Obituary
Semin Hear 2022; 43: 055-055 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1753464 Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)
Source: Seminars in Hearing - July 26, 2022 Category: Audiology Authors: Palmer, Catherine V. Tags: Obituary Source Type: research

Future States for Hearing Care
Semin Hear 2022; 43: 045-054 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743542Evolutionary changes occur across health care, including within the hearing care delivery system. At times, the change is driven by external forces and thus elicits a reactive response. In contrast, developing a vision of a future state, and subsequently the strategies to achieve that vision, is a proactive and a preferred process. Using the reactive versus proactive framework, a future state built around the emergence of genetics as both an assessment tool and a treatment option is presented. In addition, a broad, consumer-centric vision for access to affordable and ...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - June 15, 2022 Category: Audiology Authors: Windmill, Ian M. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

The Importance of Professional Advocacy at the State Level: A Coalition Model
Semin Hear 2022; 43: 035-044 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743543Professional advocacy communicates a viewpoint for or against a policy or issue, and is used to influence change to public policy, legislation, and/or regulations. State audiology associations are perfectly positioned to organize advocacy efforts for the profession at the state level. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to review the types of advocacy available to state organizations and the steps for hiring a lobbyist. In addition, the article presents a unique advocacy model in which multiple audiology and speech-language pathology organizations in the state o...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - June 15, 2022 Category: Audiology Authors: Miller, Erin L. Roup, Christina M. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Understanding State-Level Advocacy: A Guide for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
This article will discuss considerations for audiology practitioners interested in state-level advocacy, including variations in state government organization, benefits and barriers to state advocacy, and state-level issues that affect practitioners. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)
Source: Seminars in Hearing - June 15, 2022 Category: Audiology Authors: Roman, Aaron M. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

The Audiologist's Role in Advocacy
Semin Hear 2022; 43: 020-027 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743121Healthcare policy decisions that affect the day-to-day work of an audiologist and his/her ability to best serve our patients occur every day. It is imperative that every professional participate in advocacy efforts; however, many audiologists are unfamiliar with current advocacy initiatives, how to participate, or how critical one phone call, email, or meeting could be in the legislative process. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - June 15, 2022 Category: Audiology Authors: Baxter, Jodi H. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

A Broad Examination of Health Policy Barriers to Access and Affordability of Hearing Treatment for Medicare Beneficiaries
This article reflects on the progress achieved since the NASEM report and the policy issues that remain to improve accessibility and affordability of hearing care among older adults. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)
Source: Seminars in Hearing - June 15, 2022 Category: Audiology Authors: Myers, Clarice Reed, Nicholas S. Lin, Frank R. Willink, Amber Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Defining Audiology through Occupational and Health Policy Action
Semin Hear 2022; 43: 003-012 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743123Many barriers to accessibility exist for Medicare beneficiaries seeking hearing and balance care such as availability of providers, coverage for services, and ability to pay. Other statutory and administrative barriers exist including the need for physician orders to have audiology services covered, the classification of audiologists as suppliers of “other diagnostic tests” under Medicare payer policy, and non-coverage of certain audiologic management and treatment services. Nearly two decades of legislative efforts have not resulted in any substantial changes to ...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - June 15, 2022 Category: Audiology Authors: Miller, Erin L. Jilla, Anna Marie Arnold, Michelle L. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Hearing Health Policy and Advocacy
Semin Hear 2022; 43: 001-002 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743124 Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)
Source: Seminars in Hearing - June 15, 2022 Category: Audiology Authors: Baxter, Jodi H. Tags: Preface Source Type: research

The Importance of Access to Bilateral Hearing through Cochlear Implants in Children
Semin Hear 2021; 42: 381-388 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739371Children with hearing loss require early access to sound in both ears to support their development. In this article, we describe barriers to providing bilateral hearing and developmental consequences of delays during early sensitive periods. Barriers include late identification of hearing loss in one or both ears and delayed access to intervention with hearing devices such as cochlear implants. Effects of delayed bilateral input on the auditory pathways and brain are discussed as well as behavioral effects on speech perception and other developmental outcomes includin...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - December 9, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Gordon, Karen A. Papsin, Blake C. Papaioannou, Vicky Cushing, Sharon L. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

The Limitations of FDA Criteria: Inconsistencies with Clinical Practice, Findings, and Adult Criteria as a Barrier to Pediatric Implantation
Semin Hear 2021; 42: 373-380 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739370Children require greater access to sound than adults as they are learning to communicate using hearing and spoken language. Yet when it comes to cochlear implant candidacy, currently approved Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria for adults are much less restrictive than those for children, allowing for greater levels of residual hearing and aided speech recognition in adults. Cochlear implant guidelines for children have changed very little in the 30 years since cochlear implants have been approved for pediatrics, and this lack of change has proven to be a barr...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - December 9, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Park, Lisa R. Gagnon, Erika B. Brown, Kevin D. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Functional Assessment of Hearing Aid Benefit: Incorporating Verification and Aided Speech Recognition Testing into Routine Practice
Semin Hear 2021; 42: 365-372 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739369Potential cochlear implant (CI) candidates arrive to the clinic with a variety of hearing loss configurations, hearing aid history, and aided capabilities. CI candidacy is primarily determined based on aided speech recognition capability, which relies on benefit derived from use of hearing aids. Therefore, contemporary evaluation for CI candidacy should incorporate a battery of testing to determine abilities and limitations and must be predicated on appropriate verification of the hearing aid fitting. However, recent reports, including a retrospective chart review of ...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - December 9, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Sydlowski, Sarah A. King, Michelle Petter, Karen Bachmann, Meagan Lewis Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Mythbusters! The Truth about Common Misconceptions in Cochlear Implantation
Semin Hear 2021; 42: 352-364 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739368Cochlear implantation (CI) is the preferred method of hearing rehabilitation when patients cannot perform well with traditional amplification. Unfortunately, there are still significant misconceptions around this life-changing intervention. The goal of this article is to address some of the most common myths around CI surgery. After reading this article, the learner will be able to explain the utility of CI in patients with residual hearing and recognize that insurance coverage is widespread. The reader will be able to list common risks associated with this well-toler...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - December 9, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Woodson, Erika A. Aaron, Ksenia Nguyen-Huynh, Ahn Vargo, Jonathan Mowry, Sarah E. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

The Impact of Cochlear Implantation: Cognitive Function, Quality of Life, and Frailty in Older Adults
Semin Hear 2021; 42: 342-351 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739367This review examines the relationship between cochlear implantation and cognition and quality of life in older adults, as well as how frailty affects outcomes for older patients with cochlear implants. A growing body of evidence suggests that there is a strong association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment. Preliminary studies suggest that cochlear implantation in older adults may be protective against cognitive decline. While studies have observed a positive impact of cochlear implantation on quality of life, currently it is unclear what factors contribute...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - December 9, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Babajanian, Eric E. Patel, Neil S. Gurgel, Richard K. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Determining Cochlear Implant Candidacy in Adults: Limitations, Expansions, and Opportunities for Improvement
We report on expansion to include patients with greater residual hearing, such as those who receive Hybrid and EAS devices, and report on recent FDA approvals that place less emphasis on the patient's best-aided condition and greater emphasis on the ear to be treated. This includes expansion of CIs to patients with single-side deafness and asymmetric hearing loss. We review changes in the test materials used to determine candidacy, including transition from sentences in quiet to sentences in noise to the recent use of monosyllabic words and cognitive screening measures. Importantly, we discuss the recent trend to recommend...
Source: Seminars in Hearing - December 9, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Zwolan, Teresa A. Basura, Gregory Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Defining Disparities in Cochlear Implantation through the Social Determinants of Health
This article defines these domains in the context of CI and examines the published research and the gaps in research of each of these domains. Further consideration is given to how these factors can influence equity in CI and how to incorporate this information in the evaluation and management of patients receiving cochlear implants. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text (Source: Seminars in Hearing)
Source: Seminars in Hearing - December 9, 2021 Category: Audiology Authors: Schuh, Marissa Bush, Matthew L. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research