This edition took a bird’s eye view of Clinical Manager – Audiology Julie Decker’s hearing booth desk and gained insight into Hear and Say’s Audiology program.
Julie joined us in 2019 and brings a wealth of experience from nearly 30 years as a cochlear implant audiologist. She began her career in Sydney working with Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) and The Shepherd Centre. She joined Hear and Say after working for Cochlear Ltd for 14 years, most recently as the Clinical Manager for Australia/New Zealand. Through this role she gained invaluable insights into the clinical practices around Australia and New Zealand, and technical expertise in the area of cochlear implants.
1. TeleMAPping
As a result of changes to clinical practices and the impact of coronavirus health alert directives, we had the opportunity to engage in the provision of some remote MAPping services.
Thanks to technology such as FaceTime and remote computer control, we were able to continue providing MAPping services remotely into the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane centres, with some of our Audiology team linking into appointments from home.
2. Types of hearing tests
At Hear and Say, we offer a number of types of hearing tests suited to both children and adults. For children from one month old we undertake an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) which measures the way their hearing nerve responds to different sounds. Once children are about six to nine months old, we can complete Visual Reinforcement Orientation Audiometry (VROA). This is where the child is conditioned to turn when a sound is played, and a puppet (like the kangaroo pictured above) or other visual reward is presented.
For older children, teenagers and adults we offer hearing screening, comprehensive hearing assessment, diagnostic audiological assessments, implantable device assessment as well tinnitus consultations.
3. Audiogram
Once you have had your hearing tested by one of our audiologists, an audiogram is created to help identify a hearing loss and its extent. The audiogram shows results for both the left and right ear as your hearing may differ from ear to ear. Once the test has been completed, the audiologist can discuss outcomes and next steps.
4. Adult Hearing program
Hearing is waking up to the sounds of birds singing in the morning, listening to the waves crash on the beach, hearing the people you care about say ‘I love you’. It’s the little things that make a difference and, without being able to hear, you lose a connection to the world, your community and your family.
That’s why we’re here to help, through our Adult Hearing program. Our trusted audiologists provide best-practice, independent, supportive and holistic environment for you or your loved one. Find out more here, or contact us book to your hearing test today.
5. Different types of devices
With an abundance of information available online, knowing all what type of hearing device is best suited for your needs can be overwhelming.
Hearing aids are now extremely discrete, and with a range of features. There are also different styles to suit various types and severities of hearing loss, as well as lifestyles, needs and goals.
For some people affected by hearing loss, cochlear implants may also be an option. Together with your audiologist, you will find a solution that optimises your hearing outcomes. Read more, here.
6. Hand sanitiser and Glen20
Along with most place you’ll go these days, things look a little different – what we like to call the ‘new norm’.
We aim to use toys that are easily disinfected, many of which have taken a bath in our dishwasher. Your audiologist will be using hand sanitiser throughout the appointment and our rooms are cleaned and disinfected after each session.
Spacing in the rooms also works to reflect government recommendations regarding physically distancing where possible. We appreciate your support of our efforts to minimise the spread of coronavirus, protecting your family and ours.
