Expanding audiology services through telehealth enabled partnerships

Abstract

Hearing loss is a widespread health condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, there is a severe shortage of formally trained hearing professionals to identify and treat the increasing needs. Audiologists and otolaryngologists are both involved in the diagnosis of hearing loss and balance disorders and their respective treatments. These professions have established a close and collaborative relationship over many decades to support the best possible patient-centered care and outcomes. Just like any medical physician, otolaryngologists can offer medical diagnoses and treatment plans. Meanwhile, audiologists are recognized for their capacity to provide audiological diagnoses and treatments that are specific to each patient’s hearing and balance abilities, as well as personalized remediation measures. Unfortunately, access remains a major challenge for affected persons requiring unique solutions that involve partnering with multiple professions outside the audiology and hearing fields.