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1/8
Less than 20% of older adults with #hearingloss own and use #hearingaids
I get an email or call 1-2x a week from adults across the country who want some advice about pursuing a direct to consumer #hearing product. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1108706
Less than 20% of older adults with #hearingloss own and use #hearingaids
I get an email or call 1-2x a week from adults across the country who want some advice about pursuing a direct to consumer #hearing product. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1108706
2/8
I don't have a clinical practice. They still tracked me down.
It is exhausting but I respond to every single one.
I owe them a response.
They are desperate for something but can't access or afford the US #hearingaid market.
I don't have a clinical practice. They still tracked me down.
It is exhausting but I respond to every single one.
I owe them a response.
They are desperate for something but can't access or afford the US #hearingaid market.
3/8
I've learned:
1. The current #hearingcare system is flawed and only meets the needs of a few
2. There is a role and need for #audiologists expertise in the over-the-counter hearing device era
I've learned:
1. The current #hearingcare system is flawed and only meets the needs of a few
2. There is a role and need for #audiologists expertise in the over-the-counter hearing device era
4/8
What do I do? for those wondering.
1. I listen to and acknowledge their perceived #needs
2. I give them the best publically-available resources I can find
3. I refer them to an #audiologist in their area
What do I do? for those wondering.
1. I listen to and acknowledge their perceived #needs
2. I give them the best publically-available resources I can find
3. I refer them to an #audiologist in their area
5/8
Referring is the hardest part.
I trust the audiologist and I know they want to do best for patients but the #hearing care model is generally not built for this (unless they've been to @audresources bootcamp). The bottom line is not supported by a #patientfirst model
Referring is the hardest part.
I trust the audiologist and I know they want to do best for patients but the #hearing care model is generally not built for this (unless they've been to @audresources bootcamp). The bottom line is not supported by a #patientfirst model
6/8
Covered #hearing care support services are vital to make this system work for patients
Congress needs to act on a bill for #Medicare coverage of hearing support services if we expect a robust over-the-counter hearing aid to emerge https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2018.11649
Covered #hearing care support services are vital to make this system work for patients
Congress needs to act on a bill for #Medicare coverage of hearing support services if we expect a robust over-the-counter hearing aid to emerge https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2018.11649
7/8
In addition, those with more severe losses deserve #hearingaid coverage under #Medicare as the OTC options will be @US_FDA regulated to meet the needs of those with mild/moderate #hearing losses
#equitable access to hearing care means different models for different needs
In addition, those with more severe losses deserve #hearingaid coverage under #Medicare as the OTC options will be @US_FDA regulated to meet the needs of those with mild/moderate #hearing losses
#equitable access to hearing care means different models for different needs
8/8
If @ChuckGrassley and @SenWarren ever want to see their Over-the-Counter #hearing aid Act succeed, they need to start considering the support services for patients necessary to make it thrive.
I'll get off my soapbox now.
If @ChuckGrassley and @SenWarren ever want to see their Over-the-Counter #hearing aid Act succeed, they need to start considering the support services for patients necessary to make it thrive.
I'll get off my soapbox now.
