2016 Abstracts & Learning Objectives

Thursday, August 4, 2016

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Breakout Sessions

Making the Most of Middle Ear Measurements – Part 1

ABA Tier 1 Course Offering
Presented by James W. Hall, III, Ph.D.

Substantial research evidence that has accumulated for over 45 years confirms the diagnostic clinical value of middle ear measurements, such as tympanometry with different probe tone frequencies, estimation of ear canal volume, and acoustic reflex recording under ipsilateral and contralateral stimulus conditions. Middle ear measurements offer numerous practical advantage for auditory assessment of children and adults, including brief test time, objective findings, and a high degree of sensitivity and specificity to peripheral and brainstem level auditory dysfunction. This 3-hour session provides a clinically relevant review of current middle ear measurements with an emphasis on recent research and technological advances.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. List 3 major middle ear measurements.
2. 2. List 3 clinical advantages of middle ear measurements.
3. 3. Identify a clinical indication for high frequency tympanometry.
4. 4. List 3 different clinical applications of acoustic reflex measurements.
5. 5. Describe acoustic reflex patterns in two types of auditory dysfunction.

Pediatric Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) Update

Presented by Andrea Green, Au.D., FAAA and Kari Morgenstein, Au.D., FAAA

This presentation will cover information about the impact of hearing loss on a child’s development, various intervention options available, and current assistive technologies for children. Clinical and research-based studies depicting the benefit of assistive listening devices for children with varying degrees of hearing loss will be presented. The application of assistive technology in children with hearing loss and other populations will be discussed. The mechanism to establish HAT testing in a clinical setting will be reviewed, including the University of Miami Children’s Hearing Program (CHP) HAT protocol.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Describe current research about HAT in the unilateral and bilateral conditions for children with hearing aids, bone anchored hearing aids, and cochlear implants.
2. 2. Discuss how HAT testing can be efficiently set-up and conducted in a clinical environment.
3. 3. Identify the utility of HAT testing results in ensuring that children have the resources and technology they need to reach their full potential.
4. 4. Review the utility of HAT in special populations.

The Future of Cochlear Implants

Presented by Andrea Moore, Au.D. and Rebecca June, Au.D.

Since the innovation of the first multi-channel cochlear implant almost 40 years ago we have seen technology and research in hearing health come leaps and bounds from where we started. To think that Professor Graeme Clark had the idea of an electrode array from looking at a blade of grass and seashell is astonishing. Technology has not only gotten smarter but smaller and more connected than we would have ever thought possible 30+ years ago. In 30+ years from now, where will we be? Will tele-medicine allow us to treat thousands more than we are able to today? Will there even be an external processor? Will treatments with pharmaceuticals combined with implants change the standard of care? Will the research allow for a viable solution with hair cell regeneration? How will future innovations change the course of audiology as we know it today? Join Cochlear for a look at these potential future technologies.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Describe the history of cochlear implant innovations.
2. 2. Discuss current research in furthering the current treatment model with cochlear implants.
3. 3. Discuss possible future innovations in hearing health and cochlear implants.

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakout Sessions

Making the Most of Middle Ear Measurements – Part 2

ABA Tier 1 Course Offering
Presented by James W. Hall, III, Ph.D.
*Abstracts and learning objectives continued from earlier session.

The Latest in Implantable Technology for Hearing Loss and Clinical Trials for Tinnitus: Envoy, Maxum, Hybrid Cochlear Implant, AM-101 and the Vagal Nerve Stimulator

Presented by Michael D. Seidman, MD, FACS

The latest in implantable technology for hearing loss and clinical trials for Tinnitus: Envoy, Maxum, Hybrid Cochlear Implant, AM-101 and the Vagal Nerve Stimulator.

This seminar will detail the options of implantable technology for our patients with hearing related issues. There are many millions of Americans with hearing impairment that would benefit from both conventional amplification devices and more novel implantable devices. Additionally, the number 1 and 2 disability of our women and men in uniform returning from areas of conflict is tinnitus and hearing loss. Currently, our government is spending more than $1.5 billion yearly to provide rehabilitation to these individuals, thus the need for aural rehabilitation and collaboration between audiologist and otolaryngologist will continue to grow in importance.

This seminar will discuss Dr. Seidman’s experience with the Envoy Esteem, Maxum semi-implantable hearing device, the hybrid cochlear implant, additionally, he will discuss the clinical trials using AM-101 for tinnitus from noise trauma and his results using the vagal nerve stimulator with paired auditory tones to alter the brain plasticity and manage tinnitus.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. State the difference between implantable and semi-implantable hearing devices.
2. 2. Discuss new research as it relates to novel drugs to mitigate tinnitus.
3. 3.Explain novel treatment strategies, using the Vagal Nerve Stimulator, for the management of tinnitus.

Hearing Loss Redefined – How to Help Hearing Loss Clients Understand Your Services and Improve Client Relations

Presented by Cynthia Moynihan

This presentation will address customer relations and improving customer satisfaction by:

• Implementation of recommended options to improve existing customer relations and the increase of new customer client base;
• Obtain the latest on hearing loss peer mentor relations and hearing loss self-help groups to improve your success rate from hearing test to hearing product purchase without adversely impacting your bottom line;
• Identification and working with hearing family members, friends and associates;
• And, increase outside resource connections and various media options to stand out above the rest.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. List ways to help treat your customers best without impacting your bottom line.
2. 2. Enlist new resources and various media options to enrich your practice.
3. 3. Describe ways to improve your relationships with your customers.

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

GENERAL SESSION: Help, We are Surrounded! Keeping Audiology Alive in an Increasingly Competitive Marketplace

Presented by Gyl Kasewurm, Au.D.

The commoditization of hearing health care is an increasing threat to audiologists in all practice settings. However, there is no need to run in fear! With the right approach, audiology can remain a viable and thriving profession. Kasewurm will use her recent personnel experiences with these retail operations to illustrate how to use best practices and patient preferences to cause patients to choose audiology instead of Big Box retail providers.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Outline how to attract patients to your offices instead of choosing the myriad of other hearing healthcare providers.
2. 2. Identify key components of a diagnostic protocol that will help convince patients to get help for their hearing problems.
3. 3. Describe simple ways to differentiate and highlight audiologists from Big Box retailers.

4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

GENERAL SESSION: The Expanded Manufacturer’s Panel

Moderated by Sergio Guerreiro, Au.D.

The Florida Academy of Audiology’s Manufacturer’s Panel is designed to promote discussion between exhibitors and FLAA members on the needs of the industry and the solutions that each product or service provides. Panel participants will engage in open discussion about their products and services, followed by random questions from the moderator. With an ultimate goal of providing an interactive exchange of information, the audience will be given the opportunity to direct any question to a participant as it pertains to the course outline and specialty of that exhibitor. Educational discourse will be strongly encouraged by all.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Describe the differences and similarities between product offerings within the industry from the consumer’s perspective.
2. 2. Describe the differences and similarities between product offerings within the industry, both from the audiologist’s perspective.
3. 3. Categorize the global manufacturers and sister companies in marketable terminology.

Friday, August 5, 2016

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Breakout Sessions

Guiding the Future of Audiology: Perspectives from Doctorate of Audiology Programs in the State of Florida

Presented by Julia Andrews, Au.D, Dana L. Ulmer, Au.D., CCC-A and Devon L. Weist, Au.D., CCC-A

The field of Audiology has rapidly changed since the initial inception of the doctorate of audiology degree back in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Technology dictates that audiologists must continually keep up to date with the latest diagnostic and treatment standards for hearing and balance related disorders. This presentation will review how universities are preparing students to become competent, patient-centered audiologists who follow best practices. Specific focus will be given to: defining current generational learning styles, teaching students to learn within a changing profession, reviewing universities curriculum, clinical rotations, and current research as well as how all audiologists can easily give back to the profession by incorporating an intern and/or extern into their clinic.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Discuss learning styles of today’s doctorate of audiology students.
2. 2. Summarize current standards needed for universities to maintain accreditation status.
3. 3. Discuss the possibility of potentially becoming an internship and/or externship site with their clinic colleagues.

8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Breakout Session

Hearing Aids and the Future of Wearable Technology

Presented by Kyle N. Acker, Au.D.

We read about the newest in wearable technology in tech news, blogs, social media, and on the television every day. We’re experiencing a revolution in personal data collection, analysis, augmentation and amplification and there’s no group more ready to guide our patients into the future than you! Hearing Aids were the first wearable Technology! In this talk, we’ll discuss the future of hearing aid technology and the delivery methods to bring that technology to our patients. We’ll also address the new consumer and their need for connected devices with their active lifestyles.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Describe how wearables and hearables will affect Audiology.
2. 2. Explain the new consumer and how to bring them into your practice.
3. 3. State new delivery models for better hearing.

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Breakout Session

Legislative Update

Presented by Barry Freeman, Ph.D.

Affordable and accessible hearing care have highlighted the year with the FDA, Institute of Medicine, and PCAST making recommendations which can impact audiologists and the people we serve. Couple this with the continued vertical integration of industry and the increasing role of third parties and you have a time in our profession when audiologists must develop strategies for practice success. These and other topics will be discussed with input sought from the membership on positions and future directions for the profession and Florida audiologists. Audience participation is expected.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Describe the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine and PCAST on affordable and accessible hearing care.
2. 2.Explain the role of third party insurance programs in hearing care.
3. 3. Discuss potential legislation impacting the profession of Audiology.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakout Sessions

Cognition, Audition and Amplification

Presented by Douglas L. Beck Au.D.

The relationship between cognition and audition is synergistic and symbiotic. To understand sound, one must have cognitive processes which are efficient and capable, and one must have accurate sensory perception to perceive sound. Therefore, top down (cognitive) and bottom up (sensory) processes must work accurately and in tandem for maximal speech perception to occur. Further, for the person with impaired hearing, the amplification system must provide a true and accurate sound image, consistent with the acoustic environment and in accordance with what the brain is able to process, for maximal sound perception. These, and related topics will be discussed.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Define top-down and bottom-up processing.
2. 2. Name one important reason to maintain acoustic spatial cues.
3. 3. Name two advantages to the consistent use of noise reduction circuits.

Redefining Ease of Listening

Presented by Danielle Robertston, Au.D.

Innovative hearing aid technology typically has focused on improving speech understanding. But, beyond speech understanding, there’s another dimension that needs to be addressed: listening effort. Listening effort is the mental exertion listeners experience trying to understand speech, especially in noisy or demanding environments, or when the signal quality is compromised. Signia’s latest platform, primax, makes unprecedented contributions to listening effort for the hearing aid wearer. In this course, we present research findings with new technology illustrating how listening effort can be effectively reduced. In addition, primax features, products and technology tiers will be explored to gain an understanding how to best meet the needs of the patient.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Describe how listening effort plays a part for a hearing aid wearer.
2. 2. List ways that the Signia primax assists with listening effort.
3. 3. Describe how to best meet the needs of the patient through available features, products and technology tiers.

Evolution and Revolution in Audiology: Forces Impacting the Delivery of Audiology Services

Presented by Ian M. Windmill, Ph.D.

Over the past few years, the accessibility and affordability of hearing care has become a point of interest to various governmental and non-governmental agencies. At the heart of this interest is the underlying perception that the cost of “hearing aids” is too high and therefore puts amplification out of reach of many consumers. While the evidence for this perception is mixed, the fact that this issue is so visible has the potential to trigger changes to audiologic service delivery. Morover, the convergence of amplification technology, sound enhancement systems, and hearables, has the potential to disrupt the traditional service delivery model. This presentation will outline some of the evolutionary – or maybe revolutionary – changes that will impact audiology moving forward.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Identify the current external forces, including the role of the consumer, that are shaping hearing care delivery systems.
2. 2. Characterize the role of audiologists in responding individually and collectively to external changes.
3. 3. Explain the potential impact of changes on their practices and the challenges and opportunities that may be forthcoming.

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Breakout Sessions

Changes in the Management of Implantable Hearing Technology

Presented by Kellie G. Hibbitts, Au.D., CCC-A

Since the first multichannel cochlear implant surgery performed 40 years ago, the technology of hearing implants has continued to evolve and become an established and proven option for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, alongside hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.

As we learn more about the potential of hearing implants and who can benefit, we are also witnessing the crossover and merging of technology, with new processor options previously only available with hearing aids, additional options for connectivity and assistive devices, as well as bimodal use. We are also observing the incorporation of programming and maintaining of hearing implants within the day to day functions of standard audiology practices.

This presentation is intended to be a discussion of current implantable devices, as well as future directions for technology and what this means for dispensing and programming audiologists.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Describe the current implantable devices.
2. 2. Explain how implantable devices will change in the future.
3. 3. Discuss how audiologists must handle the changes in technology.

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Breakout Session

Disruptive Technologies That Are Changing Audiology

Presented by Amyn M. Amlani, Ph.D.

The landscape in US hearing healthcare is evolving at a rapid rate. Origins of this evolution stem, in part, from the recent proliferation of disruptive technologies that include personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), smartphone-based applications, the Internet, and pharmaceuticals. Together, these disruptive technologies, along with changes in population dynamics, are challenging the profession of audiology in unique ways with respect to its diagnostic and rehabilitative roots. This presentation begins with an overview of the present-day US hearing healthcare market, then transitions to present versus disruptive challenges, and concludes with potential opportunities for audiology to evolve with the changing market landscape.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Describe how economics and marketing principles have led to disruptive technologies entering the profession of audiology.
2. 2. Explain patient perceptions towards alternative technology.
3. 3. Deploy strategies that increase adoption rates and total revenue.

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Breakout Sessions

Automatic Directional Systems: What to Expect in the Real World

Presented by John A. Nelson, Ph.D.

Manual directional hearing instruments relied on the user to decide when to switch between omni and directional processing. This is not an easy task – it requires an analysis of the acoustic environment, a decision on which directional mode, and a program change. Today, hearing instruments can make directional decisions for the user based on the acoustic environment but these might not be in line with the user’s listening intent. It is important to understand the decision process to provide appropriate end-user counseling and program settings. This presentation will explain how directional decision systems work, the research on their clinical efficacy, and recommendations of effective use of directional systems.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Describe three automatic directional switching algorithms used in hearing aids.
2. 2. Identify the benefits and detriments of different automatic directional switching algorithms.
3. 3. Describe the listening situations when directional switching algorithms would be helpful to users.

The Links Between Hearing Loss & Dementia

Presented by Jennifer A. Deal, Ph.D.

Although hearing loss is often considered normal with aging, its potential consequences on function, including cognition, are becoming increasingly recognized. This talk will summarize our current understanding of the relationship between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Because hearing loss is both highly prevalent and treatable, the question of whether it is a risk factor for dementia has major public health implications for the possible design of interventions to postpone cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Describe how hearing loss may be related to cognitive function in older adults.
2. 2. Summarize epidemiologic evidence for a relationship between hearing loss and dementia and cognitive decline in older adults.
3. 3. Identify what is known and what remains to be learned about the impact of treating hearing loss on cognition.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Breakout Session

Detrimental Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss

Presented by Lyndsey Nalu, Au.D.

A seminar covering the detrimental effects of untreated hearing loss. Topics include an overview on why hearing loss is often left untreated and how ignoring hearing loss can increase the risk of auditory deprivation and cortical reorganization, as well as depression, isolation, and dementia.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Explain how hearing loss can create a psychological solitary confinement.
2. 2. Describe how hearing loss can lead to a lack of desire to socialize affecting family relationships.
3. 3. Discuss how our physical, cognitive, and social well-being are at risk when we leave hearing loss untreated.

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Breakout Sessions

Medical Errors for Audiologists to Avoid

Presented by James W. Hall, III, Ph.D.

This popular 2-hour session begins with an historical perspective on the increasing national concern about medical errors in the provision of health care. Then important terms and concepts are defined, including tort, professional liability, standard of care, and evidence-based practice. Statistics on actual professional liability cases are presented to identify high-risk audiology clinical activities. General guidelines are offered for minimizing of errors in audiology practice. The session concludes with examples of medical errors in audiology and a discussion of medical referral criteria. Ample time is provided for questions from the audience.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Describe the term “standard of care”.
2. 2. List 3 steps to minimize medical errors in audiology.
3. 3. Identify 3 clinical practice guidelines in audiology.

What in the World do we Hear? Environmental Classification and Enhanced Music Listening with Acuity Lifescape Analyzer

Presented by Michelle Hicks, Ph.D.

The aim of sound classification and adaptation algorithms in hearing aids is to provide enhanced listening experiences in typical, yet important, listening environments that users are exposed to every day. This presentation will discuss how Starkey’s Synergy platform hearing aids extract, analyze, and classify acoustic characteristics from the environment, and then how hearing aid features are adapted accordingly. Moreover, this presentation will describe a twin compressor technology that has been incorporated into a unique music memory with a completely novel prescriptive rationale and compression architecture, all designed to ensure audibility of soft music and provide acoustic transparency for louder music, improving the overall sound quality for music listening.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Explain how the acoustic characteristics of music and speech are different.
2. 2. State three reasons why hearing aid wearers are not satisfied with music sound quality.
3. 3. Describe how sound classification algorithms extract and analyze acoustic characteristics in the environment.
Main Conference Programming Concludes
Saturday, August 6, 2016 – POST-CONFERENCE PROGRAMMING

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Post Conference Course #1: Made for Connections: Limitless Wireless Connectivity with the Synergy Platform from Starkey Hearing Technologies

Presented by Michelle Hicks, Ph.D. & Rachele M. Orisini, Au.D.

Synergy, the latest platform from Starkey Hearing Technologies, provides the power, flexibility and wireless integration to deliver the most advanced hearing solutions for today’s patients. The Synergy platform supports both 900sync wireless technology in our Muse and SoundLens Synergy product families, as well as Trulink 2.4 GHz wireless technology in our Halo 2 product. This presentation will discuss the differences between the two wireless technologies and provide an overview of the latest 900sync features and accessories, including Surflink Remote Microphone and ear-to-ear phone streaming, as well as the latest updates to our Trulink mobile app, designed for patients wanting the most control and connectivity with their Halo 2 hearing aids.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Describe two wireless protocols used in hearing aids today.
2. 2. Compare and contrast two wireless technologies.
3. 3. Describe some of the wireless accessories and mobile apps available that allow hearing-aid wearers to interact with multimedia devices.

10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Post Conference Course #2: Clinical ABR Results in Tough to Test Situations

Presented by Kelly A. Baroch, Au.D., FAAA, CCC-A

In order to reduce lost to follow up and achieve the 1-3-6 guideline for early identification of hearing loss, it is critical that the diagnostic ABR be completed efficiently. This can be confounded by difficult test environments and poor infant sleep state. This presentation will discuss options for ABR protocols, equipment, and strategies which can be utilized to optimize the ABR evaluation.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss diagnostic ABR protocols which may help reduce test time.
2. Demonstrate developmentally supportive positioning and touch to help infants achieve an optimal sleep state.
3. Identify new types of technology which may allow for more effective/efficient ABR evaluations.
4. Recognize the importance of minimizing ABRs under sedation/anesthesia when possible.
5. Analyze case studies from difficult to test environments and populations.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Post Conference Course #3: Finally… FDA Approved VEMP Monitoring

Presented by Don Kim, Au.D.

The purpose of this seminar is to discuss the role of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP) to evaluate the vestibular system. The basics of vestibular testing will be reviewed. Use of the ICS Chartr EP 200 system with VEMP monitor to evaluate the saccule and utricle of the vestibular system will be explored. We’ll address several questions. Why can this information be crucial to the diagnosis of the patient? How may this information assist in determining the treatment? And how can the effectiveness of the treatment be assessed? The benefits of the use of VEMP to both the clinician and patient will be presented.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Describe the difference between cervical and ocular VEMP and the pathways assessed by each test.
2. 2. Describe the cVEMP and oVEMP result for vestibular neuritis patients with the involvement of superior, inferior, or both branches of vestibular nerve.
3. 3. Describe the VEMP findings in Meniere’s disease and superior canal dehiscence.

3:15 PM – 4:45 PM

Post Conference Course #4: Introducing Widex UNIQUE: Because every situation is Unique

Presented by Susan de Bondt, Au.D.

This course will discuss the new Widex Unique family of products including new styles, new features, new accessories. Detailed review of Compass GPS software and UNIQUE programming and fine tuning will be provided. UNIQUE is designed for ease of listening and ease of use for all clients.

Learning Objectives – After this session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. List the models and levels of technology available in the new Widex Unique.
2. 2. Describe new features available in Unique and how they benefit patients.
3. 3. Explain how to determine the best product recommendation based on improved signal processing