How do you see the future of hearing health care? This is a difficult question, but one that Ida Institute is tackling in its Future Hearing Journeys project. In December, Ida organized two online innovation workshops with stakeholders from around the world to examine the trends that will affect hearing health care. I was pleased to participate and represent the consumer point of view. The project’s goal is to help people with hearing loss and hearing care providers better navigate this changing landscape. Read more about the workshop here.
My Hopes for the Future of Hearing Health Care
In the final task of the workshop, all participants wrote a postcard to their future selves, outlining their expectations for hearing health care ten years from now. I shared my hopes for both people with hearing loss and hearing care professionals in what will likely be a world marked by technological innovation and consumer empowerment. My list is below.
- Hearing is considered a critical and intrinsic part of wellness and overall health
- Person-Centered Care (PCC) is practiced routinely as both consumers and hearing care professionals feel empowered to find creative and personal hearing care solutions for each individual
- Financial models evolve so professionals can be compensated fairly for PCC activities in addition to hearing tests and selling hearing devices
- Society embraces the importance of hearing access such that captions and hearing loops are as ubiquitous as ramps
The key to success will be the much-needed realization that hearing is an integral part of health and happiness. This shift in mindset would create space for the changes in regulations, financial models, and in-clinic behaviors needed for PCC to be embraced and practiced by all.
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When I first got hearing aids my audiogist had me sign a contract that she would work with me and I would participate in this work.At the time I was shocked as I had been in denial for a long time that I had hearing loss. In television and films hearing impaired people are portrayed as the blunt of the joke as we miss communicate when we don’t understand. I would like to see in future respect given to us and to have us be able to hear optimally without breaking the bank.Thanks for your work and support.
Yes, respect is key to the audiologist/patient relationship. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Was there any discussion on research regarding mammalian cochlear hair cell regeneration? I asked my audiologist about this at my last appointment and she said she didn’t think this would happen in her lifetime. This has been done in mice. https://www.masseyeandear.org/news/press-releases/2019/12/reprogramming-the-inner-ear-to-regrow-hair-cells-shows-promise-to-be-an-effective-target-for-hearing-loss-treatments
This session was more focused on audiological care, but much research is being done on biological cures at many research centers. The research is exciting, but the timeline is unclear. Thanks for your question.