Programs and Educational Sessions

Presented by Anu Sharma, PhD

Wednesday, April 17, 12:45–2:15 pm

A better understanding of changes in the brain accompanying hearing loss will allow us to improve intervention and rehabilitation in patients with hearing loss. Hearing loss in children and adults results in significant changes in cortical neuroplasticity, reflecting patterns of cross-modal compensation from vision and somatosensation, increased listening effort, and cognitive deficits. Timely and appropriate treatment with amplification and/or electric stimulation may reverse cross-modal plasticity, coinciding with gains in cognitive performance and speech perception. Changes in neuroplasticity after treatment with prescription hearing aids, over-the-counter hearing aids, and cochlear implants will be discussed.

Presented by Adam Svec, AuD, PhD

Wednesday, April 17, 2:30–4:00 pm

Psychoacoustic measures have been used to describe the dynamic range and the frequency selectivity of the auditory system, both of which have largely driven the development of hearing aid feature sets for decades. In this featured session, we will look at how both dynamic range and frequency selectivity have been assessed in academic research and then implemented in hearing technology, as well as recent developments within psychoacoustics that might potentially illuminate a future path for hearing technology.

Presented by Laura Gaeta, PhD

Thursday, April 18, 8:15–9:45 am

This session will cover cultural variables identified in underrepresented populations, health literacy, readability of written materials, speech recognition with non-native speakers of English, and working with interpreters. Participants will learn practical strategies to enhance communication with patients in diverse settings. Topics related to cultural competence and cultural awareness in health care will also be discussed.

Join us for an informative and provocative session designed for business managers and owners to expand their knowledge and skills for building a successful private practice. Dr. Gyl Kasewurm will share how she grew her single office in a small town in Michigan to almost $4 million in gross revenue. Topics will include simple steps to improve profitability and productivity and how to empower employees and unique approaches to marketing. Attendees will walk away with proven strategies and tactical tools they can put to use immediately upon arriving home to take their practice to the next level.

Presented by Anna Jilla, AuD, and Mariah Cheyney, AuD

Thursday, April 18, 2:30–4:00 pm

This session will provide an overview of audiology-related coding and reimbursement changes that have occurred since the last AAA Annual Conference. We will provide updates on the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, review and give updates on limited direct access provisions under Medicare, provide information on new CPT codes for services related to auditory osseointegrated devices, and discuss relevant changes under the Medicare Quality Payment Program. Attendees will be given resources for continued learning.

Presented by Gail Whitelaw, PhD; Amit Gosalia, AuD; Devin McCaslin, PhD; Patricia Roush, AuD, Aaron Roman, AuD; and Angela Shoup, PhD

Thursday, April 18, 2:30-4:00 pm

This session is the inaugural approach to sharing the journey of each honoree with those attending AAA 2024. We will explore the lessons each honoree brings to the profession and those we serve and recognize their remarkable accomplishments. This will be an interactive “fireside chat” with honorees, as they discuss their professional journeys and what they see for the future of audiology. Come and celebrate the best of audiology and be motivated and inspired!

 Presented by Gyl Kasewurm, AuD

Thursday, April 18, 4:30–6:00 pm

Join us for an informative and provocative session designed for business managers and owners to expand their knowledge and skills for building a successful private practice. Dr. Gyl Kasewurm will share how she grew her single office in a small town in Michigan to almost $4 million in gross revenue. Topics will include simple steps to improve profitability and productivity and how to empower employees and unique approaches to marketing. Attendees will walk away with proven strategies and tactical tools they can put to use immediately upon arriving home to take their practice to the next level.

Presented by Ben Hornsby, PhD

Friday, April 19, 7:45–9:15 am

Fatigue is a ubiquitous experience. However, when severe it can negatively affect the quality of life. Despite its prevalence and impact, until recently, research examining fatigue and hearing loss has been lacking. Research suggests that severe fatigue is more common in those with hearing loss—although why this occurs remains unclear. This presentation examines the construct of “listening-related” fatigue (LRF) in adults and children with hearing loss. Methods for measuring and managing listening-related fatigue are also discussed. Improving our understanding of LRF is an important step toward developing, and assessing measurement tools and treatment options to reduce its negative effects.

Presented by Mark Schleiss, MD, and Angela Shoup, PhD

Friday, April 19, 9:45–11:15 am

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common infectious cause of developmental disabilities, including congenital sensorineural hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) caused by cCMV may be absent at birth and hence will be missed by newborn hearing screen. Up to 25 percent of all childhood hearing loss is caused by cCMV. Newborn screening for cCMV could enable early detection of delayed-onset and progressive SNHL, but the question of whether universal screening for this infection should be standard-of-care is controversial.

Like the early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) journey, targeted cCMV screening was initiated at individual hospitals and has since been mandated by some states. In February 2023, Minnesota became the first state to institute universal cCMV screening. Knowledge of cCMV status helps plan appropriate management of the identified infant and in providing family support. This session will discuss the viral and immunological pathogenesis of cCMV, strategies for prevention, screening models, value of early diagnosis, and long-term management imperatives for this common but under-diagnosed infection.

Presented by Nadine Kaslow, PhD

Friday, April 19, 2:15–3:45 pm

This session will begin by discussing the concept of “burnout,” including how it presents itself, risk and protective factors, and impact. Attention will then be paid to the importance of resilience and wellness. Personal strategies for enhancing one’s sense of well-being will be highlighted, including engaging in self-care; caring for the physical, mental, and spiritual self; practicing mindfulness and self-compassion; planning for balance; and building moral resilience. Organizational best practices for improving the work culture for reducing burnout and increasing people’s resilience and sense of well-being will be delineated.

Presented by Catherine Palmer, PhD; Gus Mueller, PhD; and Ryan McCreery, PhD

Friday, April 19, 4:15–5:45 pm

This session will be a moderated panel discussion of the current evidence base in amplification spanning the range of selection, fitting, verification, and outcome assessment across the lifespan. The three presenters review the literature from the previous year (2023) that focused on amplification and present the articles they believe will impact your practice on Monday morning.

Presented by Alecia Soyk-Manning, AuD

Saturday, April 20, 8:00–10:00 am

This session is designed to provide tools for todays’ audiologists to have clear guidelines for ethical practice.