Bridging the Gap: A Conversation on the Evolution of TeleAudiology
AudiologyOnline: Dr. Layfield, thank you for joining us. In your recent webinar, you discussed a significant shift in the typical hearing aid consumer. Why is it more important than ever for hearing healthcare professionals to embrace digital technology like TeleHear?
Dr. Keeley Layfield: It’s a pleasure to be here. We are seeing a major trend where patients are prioritizing experience, convenience, and flexibility. Our typical consumer is no longer "tech-averse." In fact, 87% of people aged 60 to 64 use a smartphone, and 70% of that same demographic are actively seeking healthcare information and options online. If a clinic doesn't have a strong digital presence, or if they aren't offering virtual care options, they are essentially missing a huge portion of the market that values staying connected and managing their health from their own homes.
AudiologyOnline: Many providers worry that implementing teleaudiology will be time-consuming or technically difficult. What advice do you have for a clinic that is hesitant to start?
Dr. Layfield: My biggest piece of advice is to start small. Think about blocking off just one hour a week for virtual appointments. As you and your staff build comfort with the interface, you can add on from there. Another strategy is to include a set number of virtual visits in your bundled care packages. This frames the technology as an added value rather than an extra burden. The setup process for Starkey’s TeleHear actually takes less than five minutes! Once the practice is registered and the patient is invited, the connection is established for the life of that device.
AudiologyOnline: Starkey offers three distinct types of remote programming. Could you walk us through the "Synchronous" option and when it’s most effective?
Dr. Layfield: Synchronous is our live, real-time communication. It feels very much like a FaceTime call where you and the patient can see and hear each other. It’s incredibly effective for fine-tuning because you are making live adjustments that synchronize instantly with the hearing aids. One of the best use cases is when a patient is in a difficult listening environment. If they struggle at a specific coffee shop, they can go there, join the session, and you can program for that exact acoustic environment in real-time. It is also great for troubleshooting physical fit issues, like checking if an earmold is inserted correctly.