What happens when a person with hearing loss attends a conference for audiologists? We peek into the future of hearing care including new innovations that are in the works for hearing technology and client care. We also get insight into their world — their concerns and the things that excite them.
But most importantly, we have the opportunity to share the person with hearing loss’ perspective, not only through scheduled presentations (ours was Friday afternoon), but in each of our interactions with providers and staff throughout the exhibit hall.
- We can try out the latest technology and share our opinions about it. Our feedback is critical in ensuring these advancements are relevant to the populations they are meant to support.
- We can comment on marketing materials and nudge manufacturers towards better representation of people with hearing loss in their materials.
- And we can discuss the other things people with hearing loss need in addition to technology to live well. Sometimes these attitudinal and behavior changes are overlooked in hearing care, squeezed out by buzz from the latest tech advancement. More information on this in Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss.
See my takeaways from the 2024 American Academy of Audiology Conference and HearTech Expo below.
Exciting New Technologies are Coming
One of my favorite new technologies is Auracast, the latest Bluetooth technology that will one day take over sound systems across the world, bringing a better listening experience for everyone, but especially for people with hearing loss. Auracast compatibility is starting to find its way into hearing devices, but until the public rollout is complete, people with hearing loss will continue to need support for both Bluetooth and T-coils in their devices.
Another interesting advancement is the inclusion of hearing aid technology into the arms of eyeglasses. How convenient to have both our eyes and ears cared for in one easy to manipulate device! This new form factor could be a terrific option for people with limited dexterity or with cognitive issues.
For more details on the exciting tech on display, read my co-author and gal pal Gael Hannan’s take here.
Increased Focus on the Consumer Experience
The keynote speaker at the conference, Abraham Verghese, MD, MACP spoke about the importance of the client-doctor relationship. He worries that modern medicine has become more focused on an “iPatient” that lives in the doctor’s computer defined by test scores and data, than in caring for the human patient that stands before them.
This is an important message for the hearing care industry as well, where technology solutions sometimes outweigh other aspects of client care. In order to live well with hearing loss, people need to use both technology and non-technical communication strategies.
In conversations throughout the exhibit hall, it is clear that manufacturers and providers are taking this client care message to heart. I am hopeful to see how this renewed focus translates into hearing care over time.
Accessibility Improvements: A Work in Progress
Who better to set the standard for hearing access than a conference for the hearing care industry? And improvements have been made from prior conferences I attended. Captioning was available in all the scheduled breakout sessions as well as in the general sessions. In the breakout sessions, captioning sat at the top of the screen making it easy to see from the back. Unfortunately, this was not the case for the general session. As you can see from the image below, I struggled to view the full line of captions from my seat in the back.
Other sessions, including privately hosted events by various companies and technologies were not always captioned. Perhaps including captioning for all events, both on and off the schedule, can be a goal for the future.
Bottom Line: Lots to Be Excited About
Bottom line: There is a lot to be excited about in hearing care! And it’s fun to visit the front lines of change. For more patient perspective at your next conference, please be in touch.
Readers, have you attended an audiology conference?
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