LM311 - Beyond the Personal Hearing Aid: A Model Program for Maximizing Communication

Abstract: Following identification of a hearing loss and comprehensive assessment of communication needs, the goal of clinical services must focus on maximizing communication for the individual. Although personal technology may be the starting point, there are three areas to address in order to provide optimal services to enhance communication. These include combining use of technology with knowledge/practice using communication strategies, coping skills, and auditory/visual cues. A model program based on these areas was developed over the past 25 years and has been rated by over 90% of clients as extremely beneficial.

Summary: At the University of Texas at Dallas, a comprehensive method of service delivery for adults with hearing loss is offered called the Summer Intensive Auditory Revitalization Conference (SIARC). This unique opportunity for adults with hearing impairment and their communication partners facilitates the strengthening of communication abilities and use of assistive listening technology in real-world scenarios. SIARC is a week-long program offered for couples who experience challenges associated with hearing loss and includes graduate students working toward degrees in audiology. The daily classes focus on combining the benefits of technology with use of communication strategies, coping skills, and auditory/visual cues. Although offered over five days, SIARC can be adapted to an evening format over several months offered in a private practice setting.

The program has four unique aspects: (1) adults of all ages may participate and are encouraged to attend with a communication partner, (2) graduate students are assigned to participants and take responsibility for comprehensive daily management of their communication/ technology needs, (3) real-world experiences in restaurants and other public venues allow the participants to provide immediate feedback regarding their success, and (4) the community learns about accommodations that benefit persons who are hearing impaired (Thibodeau & Cokely, 2003; Thibodeau & Alford, 2010).

The critical points to consider in developing a SIARC program include the participants, the program, location, dates, responsibilities, equipment, and funding. A guide for establishing this comprehensive communication service delivery program within a University AUD program will be provided. The guide includes costs, timelines, preparations, and technology/curriculum content. SIARC-UTD typically operates with 10 couples, 10-15 graduate students, and two faculty. Because of the activity and travel requirements, the participants must be in good physical health and able to walk on tours for at least one hour. Each graduate student will assist their assigned couple with assistive technology when outside the conference at tours, dinners, theatre, etc. The results of post SIARC surveys indicate over 90% attendees would recommend the program to their friends and they would be willing to attend the program again.

Three students will review their experiences with SIARC with a focus on how it differed from traditional clinical assignments. Case studies will be presented to illustrated the impact that the comprehensive communication program can have on the communication success of adults with hearing loss.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways: The clinical takeaway for this session is how the services for adults with hearing loss involves more than just personal hearing technology but can include group sessions to maximize communication through combining technology with use of communication strategies, coping skills, and auditory/visual cues.

Assumptions: Attendees should have prior knowledge of self-reported hearing handicap measures and hearing aid fitting verification and validation.