Does Trauma-Informed Care Have a Place in Audiology? A Review and Practical Suggestions

Background. Trauma from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and serious traumatic events in adulthood is a significantly prevalent concern for public-health-hearing healthcare professionals. The pediatric and geriatric populations that audiologists often work with have been shown to be at an increased risk of experiencing traumatic events. Childhood and adult trauma can significantly impact the hearing and vestibular testing and treatment of these patients. Methods. This narrative review article discusses trauma-informed care (TIC) strategies that audiologists can use to recognize and respond to trauma in patients and prevent retraumatizing patients during their encounters in audiology clinics. Conclusions. This article will provide an overview of TIC and direct the reader to resources for their continued learning. Practical guidance on implementing trauma-informed practices in clinical audiology are also provided.https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres1306008

Does Trauma-Informed Care Have a Place in Audiology? A Review and Practical Suggestions

Background. Trauma from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and serious traumatic events in adulthood is a significantly prevalent concern for public-health-hearing healthcare professionals. The pediatric and geriatric populations that audiologists often work with have been shown to be at an increased risk of experiencing traumatic events. Childhood and adult trauma can significantly impact the hearing and vestibular testing and treatment of these patients. Methods. This narrative review article discusses trauma-informed care (TIC) strategies that audiologists can use to recognize and respond to trauma in patients and prevent retraumatizing patients during their encounters in audiology clinics. Conclusions. This article will provide an overview of TIC and direct the reader to resources for their continued learning. Practical guidance on implementing trauma-informed practices in clinical audiology are also provided

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aid Availability across the Spectrum of Human Skin Colors

Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids were recently approved for sale in the United States. Research has shown that consumers prefer hearing devices that match their skin color because these devices are less noticeable. Colorism is discrimination against individuals with relatively darker skin that manifests in “skin-color” product offerings as products being offered primarily in relatively lighter colors. Methods: This study compared images of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-registered over-the-counter hearing aids to a range of human skin colors. Results: Most over-the-counter hearing aids are only offered in relatively lighter beige colors. Few over-the-counter hearing aids are available in darker skin colors. Conclusions: These findings may represent structural bias, preventing equitable access to darker skin-color OTC hearing aids for individuals with darker skin

Contemporary LGBTQ + content that should be included in allied health professions education

Abstract Though many individuals in the United States of America and worldwide identify as LGBTQ + (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other identities), educational programs for allied health professions often do not adequately cover LGBTQ + issues. The literature clearly identifies a dearth of LGBTQ + information in undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education for allied health professionals. This lack of education and training causes real and perceived prejudice and discrimination by healthcare professionals against people who identify as LGBTQ +. Pertinent issues for people who identify as LGBTQ + and the language used to refer to these individuals changes over time so the LGBTQ + content that allied health education programs cover should be periodically reevaluated. This article summarizes the current state of education on LGBTQ + issues in allied health professions education and suggests contemporary LGBTQ + content that should be included in allied health professions education

Contemporary LGBTQ + content that should be included in allied health professions education

AbstractThough many individuals in the United States of America and worldwide identify as LGBTQ + (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other identities), educational programs for allied health professions often do not adequately cover LGBTQ + issues. The literature clearly identifies a dearth of LGBTQ + information in undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education for allied health professionals. This lack of education and training causes real and perceived prejudice and discrimination by healthcare professionals against people who identify as LGBTQ +. Pertinent issues for people who identify as LGBTQ + and the language used to refer to these individuals changes over time so the LGBTQ + content that allied health education programs cover should be periodically reevaluated. This article summarizes the current state of education on LGBTQ + issues in allied health professions education and suggests contemporary LGBTQ + content that should be included in allied health professions education.</jats:p

University Marching Band Members’ Noise Dosages and Hearing Health-Related Knowledge

Objectives: (1) To measure sound exposures of marching band and non-marching band students during a football game, (2) to compare these to sound level dose limits set by NIOSH, and (3) to assess the perceptions of marching band students about their hearing health risk from loud sound exposure and their use of hearing protection devices (HPDs). Methods: Personal noise dosimetry was completed on six marching band members and the band director during rehearsals and performances. Dosimetry measurements for two audience members were collected during the performances. Noise dose values were calculated using NIOSH criteria. One hundred twenty-three marching band members responded to a questionnaire analyzing perceptions of loud music exposure, the associated hearing health risks, and preventive behavior. Results: Noise dose values exceeded the NIOSH recommended limits among all six marching band members during rehearsals and performances. Higher sound levels were recorded during performances compared to rehearsals. The audience members were not exposed to hazardous levels. Most marching band members reported low concern for health effects from high sound exposure and minimal use of HPDs. Conclusion: High sound exposure and low concern regarding hearing health among marching band members reflect the need for comprehensive hearing conservation programs for this population.</jats:p

University marching band members noise dosages and hearing health-related knowledge

Objectives: (1) To measure sound exposures of marching band and non-marching band students during a football game, (2) to compare these to sound level dose limits set by NIOSH, and (3) to assess the perceptions of marching band students about their hearing health risk from loud sound exposure and their use of hearing protection devices (HPDs). Methods: Personal noise dosimetry was completed on six marching band members and the band director during rehearsals and performances. Dosimetry measurements for two audience members were collected during the performances. Noise dose values were calculated using NIOSH criteria. One hundred twenty-three marching band members responded to a questionnaire analyzing perceptions of loud music exposure, the associated hearing health risks, and preventive behavior. Results: Noise dose values exceeded the NIOSH recommended limits among all six marching band members during rehearsals and performances. Higher sound levels were recorded during performances compared to rehearsals. The audience members were not exposed to hazardous levels. Most marching band members reported low concern for health effects from high sound exposure and minimal use of HPDs. Conclusion: High sound exposure and low concern regarding hearing health among marching band members reflect the need for comprehensive hearing conservation programs for this population