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 ASHA is among several organizations that are partnering with the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) in forming the America's Hearing Healthcare Team initiative. The partnership was announced during a special reception honoring audiologists at the recent AAO-HNS annual meeting held in Denver Sept. 9-12. Representing ASHA were President John Bernthal, President-Elect Nancy Creaghead, and Larry Higdon, an audiologist and vice president for governmental and social policies (pictured at right with representatives of AAO-HNS).
America's Hearing Healthcare Team will seek to build public awareness of hearing loss, its causes, its prevention, and treatment/rehabilitation options available. The joint statement of ASHA and AAO-HNS defines audiologists as autonomous, independently practicing professionals who are an integral part of a multidisciplinary team. The initiative also emphasizes that access to the Hearing Healthcare Team can come through any member of the team.
"The joint statement recognizes that audiologists may practice independently to identify, assess, and manage disorders of the hearing and balance systems," Bernthal said.
"Audiologists collaborate with otolaryngologists and other members of the hearing healthcare team to provide the most efficient access and best quality care to children and adults with hearing and balance disorders."
The initiative, which will unfold over the next five years, will reach millions of Americans with hearing loss and provide greater visibility for hearing healthcare issues.
For more information about the initiative, contact Vic Gladstone through the ASHA Action Center at 800-498-2071, ext. 4102, or by email at vgladstone@asha.org .
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