Refer patients when hearing loss impacts communication, daily activities, or traditional aids fail.
When To Refer For An Assessment
Hearing Health Professionals
The frontline to better hearing
Hearing health professionals must serve as the custodian of their client’s hearing and have a duty of care to facilitate a hearing implant assessment as soon as it’s indicated.
With new clinical and technological advances, clients who’ve previously been told that nothing can be done to improve their hearing may now be suitable for a range of hearing implants. This can be possible even with a history of previous ear disease and surgery. Living with inadequate hearing is no longer an acceptable outcome for people who want to hear well.
When to consider an implantable hearing device?
For hearing health professionals who do not routinely work with implantable hearing devices it can be a daunting task keeping up to date with technology, guidelines, and knowing when an implantable device is the next step.
We know first hand the impact of hearing loss on daily life, through our discussions with patients their anecdotal reports are important in identifying potential hearing implant candidates.
Common concerns identified through your case history by a patient or their family indicating they may benefit from a hearing implant include;
- limited benefit with appropriately fitted hearing aids
- difficulty on the telephone
- Reliance on visual cues for successful communication
- Family and friends report that the patient experiences communication difficulties even with the use of amplification
- Patient has family make appointments for them
- Patient reports that noise significantly impacts speech perception
General Candidacy Guidelines
The following are check list tools identifying general candidacy guidelines for use in the clinic when an assessment for an implantable hearing device should be considered. While these guidelines are broad, they effectively establish markers when clinicians should begin thinking about discussing implantable hearing devices as an effective option to improve hearing;
Why Offer
Implantable Device Services?
The landscape of hearing healthcare is constantly evolving at a rapid pace. Many of these changes have seen improvements in patient access to hearing health care earlier in their hearing loss journey.
While the typical “road map” has be substantially disrupted by hearables and over the counter or online dispensing, most people still rightly seek the expert care of an audiologist to shape their hearing healthcare. Many of those needing expert care could obtain benefit from an implantable hearing device, however implantable hearing devices are often not considered or even discussed.
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Despite having some of the most generous funding options, it is currently estimated that less than 10% of Australian adults who would receive substantial benefit from a cochlear implant are accessing one. As the professionals most frequently supporting people with complex hearing loss we need to be doing better.
Explore Specific Device Information
We offer detailed insights on each hearing device, including functionality, suitability, and personalised recommendations based on individual hearing needs.
We know that clear and open communication is essential
Whether you’re a patient, healthcare professional, or GP seeking more information or support, our team is ready to assist you.
Reach out to us for a prioritised referral, inquiries about implantable hearing technology, or to learn more about our services. Let us connect you with the care and expertise you need.
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