I found the course Using Speech in Noise Tests to Make Better Hearing Aid Selection Decisions very helpful. I already use the QuickSIN in my practice and will add the ANL. I'm still trying to find quick easy tests for the frail elderly patient - it's very difficult to assess these patients with all the diagnostically necessary tests we need to do. Any help or advice is welcome!
Answer
I would advise you to use the BKB SIN (Bamford-Kowal-Bench) and conduct a subjective and objective run, sort of a modified PPDis (Performance-Perceptual Discrepancy test). This works reasonably well for the "frail" elderly. Sometimes the patient can't complete both parts of the test, and that's ok. It still gives you good information about the status of the auditory system.
Brian Taylor, Au.D., is the Professional Development Manager for Unitron. Brian is responsible for all Unitron initiatives related to enhancing our customer's expertise, professionalism, and effectiveness in the areas of hearing aid fitting, product selection, and practice development. Brian earned his Au.D from Central Michigan University and has over 15 years of clinical and practice management experience.
Brian Taylor, AuD
Director of Practice Development & Clinical Affairs
Brian Taylor is the Director of Practice Development & Clinical Affairs for Unitron. He is also the Editor of Audiology Practices, the quarterly publication of the Academy of Doctor’s of Audiology. During the first decade of his career, he practiced clinical audiology in both medical and retail settings. Since 2003, Dr. Taylor has held a variety of management positions within the industry in both the United States and Europe. He has published over 30 articles and book chapters on topics related to hearing aids, diagnostic audiology and business management. Brian is the co-author, along with Gus Mueller, of the text book Fitting and Dispensing Hearing Aids, published by Plural, Inc. He holds a Master’s degree in audiology from the University of Massachusetts and a doctorate in audiology from Central Michigan University. Brian Taylor is the Director of Practice Development & Clinical Affairs for Unitron. He is also the Editor of Audiology Practices.
This course will review the expected performance advantages of custom products over behind-the-ear products for some patients. Learn more about the innovative custom product line from Unitron.
Modern hearing aids continue to offer a wide array of diverse features, including automatic switching algorithms, advanced remote controls and wireless streaming capabilities. This course will demonstrate how well-designed questionnaires effectively contribute to the hearing aid selection process.
It's relatively common for patients who need hearing aids to not purchase them. This course will review the evidence surrounding the consequences of untreated hearing loss and how to communicate to patients during the consultative appointment in order to create urgency.
The prescriptive fitting approach has been used for decades as a starting point for end users. This course will review recent research related to individual and average "preferred gain" in relation to a prescriptive fitting target as a starting point for initial hearing aid use.
A discussion of ear impression taking techniques. Including a review of different impression taking materials and a discussion regarding the importance of reviewing impression quality prior to sending impressions to manufacturers.
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