. One of the high profile humanitarian trips has been to Paraguay. Several of the missions have been at the same locations and Audiology and ENT have been able to follow the same patients from year to year. This has provided a histological review of the cases.
Audiology Fellowship: Military vs. Civilian Experiences
1Lt Tamarah Murphy
This presentation will outline the unique opportunities afforded the military fellow. Direct comparisons will be made between a military fellowship and its civilian counterpart. The speaker will discuss specific advantages and disadvantages of both experiences, citing specific examples from recent years.
Opportunities in AFRL for a Clinical Audiologist
Dianne Popik
This presentation will highlight the varied opportunities for audiologists in the Air Force Research Laboratory. The Battlespace Acoustics Branch of the Human Effectiveness (HE) Directorate of AFRL is involved in numerous cutting edge technologies and programs encompassing all phases of research and development. I would like to present an overview of a few of our programs which are run by audiologists.