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Access Audiology is dedicated to the specific needs of all professionals interested in hearing, balance and the field of audiology. We hope you find it informative, practical, and easy to use.
Each issue of Access Audiology presents new topics relevant to audiologists in a variety of settings, including private practice; health care; universities; schools; research facilities; local, state, and national organizations/agencies; and industry. Our current issue spotlights hearing conservation.
Members have access to a complete archive of past issues as a resource. Not an ASHA member yet? Find out how to join.
Access Audiology was developed for audiologists by audiologists...working to keep you connected.
Current Trends: Hearing Conservation
Introduction by Sharon L. Beamer, AuD, CCC-A
The Modern Evolution of Hearing Conservation Regulations by Theresa Y. Schulz, PhD, CCC-A
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ASHA Online Resources
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Regulations, Articles, and More
Regulations
Online Resources From Department of Defense
International Regulations
A list of international regulations can be found at the CAOHC Web site [PDF].
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- A10.46-2007, Hearing Loss Prevention in Construction and Demolition Workers
- S3.1-1999 (R2003), American National Standard Maximum Permissible Ambient Noise Levels for Audiometric Test Rooms
- S3.41-1990 (R2001), American National Standard Audible Emergency Evacuation Signal
- S3.44-1996 (R2001), American National Standard Determination of Occupational Noise Exposure and Estimation of Noise-Induced Hearing Impairment
- S3.6-2004, American National Standard Specification for Audiometers
- S12.6-1997 (R2002), American National Standard Methods for Measuring the Real-Ear Attenuation of Hearing Protectors
Additional Resources From OSHA
ASHA Scientific Journal Articles
- Outcomes Analysis for Hearing Conservation Programs. Helfer, T. M., Shields, A. R., & Gates, K. E. (2000). American Journal of Audiology, 9, 75–83.
- The Effectiveness of an Educational Hearing Conservation Program for Elementary School Children. Chermak, G. D., & Peters-McCarthy, E. (1991). Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 22, 308–312.
- The Effectiveness of an Interactive Hearing Conservation Program for Elementary School Children. Chermak, G. D., Curtis, L., & Seikel, J. A. (1996). Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 27, 29–39.
- Effectiveness of "Dangerous Decibels," a School-Based Hearing Loss Prevention Program. Griest, S. E., Folmer, R. L., & Martin, W. H. (2007).
American Journal of Audiology, 16, S165–S181.
- Postdeployment Hearing Loss in U.S. Army Soldiers Seen at Audiology Clinics From April 1, 2003, Through March 31, 2004. Helfer, T. M., Jordan, N. N., & Lee, R. B. (2005). American Journal of Audiology, 14, 161–168.
- A Study of Noise Exposure and Hearing Sensitivity in a High School Woodworking Class. Lankford, J. E., & West, D. M. (1993). Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 24, 167–173.
- Hearing Conservation Training of Industrial Technology Teachers. Plakke, B. L. (1991). Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 22, 134–138.
- Hearing Conservation in Secondary Industrial Arts Classes: A Challenge for School Audiologists. Plakke, B. L. (1985). Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 16, 75–79.
- Program for the Conservation and Promotion of Hearing Among Adolescents. Serra, M. R., Biassoni, E. C., Hinalaf, M., Pavlik, M., Pérez Villalobo, P., Curet, C., et al. (2007). American Journal of Audiology, 16, S158–S164.
- Hearing Conservation in Hunter Education Programs. Woodford, C. M., & Lass, N. J. (1994). American Journal of Audiology, 3(2), 8–10.
Selected Articles From The ASHA Leader Online
- Boswell, S. (2004, Feb. 17). New weapon against hearing loss? Marines participating in clinical trial to prevent hearing loss. The ASHA Leader, pp. 1, 20–21.
- Chandler, D. (2006, July 11). Blast-related ear injury in current U.S. military operations. The ASHA Leader, 11(9), pp. 8-9, 29.
- DaVanzo, J. (2006, July 11). One soldier's story. The ASHA Leader, 11(9), 23.
Halpin, C. (2007, January 23). Something new for the audiogram: Alternative symbol developed for response at limit. The ASHA Leader, 12(1), pp. 5, 19.
- Hearing Loss Rises Among U.S. Soldiers in Iraq. (2006, March 21). The ASHA Leader, 11(4), 5, 19.
- Marshall, L. (2006, Jan. 16). Where we work: Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory. The ASHA Leader, 11(1), pp. 44.
- Moore, M. (2003, Nov. 18) Army audiologists: Serving soldiers and their country. The ASHA Leader, pp. 12, 31.
Other Online Articles
- Chaisin, M. (2008). Musicians and the prevention of hearing loss: An introduction. Retrieved from Audiologyonline on February 4, 2008.
- Chaisin, M., & Chong, J. (1999). Localization problems with modified and non-modified ER-15 Musician's Earplugs. The Hearing Journal, 52(2), 39-40.
- Clark, W. (2000). Five myths in assessing the effects of noise on hearing. Retrieved February 4, 2008, from Audiologyonline.
- Danielson, R. (2007). What is considered a standard threshold shift? Retrieved February 4, 2008, from Audiologyonline.
- Hager, L., (2004). Hearing protector evaluation and performance ratings: The good, the bad, and the EPA. Retrieved February 4, 2008, from Audiologyonline.
- Harris, G. (2007). Referrals from hearing loss prevention program. Retrieved February 4, 2008, from Audiologyonline.
- Lipscomb, D. (2005) An exercise in futility: Frustrations of a hearing conservationist (an historical review and summary of hearing conservation issues). Retrieved February 4, 2008, from Audiologyonline.
- Miller, M., Crane, M., Fox, J., & Linstrom, C. (1999) Pseudohypacusis: Worker compensation costs and professional implications [PDF]. The Hearing Journal, 52(4), 42-46.
- Pirzanski, C., Chaisin, M., Klenk, M., Maye, V., & Purdy, J. (2000). Attenuation variables in earmolds for hearing protection devices [PDF]. The Hearing Journal, 53(6), 44-49.
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Web Links
The following list was complied by Division 8. It is the mission of Division 8, Hearing Conservation and Occupational Audiology, to prevent hearing impairment from exposure to noise and other toxic agents by (a) increasing understanding of the problem and knowledge of effective intervention strategies, (b) monitoring and promoting appropriate regulatory activity and legislation, (c) educating the public and related professionals, (d) facilitating communication within ASHA and among related professional organizations, (e) promoting excellence in hearing conservation, and (f) promoting needed research.
The list is not comprehensive but does include useful sites for professionals interested in hearing conservation. Inclusion in the list does not represent an endorsement by Division 8 or by ASHA of the site owner/content.
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Patient Education
Patient/Employee Education Material
Patient/employee education newsletters and other consumer information brochures and informational leaflets are a valuable resource for hearing conservation/occupational audiologists.
Topics Available on the ASHA Web Site at No Charge
Other Printable Patient/Employee Materials
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Professional Development
Continuing Education for Educational Audiologists
ASHA and the Educational Audiology Association (EAA) will offer continuing education programming at Disney's Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World, Florida, this summer.
On Thursday, July 24, the EAA will present its 2008 summer workshop, Working Together to Provide a World of Wonder. The full-day program includes sessions on students with minimal or unilateral hearing loss, Phonak's new Dynamic FM system, collaboration among audiologists and other professionals in schools, and pediatric hearing aid verification.
Schools 2008, ASHA's annual conference on speech, language, and hearing services in schools, takes place Friday–Sunday, July 25–27. The conference theme, "Power in Partnership," emphasizes the gains for both students and professionals from effective collaboration. Friday, July 25, is particularly designed to appeal to both SLPs and audiologists in schools, with sessions on classroom acoustics, cochlear implants, genetic connections among communication disorders, and auditory-linguistic processing disorders in children, among others. A special 1-day rate is available for educational audiologists who wish to attend Friday only.
ASHA's Annual Online Conference: ASHA Audiology 2008
October 10–27, 2008
Cochlear Implants in Children and Adults
Call ASHA Product Sales at 888-498-6699 to register. Payment can be made by check or credit card (Visa & MasterCard only). No purchase orders accepted.
Assistive Technology Needs Assessment
This presentation will provide you with a needs assessment flow chart to help you quickly and accurately assess a patient's receptive communications needs so that you can recommend appropriate options. Earn 0.2 CEUs. Available 10/1/2005 to 8/3/2008.
Audio CD and Manual: Item #0112795
Additional Manuals available: Item #0112795M
A Case Study of an Emerging Community-Based Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program
This two-part journal self-study describes and assesses an emerging community-based early hearing detection and intervention program. You will receive a link to the article and CEU test by e-mail when your registration is complete. This program is offered exclusively in the eLearning classroom. Earn 0.1 CEUs. Available 7/14/2006 to 1/29/2009.
Item #web6990
Medicaid and the Schools: Qualifications, Supervision, and Ethical Issues
Medicaid regulations for reimbursement of services provided in school settings offer no specific direction for services provided by clinicians who do not meet federal standards. To fill this gap, states have developed their own specific criteria. The result has been discrepancies in the qualifications of personnel providing services and the potential for untenable legal, ethical, and workload issues for speech-language pathologists. Earn 0.2 ASHA CEUs. Available 5/26/2007 to 3/1/2010.
Audio CD and Manual: Item #0112950
Additional Manuals available: Item #0112950M
Finding a Hearing Conservation Course Offered for ASHA CEUs is Just a Click Away!
Our new Course Search application makes it easier than ever to access over 16,000 courses offered annually for ASHA CEUs by the 500+ ASHA Approved CE Providers. Search for courses by date, location, distance learning, and subject area. Your search results display the number of ASHA CEUs, a description of the course, and a Web site link to access additional information and course registration details.
Earn CEUs Through Special Interest Division Perspectives Self-Studies
The Audiology Coordinating Committee (ACC), made up of the coordinators of the four audiology special interest divisions (Divisions 6, 7, 8, and 9), is an ASHA approved CE Provider that offers affiliates the opportunity to earn CEUs through self-study of all issues of Perspectives published by the individual audiology divisions and by the ACC itself. Forms may be submitted electronically for $5 per issue. Affiliates can:
- Submit responses electronically
- Receive immediate feedback, including information on answers missed (provided they receive a passing score)
- Get a Certificate of Completion online
- Have the opportunity to retake the test, if they fail to get a passing score on the first try
- Have their Certificates of Completion archived for future reference/printing
- Have their information sent quickly to the CE Registry
Learning Your Way
ASHA BookTalk, Learn & Earn, and Independent Study
Upcoming ASHA Web/Telephone Seminar Events
Web/Telephone Seminars Available in Replay
Upcoming Conferences/Conventions
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Reimbursement
Private Health Plans
Find information on reimbursement by private health plans (offered by commercial insurance companies including Blue Cross & Blue Shield plans, HMOs, and PPOs). Includes FAQs about coding and billing, appealing denied claims, coverage under managed care, and determining fees.
Coding For Reimbursement
Accurate coding is essential for claims submitted to third-party payers. The codes identify procedures performed, diagnosis or diagnoses, and certain devices, supplies, and equipment acquired for the client.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a jointly funded program between the federal and state governments to assist states in providing medical care to low-income individuals.
Medicare
The federal Medicare program serves persons age 65 and over and also includes younger people who received Social Security disability payments for more than 2 years. There are unique prospective payment systems for each type of inpatient setting (Part A) and a fee schedule for outpatient settings.
Analysis of 2008 Medicare Fee Schedule
On November 1, 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final 2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) rule.
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 ASHA's Digital Product Catalog Is Here
Explore ASHA's newest option for finding everything you need. Flip through the new catalog online and bookmark your favorite ASHA products, leave notes on pages, forward to a colleague, and search for products by keyword, CEUs, subject, and more!
Below are links to some selected products. To find additional materials, visit the ASHA online store or contact ASHA Product Sales at 888-498-6699.
- Noise: Bad for Your Hearing. Bad for Your Health! (brochure) Item #0210118
- Noise: Bad for Your Hearing. Bad for Your Health! (Spanish brochure) Item #0210345
- Tinnitus (brochure) Item #0210119
- How to Destroy Your Ears Slowly (poster) Item #0112358
- Pump Down the Volume! (poster) Item #0112171
- Noise Levels for Everyday Sounds (poster) Item #0112715
- Hearing, Noise, and School-Aged Children (brochure) Item #0210338
 Pharmacology and Ototoxicity for Audiologists
Author: Kathleen C. M. Campbell
This Thomson Delmar Learning text covers all common ototoxins, including noise, that audiologists must be familiar with; is loaded with figures and photos to support comprehension, including 8 pages of color photos providing greater detail into pathologies and structures; includes a glossary of key terms with each chapter, making difficult terminology easier to master; provides information on new areas emerging in audiology research relevant to ototoxicity and pharmacology; and presents information on finding, evaluating, and using Web sites on hearing loss, ototoxicity, and drugs to better serve consumers of audiologic services.
Item #0112869 Practical Forms for Audiologists
Improve your practice and office efficiency with this collection of necessary forms. With the help of experts in audiology, we've created and compiled easy-to-use, professional services forms to meet your needs, from purchase agreements to hearing loss evaluation to medical waiver forms. More than 25 forms are included in hard-copy format as well as on CD, and each form can be customized with your practice information.
Forms include:
- Purchase agreement
- Medical waiver statement
- Loaner hearing aid
- Hearing aid receipt
- Hearing aid orientation checklist
- Hearing aid needs assessment
Item #0112651
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Information for Students
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Awards and Funding
ASHA Award Programs
ASHA Audiology-Hearing Science Research Travel Award
Attention audiology or hearing science students! Applications will soon be accepted from AuD and PhD students and postdoctoral fellows for the ASHA Audiology-Hearing Science Research Travel Award. Ten awardees will each receive a stipend of $300 and complimentary early bird student registration for the ASHA Convention to be held in Chicago this November. The deadline for submitting an application is May 15, 2008. A PDF application will be posted on the ASHA Web site in the near future. For information, send an e-mail message to audiology@asha.org.
AARC and SPARC
The competitions for the ASHA awards Students Preparing for Academic & Research Careers (SPARC) and Advancing Academic-Research Careers (AARC) are now open until May 16, 2008. Both awards are components of ASHA's strategic objective to increase research commitment. The SPARC Award helps undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing an academic and research career in the field of communications sciences and disorders (CSD). The AARC Award supports new faculty in higher education to support and facilitate their academic and research endeavors in CSD.
Minority Student Leadership Program
The Minority Student Leadership Program is open to students who wish to enhance their leadership skills, interact with leaders in the professions, and learn how their association works. Now in its 10th year, this program has given more than 275 students from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds insight into their leadership abilities and a better understanding of how leaders effect change within ASHA, and it has empowered these students to take risks and meet their own challenges. All students are eligible to apply; however, preference will be given to students from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds that have historically been underrepresented in the Association. Visit the ASHA Award Programs Web page for more information and to download an application packet.
2008 ASHA Convention Student Research Travel Awards
ASHA is offering Student Research Travel Awards for the 2008 ASHA Convention, November 20–22, 2008, in Chicago, Illinois. Approximately 40 student research travel awards of $500 each are available for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students who are first authors on a paper with any of the following session types: (a) technical, (b) poster, (c) one hour seminar, (d) two hour seminar, or (e) short course. Papers must be submitted online by March 31, 2008, as a student-authored paper. Students will be notified of the status of their submissions by approximately mid-to-late summer. For additional information, please contact Jessica Bowen Nunez via e-mail at jbowen@asha.org.
2008 Research Mentoring-Pair Travel Award Program
ASHA is pleased to announce the 2008 Research Mentoring-Pair Travel Award Program, designed to foster the professional development of students, clinicians, and emerging scientists who have expressed an interest in research in communication sciences and disorders. Up to 10 travel awards of $1,000 each will be granted to eligible mentor–mentee pairs (mentee = $750; mentor= $250) to help defray the cost of attending the symposium. Please submit application materials by May 1, 2008.
2008 Student Ethics Essay Award (SEEA)
The third annual SEEA competition will be open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are members of NSSLHA. This award was established to help create awareness of the importance of ethical decision making as individuals prepare for careers in audiology, speech-language pathology, or speech, language, and hearing sciences. Students will submit their essays and a Student Ethics Essay Writing Contest Application Form [PDF] to their NSSLHA chapter advisor or regional councilor. Each NSSLHA chapter advisor/regional councilor will then select one essay for the SEEA competition.
Request for Proposals for Grant Programs for Multicultural Activites
The request for proposals has been announced. The deadline for submission is April 4, 2008. Any questions may be directed to OMAGrants@asha.org.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation Grants and Awards
Researchers and Doctoral Students—Special Funding Available in 2008
Don't miss out on funding opportunities through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation's New Century Scholars Program. To apply, download forms or phone Emily Diaz at 800-498-2071, ext. 8703. Applicants are urged to request required institutional documentation as soon as possible.
Doctoral Scholarship Competition—at least twenty $10,000 scholarships in 2008!
This program supports strong doctoral candidates who will pursue a teacher-investigator career in the academic environment at the university/college level. Applications must be received by April 28. Selection of recipients will be completed and funding will be made available in November 2008.
Research Grant Competition—four $10,000 grants for a one or two year investigation in 2008!
This research program supports innovative investigations by individuals who are committed to teacher-investigator careers in the university/college academic environment or in external research institutes or laboratories. Applications and proposals must be received by April 7. Selection of recipients will be completed and funding will be made available in November 2008.
Student Research Grant in Audiology Competition—one $2,000 grant in 2008!
This grant supports master's and doctoral students in communication sciences and disorders for new research in clinical or rehabilitative audiology.
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Other News From ASHA
New Practice Policy Document
Guidelines for Audiologists Providing Informational and Adjustment Counseling to Families of Infants and Young Children With Hearing Loss Birth to 5 Years of Age is now available.
Reach New Clients More Effectively!
Join ProSearch and help those who need your services find you more quickly and easily. Thousands of programs have already been listed. Get discovered! Sign up for ProSearch—ASHA's free referral service.
CAA Call for Nominations – June 1 Deadline
The Nominating Committee for the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) is soliciting nominations to fill six vacancies on the CAA. One of these vacancies is an Academic Audiologist Position. If one of your professional goals is to ensure the availability of quality audiology academic programs, you may be just the person for whom the committee is searching. Visit the ASHA Web site to read more about the CAA's activities, the position descriptions, and to obtain an application form.
New Issues in Ethics Statement: Client Abandonment
The Board of Ethics has developed a new Issues in Ethics statement, Client Abandonment, to provide guidance on ethical considerations for practitioners who are leaving a practice, relocating, or needing to end their relationships with clients for other reasons. In such situations, professionals must ensure that their focus is on the welfare of the client.
Better Hearing and Speech Month Is Coming!
With the tagline "Helping People Communicate," use May Is Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) to educate your consumers, educators, referral sources, current clients, parents, and the media about the services you provide. To assist you, we have developed nearly 60 promotional products to help you promote the month and yourself, including an all-new screen saver, customizable advertisements, BHSM specialty items, activity books, and so much more! Visit the BHSM page on the ASHA Web site to access the many free and for-sale BHSM products and resources.
A Number of Pages on ASHA's Web Site Have Been Translated to Spanish
Información en Español contains pages titled Aprendizaje del Inglés como Segundo Idioma, Desarrollo de la Comunicación Infantil: Kindergarten a Quinto Grado, El Niño y el Bilingüismo, La Adquisición de un Segundo Idioma, La Modificación del Acento, ¿Qué es el Lenguaje? ¿Qué es el Habla? and ¿Qué tal habla y oye su niño?. For more information, contact Andrea "Deedee" Moxley at amoxley@asha.org.
2008 ASHA Convention Call for Papers Now Open
The deadline for papers is March 31, 2008.
ASHA's Board of Directors Wants to Hear From You!
Use the "In Touch" form to share your professional issues, concerns, or congratulations. And thanks for being in touch!
ASHA Members May Now Submit Resolutions Using an Online Form
Be sure to read Resolutions Process and Principles for Preparation of Resolutions before you get started to make sure a resolution is your most appropriate course of action!
Maintain the ASHA CCC-A
Visit the certification Web page or send an e-mail inquiry to certification@asha.org for more information.
Your Questions Answered
Contact audiology@asha.org for answers to clinical, professional, or regulatory questions. We respond to many questions from members and consumers every day.
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Look for our next issue of Access Audiology in the next few months.
We hope you enjoyed this issue of Access Audiology. Comments and suggestions for future topics can be directed to AccessAudiology@asha.org.
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