The loss of hearing - be it gradual or acute, mild or severe, present since birth or acquired in older age - can have significant effects on one's communication abilities, quality of life, social participation, and health. Despite this, many people with hearing loss do not seek or receive hearing health care. The reasons are numerous, complex, and often interconnected. For some, hearing health care is not affordable. For others, the appropriate services are difficult to access, or individuals do not know how or where to access them. Others may not want to deal with the stigma that they and society may associate with needing hearing health care and obtaining that care. Still others do not recognize they need hearing health care, as hearing loss is an invisible health condition that often worsens gradually over time. In the United States, an estimated 30 million individuals (12.7 percent of Americans ages 12 years or older) have hearing loss. Globally, hearing loss has been identified as the fifth leading cause of years lived with disability. Successful hearing health care enables individuals with hearing loss to have the freedom to communicate in their environments in ways that are culturally appropriate and that preserve their dignity and function. Hearing Health Care for Adults focuses on improving the accessibility and affordability of hearing health care for adults of all ages. This study examines the hearing health care system, with a focus on non-surgical technologies and services, and offers recommendations for improving access to, the affordability of, and the quality of hearing health care for adults of all ages.

The new edition of Audiology: Practice Management provides a comprehensive overview of the most important topics for the successful operation of clinics and private practices. Practical guidelines help the reader master the technical, legal, and financial aspects of daily practice, from the fundamentals of HIPAA compliance, to infection control, to marketing strategies, to integrating quality control and quality improvement using the FOCUS-PDCA model. Leading professionals share their knowledge and expertise, providing the reader with recommendations for documentation, training and supervision, day-to-day accounting, managed care, and more.Features: Numerous examples throughout the book aid comprehension of important concepts Chapter outlines rapidly acquaint reader with the topics to be discussed, offering a valuable context for reading and review Pearls, pitfalls, controversial points, and special considerations provide teaching points and useful recommendations Audiology: Practice Management is one part of a three-volume series, which is completed by Audiology: Diagnosis and Audiology: Treatment. This book is an essential reference for audiology students and practicing audiologists, as well as for educators, and other health care practitioners participating in service delivery.

The definitive guide to treating hearing loss and auditory disorders in the 21st century Hearing loss impacts an estimated 360 million people worldwide and may precipitate poorer academic performance, reduced quality of life, decreased social engagement, and increased fatigue. Audiology Treatment, Third Edition by Jason Galster and a cadre of renowned audiology experts, is updated in full color with 180 illustrations and new topics. Pearls, best practices, and pitfalls on the management and treatment of hearing loss reflect significant knowledge gleaned from the authors' collective experience. The book is a one-stop resource on hearing aids, covering the many scientific aspects of hearing loss and devices, fitting and measuring patients, and methods to ensure optimal performance over time. In-depth chapters cover the treatment of auditory disorders in children to older adults, including assessments, hearing aid coupling, real-ear measurements, and case studies. Key Highlights Physical properties of hearing aids, verification of acoustic performance, methods of audio signal processing to shape and filter sound, and a detailed introduction to prescription devices Clinical outcome measures utilizing quality-of-life, costs analyses, and evidence-based methods The expanded use of cochlear implants in children and adults Unique topics such as bone-anchored hearing aids, assistive technologies, hearing protection, and management of tinnitus and hyperacusis This title is part of a three-volume set on Audiology (Diagnosis, Treatment, and Practice Management). Together, these books cover every aspect of audiology, providing a remarkably comprehensive resource - essential reading for doctoral students in audiology and must-have bookshelf references for audiologists.

Tele-audiology, a blanket term for digital health solutions in audiology and auditory rehabilitation, including education and training, has recently been gaining pace, partly driven by commercial developments in remote otoscopy, remote audiometry, and hearing aids that can be adjusted by a remote professional. Due to these advances, clinicians have the potential to expand their practices and better serve patients in rural areas. However, audiologists are reluctant to use tele-audiology. Tele-Audiology and the Optimization of Hearing Healthcare Delivery is a collection of innovative research on the methods and applications of technologies that advance audiology and auditory rehabilitation, and allows healthcare providers to offer hearing healthcare at a distance and in a manner that provides appropriate outcomes and reduces delivery costs. This publication examines research findings from real-world experience of tele-audiology and covers topics including eHealth, security management, and internet interventions. It is ideally designed for audiologists, speech pathologists, care providers, medical professionals, academicians, and researchers.

Audiology Practice Management, Third Edition by Brian Taylor, provides new and established audiologists with everything they need to know about running a practice in the 21st century. This new edition offers expert approaches to starting and maintaining a practice in audiology - from technical, legal, and financial daily operations - to new issues like HIPAA compliance, social media considerations, and marketing strategies in the digital age. Readers will benefit from the collective knowledge and expertise of audiologists and assorted industry experts who share pearls, controversies, and tips on a wide range of topics, including areas of practice not commonly seen in textbooks. Six new chapters cover key topics including basic management principles, clinical education, pricing strategies, entrepreneurial skills, changes in healthcare documentation, and valuation and exit strategy. Key Features The financial aspects of audiology including accounting, coding, reimbursement, and competitive pricing The delivery of optimal, patient-centered services with discussion of quality improvement, staffing, infection control, and improved amplification acceptance rates A clinical process perspective on changes in healthcare documentation and how to use SOAP notes Best practices - from credentialing and contracting - to sales and marketing strategies Full color figures, flowcharts, and textboxes This title is part of a three-volume set on Audiology (Diagnosis, Treatment, and Practice Management). Together, these books cover every aspect of audiology, providing a remarkably comprehensive resource - essential reading for doctoral students in audiology and must-have bookshelf references for audiologists.