Session Descriptions

These pre-recorded sessions are on-demand and last approximately 1 hour, so you can watch them whenever time permits!

Cochlear Implant Candidacy and Indications: Single-Sided Deafness and Asymmetric Hearing Loss
Rivka Bornstein, AuD, CCC-A; Kristi D'Auria, AuD, CCC-A; and Jessica Hoffman, AuD, CCC-A

In clinical and educational settings, audiologists and SLPs are encountering individuals of all ages with single-sided deafness (SSD) or asymmetric hearing loss (AHL). This session discusses the prevalence of these cases and explores new trends in cochlear implant (CI) candidacy, available interventions, and outcomes for these populations.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• identify potential CI candidacy for individuals with SSD and those with AHL
• compare the benefits of CIs with other treatment methods (CROS, Baha, conventional amplification) for SSD and AHL
• describe the aural rehabilitation process for CI recipients with SSD and those with AHL

From 8 -Track to Hi-Res: Trends in Cochlear Implant Technology
Rivka Bornstein, AuD, CCC-A; Kristi D'Auria, AuD, CCC-A; and Jessica Hoffman, AuD, CCC-A

Audiologists and SLPs encounter individuals of all ages with varying degrees of hearing loss, many of whom utilize or could benefit from cochlear implants (CI). CI technology has evolved drastically over the past 40 years. This session discusses the history of and current trends in cochlear implantation, including introduction to the 60/60 Guideline and 20/20 Hearing Initiative.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• identify potential CI candidates
• describe the progression from single- to multi-channel electrode arrays for all three major CI manufacturers
• summarize the evolution of CI processors and discuss current device technologies (processors, accessories/assistive technology, and bimodal solutions) and programming trends

Bone Conduction Implants: Clinical Considerations and Implementation
Jennifer Drob, AuD, CCC-A

As bone conduction implants evolve, there are now more options available than ever before, prompting the question: How do I choose the right one for my patients? This session discusses the current bone conduction implants on the market, candidacy criteria, and programming considerations.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• identify who is a candidate for a bone conduction implant
• discuss different bone conduction implant options, and state the pros and cons of each
• identify and resolve challenges when fitting and programming bone conduction implants

Auditory Brainstem Implants (ABI): An Update
William Shapiro, AuD, CCC-A

This session discusses auditory brainstem implants (ABI) as an option for individuals who typically cannot benefit from conventional amplification or cochlear implants as they don't have an implantable cochlea or functioning 8th nerve. The session describes the ABI journey from candidacy to surgery to activation and follow-up. The speaker discusses the history of ABI, anatomy of the auditory pathway, interprofessional education and interprofessional practice related to ABI, and ABI clinical trial data.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• contrast the performance differences between an ABI and cochlear implant
• identify an appropriate pediatric candidate for an ABI
• summarize the nuances in programming an ABI

Hearing Aid Candidacy in Infants and Children
Caitlin Sapp, AuD, PhD, CCC-A

This session examines the state of the literature supporting clinical decision-making about pediatric hearing aid candidacy. The speaker reviews the main types of bias that can potentially influence our thinking about who is and is not a candidate for a hearing aid. The session presents practical strategies for increasing the use of objective criteria in the clinic when assessing hearing aid candidacy and for knowing when a hearing aid may not be the right choice, with emphasis on the use of audibility as a counseling tool and in support of candidacy conversations with families of children with hearing loss.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• identify the types of bias shown to influence health care delivery
• list criteria for supporting objective candidacy decisions
• evaluate the use of audibility as a counseling and candidacy tool

It Connects, But Does It Actually Work? Hearing Aid Accessory and Feature Verification
Lindsey Jorgensen, AuD, PhD, CCC-A, and Callie Niemann, BS

Hearing aids are fit by audiologists based on audiometric data. However, features within the hearing aids, and accessories added to the hearing aids, can add to or detract from patient benefit. This session describes and demonstrates the need for—and methods of—verification of features and accessories for hearing aids.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• identify when additional verification is necessary
• complete a verification of an accessory ordered with hearing aids
• complete a verification of additional features within hearing aid programming

Embracing Patients With Bothersome Tinnitus
Sharon A. Sandridge, PhD, CCC-A

Patients with bothersome tinnitus are out there, and most are desperate for help. Yet few audiologists have the skill set to work with these patients. This session explores assessment and management options for working with patients who self-report bothersome tinnitus, including counseling, patient/family-centered care, and giving hope to struggling patients.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• persuade supervisors and/or other decision-makers to offer tinnitus care to patients in your work setting
• outline available questionnaires and tests to include in your clinical practice to assess and manage patients with tinnitus
• list components that should be included and those that could be included in your workplace’s tinnitus management program

Diagnosis-Based Strategies: How Neurodiagnostic Vestibular Tests Help Vestibular Rehabilitation Outcomes
Richard Gans, PhD, CCC-A, and Joseph Sakumura, AuD, CCC-A

This session provides a comprehensive overview of today’s modern and highly sensitive neurodiagnostic vestibular tests, including rotary chair, cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP), and video Head Impulse Testing (vHIT), as well as postural stability assessments. The presenters discuss how integrating these tests creates a diagnosis-based strategy that provides the team of diagnostic and rehabilitation professionals with direction and guidance as to the best vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) strategies for the individual patient. The session includes video examples of the range of VRT strategies, including adaptation and habituation.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• determine which neurodiagnostic tests are best at indicating non-compensated conditions
• identify the functional impairments best suited for VRT
• select the best VRT protocols and post-therapy tests to demonstrate successful outcomes

Hearing Protection Fit Testing: A Primer
Stephanie Karch, AuD, PhD, CCC-A

This session explores the concept of hearing protection device (HPD) fit testing and various fit test methods. The speaker also discusses application and use of HPD fit testing within occupational audiology and hearing conservation programs. The audience for this introductory session is any hearing health care professional and/or hearing conservationist who is interested in expanding their field of practice to include HPD fit testing.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• compare HPD fit test methods
• explain how to determine appropriateness of HPD fit and type
• describe methods to implement HPD fit testing in clinical and occupational practice
• calculate effective noise exposure using an individual’s personal attenuation rating (PAR) value

Audiological Assessment and Improving Outcomes for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities
Beth Lannon, EdD, CCC-A

This session explores access to audiological services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The speaker discusses testing adaptions, as well as training for students and professionals, that can maximize outcomes for these individuals. The session highlights the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program as an example of a service that is successfully improving audiological evaluation and outcomes for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• adapt screening/test protocols to meet the needs of an individual with an intellectual disability
• structure a clinical session to obtain the most relevant and comprehensive information to make appropriate follow-up recommendations.

Health Equity for People With Intellectual Disabilities
Alicia Bazzano, MD, PhD, MPH

By identifying and treating hearing-related issues, audiologists can help reduce the communication barriers that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face, contributing to overall health equity for this population. This session highlights the needs and overall health disparities for people with IDD and discusses skills and strategies that audiologists can use to increase their confidence when caring for this population.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• describe relevant characteristics of the population of people with IDD
• describe health across the life span for individuals with IDD
• employ differentiated screening and treatment approaches to meet the needs of individuals with IDD

Communication Strategies to Use With Individuals With Moderate to Severe Disabilities
Matthew Martinez, MEd

This session provides strategies and tips for how to better communicate and serve individuals with intellectual disabilities. The session explores belief systems that impact working with individuals with significant disabilities, walks through a case study, provides assessment data, and reviews how to implement preferred practices.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• create a chart of assumptions and ways to help encourage professionals to tackle those assumptions
• create a communication matrix based on a case study
• implement strategies for communicating with individuals with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities