Improving accessibility to hearing healthcare: only smartphones have the answer
In this webinar, Dr David Maidment will review the current literature assessing the application and benefits of “connected” hearing technologies, as well as their potential to improve accessibility to hearing healthcare.
Over the past decade, there has been a proliferation of hearing devices that that connect wirelessly to smartphone technologies via Bluetooth. These devices include: (1) smartphone-connected hearing aids; (2) direct-to-consumer (DTC) devices, such as personal sound amplification products (PSAPs); and (3) smartphone-based hearing aid applications (or apps). Common to all these connected devices is that they permit the user to self-adjust and customise their device programmes via an accompanying smartphone app.
There has been a growing body of literature assessing connected hearing devices in adults living with hearing loss. Overall, the evidence to date supports the notion that all connected hearing devices can improve accessibility to amplification. It is unclear, however, whether connected technologies are a clinically effective alternative to traditional hearing aids. Nevertheless, the impact of connectivity is especially pertinent given the sudden disruption caused by the recent global COVID-19 pandemic, whereby connected technologies can enable patients to continue to receive treatment through mobile-based, tele-audiology platforms.
Key Learning Objectives.
At the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
• summarise the evidence assessing different connected hearing devices;
• explain how connected hearing devices compare to traditional hearing aids; and
• discuss whether connected hearing devices can improve accessibility to hearing healthcare.
During the live webinar there will be opportunities for audience participation. If you would like to take part, please download the Vevox app onto your smartphone or tablet device. Alternatively, you can join-in from your web browser via vevox.app. Enter the following meeting ID: 116-268-603.