Exam Preview for 20705: A Holistic Approach to Hearing Healthcare:

A Holistic Approach to Hearing Healthcare: Living Well with Hearing Loss

Please note: exam questions are subject to change.

1. With regard to hearing healthcare, what does the term "holistic" mean? Making sure the patient understands all of their hearing aid and technology choices. Consulting with the patient's other healthcare professionals. Meeting regularly with the patient to discuss progress. Considering patient emotions, background, environment, family, goals and ambitions, when considering treatment options.
2. What are ways you can use to help identify and address patient barriers, anxiety or resistance? Ask the patient to bring a family member with them. Talk to the patient about their situation before any exam. Advise the patient of support organizations. All of the above
3. Which of the following should typically be part of an initial examination? Focus on the process of the audiology exam and audiogram. Discuss personal issues only if the patient mentions them. Gather information about the patient's individual situation before determining next steps. My practice is so busy, I can only budget time for exams.
4. What is the best way to approach assistive listening choices with your patients? Share information about the latest technology with them. Speak with them about their lifestyle, experiences and anxieties before making any recommendations. If you are an authorized dealer for a specific brand, first tell them about all options within that brand. Recommend the least conspicuous choice, to help ease any anxiety.
5. What are some common anxieties experienced by patients with hearing loss? Concern about the use of conspicuous assistive listening devices Being perceived as handicapped or "not normal". Fear that transactional activities (primarily financial transactions) may not be fully understood, resulting in negative consequences. All of the above
6. What can you do to help patients feel more comfortable with their hearing loss? Refer them to a local association or support group Encourage them to bring a family member or friend with them to their visits Talk with them about their anxiety or resistance to recommended solutions All of the above
7. What is one way you may be able to help a patient who seems "blocked" or non-communicative? Ask an associate to speak with them. Just be patient. Often, they "open up" over time. Ask them to bring a family member or friend with them. Ignore it and focus on the exam and test results.
8. In terms of audiological management, which statement is correct? The best hearing aid cannot totally replicate human hearing, so additional assistance is often needed. The smallest, least conspicuous device should always be offered first. Bluetooth technology is more reliable than older technologies. All patients must learn lip reading.
9. What is the primary practical value for the audiologist in presenting a holistic approach to hearing healthcare? Becoming more involved in the hearing healthcare community. A more successful patient outcome. Personal and professional satisfaction. Learning new techniques and approaches.
10. What are some key differences a holistic approach can make to patients? The difference between just "getting along" and living well with hearing loss. Better communication with their hearing healthcare professionals by being perceived as not just a pair of ears, but a body and a mind, with feeling and emotions. Perceiving their condition as a lifelong journey, filled with discovery, challenges and accomplishment. All of the above.