Instructional Courses
There will be a number of Pre congress instructional courses held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition
Centre. Please note that these courses are not part of the World Congress of Audiology registration fee.
Before you make your selection, please check the pre congress instructional course program carefully to ensure you are able to attend all of your selected courses.
The courses are set out below and note there are limited numbers in some, so please book early.
Instructional Course 20.
Counselling for and About Hearing Loss - Are we Becoming Counsellors?
Dr Dunay Taljaard
Time: 9:00am - 10:30am
Date: 3 May 2014
Cost: $110.00
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Max participants: 100
Overview
This instructional course will review the current approaches and limitations of audiological counselling. A large component of the day-to-day work of the audiologist deals with the assessment of hearing and sharing the
information with families. The sharing of information about hearing, hearing aids and communication strategies
embodies counseling. According to Margolis (2004) our communication with our clients is one of the largest hindrances in assisting people with amplification.
Typically, audiologists offer two types of counselling: informational and personal adjustment counselling. Audiologists are encouraged to match three types of client remarks (content, confirmation or affect-based), depending on their 5 stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance) through three techniques: active listening, being non-judgemental and unconditionally accepting. In a field characterised by detail, audiologists allow the use of broad strokes when it comes to the softer skills supporting our everyday clinical encounters.
The session will present the current psychological and physical client profile from the literature. Research, highlighting the mismatch between client and clinical experiences will be summarized as a starting point to social constructionist models like narrative therapy and solution-focus brief therapy. The relevant components of
these approaches (e.g. miracle questions, unique outcomes and externalisation), and their suitability to audiological counselling in adults and families will be described through case studies. An overview of how effective counselling outcomes can be measured and tracked will be highlighted. The session will terminate with opportunity for practice and application.
Instructional Course 13.
Recent Advances in Cochlear Implant Candidacy Criteria - Am Considering all Options?
Ms Phillippa Hunt and Mr Rod Hollow
Time: 9:00am - 10:30am
Date: 3 May 2014
Cost: $110.00
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Max participants: 100
Overview
Ongoing research at SCIC and Melbourne Cochlear Implant Clinic into Cochlear Implant efficacy has fostered continuous refinement, and expansion, of candidacy criteria. Yet prevalence of hearing loss data, indicates a low percentage of eligible people receiving cochlear implants, even in highly-resourced countries such as Australia.
Recent trials of implants to individuals with significant bilateral acoustic hearing, and single-sided, or asymmetric acoustic hearing, support the effectiveness of cochlear implant intervention in specific cases. Progress in preserving residual hearing with new surgical techniques and electrode arrays creates an environment of less risk to this population, thus further broadening the database of those who might benefit from the technology. However, caution must be exercised in assessing individual suitability. This programme will, through examination of the most recent research outcomes, case studies, and clinical discussion, propose an enhanced set of referral criteria.
The instructional session will:
- Discuss recent research outcomes,
- Explain current referral criteria for cochlear implants based on research,
- Assist participants to identify non-standard referrals through case study scenarios,
- Assess reasons for low referral rate and ways this might be improved.
Instructional Course 21.
Improving ABR Testing: The Chirp Stimulus
Ms Jan Pollard
Time: 9:00am - 10:30am
Date: 3 May 2014
Cost: $110.00
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Max participants: 100
Overview
The Chirp stimulus has been discussed in the literature since the 1980's. Recent renewed interest in its use in ABR assessment has stimulated new research, especially in relation to identification of hearing loss in the newborn population. The identification of response peaks in the ABR at low intensities or with tone burst stimuli, especially lower frequencies, is often problematic. Response amplitude (1.5- 2 times) is greatly enhanced with use of the Chirp in comparison to the standard click and tone-burst stimuli currently in use. By adjusting the timing of the stimulus frequency the result is an increase in the simultaneous neural firing of the cochlea. The increased amplitude has been shown for both air and bone conduction testing, for both click and octave band stimuli.
The practical applications of these measurement techniques will be demonstrated and discussed.
Instructional Course 15.
Are you Thinking what I'm Thinking-Development of Theory of Mind in Deaf or Hearing Impaired Children
Ms Jill Mustard & Ms Donna Sperandio
Time: 9:00am - 10:30am
Date: 3 May 2014
Cost: $110.00
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Max participants: 30
Overview
As young children mature, they develop an understanding that they, and the others around them, are psychological beings whose thoughts are unique. They learn that what they think and believe may be different from what another person thinks and believes. They also come to understand that these thoughts and beliefs lead to actions. This understanding is referred to as Theory of Mind.
Research has shown that deaf or hearing impaired children are at risk for significant delays in their development of Theory of Mind. It is likely that this delay impacts negatively on the social and academic skills of these children.
It has been shown that the development of Theory of Mind is closely linked with the development of language, which may explain some of the delay in deaf or hearing impaired children.
However, some recent research has shown that delays may be present even in children with age appropriate spoken language, suggesting that other mechanisms may be at work. These mechanisms are speculated to include intervention styles, reduced ability to over hear and less than optimal access to tonal changes in voice.
This workshop - Instructional Course will describe Theory of Mind, the development of Theory of Mind, and show a series of tasks which have been shown to form a hierarchical sequence of development. Recent research will be summarised.
Implications for intervention will be suggested and demonstrated through video footage.
Key considerations for audiologists, rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals working with deaf or hearing impaired children will be described.
Instructional Course 12.
Auditory DYS-Synchrony in Children - Cochlear Implantation Candidacy and Post - Implantation Management and Habilation in an Auditory - Verbal Early Intervention Program
Lynda Close, Emma Rushbrooke
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Date: 3 May 2014
Cost: $110.00
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Max participants: 80
An overview of the instructional session
Hear and Say provides an Auditory-Verbal Early Intervention Program and a whole of life Implantable
Technologies Program for children with hearing loss. Expanding cochlear implantation candidacy criteria and improvement in diagnostic testing has led to increased number of children with auditory dys-synchrony being monitored or considered for cochlear implantation through our service. A brief overview of current research and trends in regards to cochlear implantation in those with auditory dys-synchrony will be provided.
Clinical observations, case studies (including video footage), standardised speech and language assessment results, audiological assessments results and anecdotal evidence will be presented to share our clinical experiences with this group. The management protocol from diagnosis through cochlear implant candidacy
assessment at Hear and Say will be discussed with a focus on the Audiological and speech and language requirements. The post cochlear implantation audiological management and Auditory-Verbal therapy for these children in our program will also be covered to highlight the processes involved and the outcomes achieved for this population.
Instructional Course 17.
Barriers and Facilitators to Hearing Rehabilitation for Adults
Prof Louise Hickson
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Date: 3 May 2014
Cost: $110.00
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Max participants: 70
Overview
It is well documented that a large proportion of older adults who have hearing impairment do not speak to a professional about their hearing difficulties and those who do seek help do not always benefit from hearing rehabilitation. In this instructional workshop, participants will hear a series of presentations about our program of research (recently published in a special issue of the International Journal of Audiology) that has investigated factors that influence older adults' decisions to consult a health professional about hearing impairment, obtain hearing aids, and achieve successful outcomes. A primary focus of this workshop will be to discuss barriers to successful hearing rehabilitation including client factors such as attitudinal beliefs towards hearing aids, low hearing aid self-efficacy (i.e confidence for the use of hearing aids) and lack of readiness to take action. In addition, facilitators such as significant others' support, best practice written information for clients and families, and clinicians' application of client-centred practices will be explored. Finally, factors not found to be associated with the uptake and outcomes of hearing rehabilitation (e.g Acceptable Noise Level Test, technology use, degree of hearing loss) will also be discussed.
Instructional Course 11.
Bone Anchored Hearing Systems: Audiological and Surgical Considerations
Dr Ravi Sockalingam
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Date: 3 May 2014
Cost: $110.00
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Max participants: 100
Overview
This instructional session will attempt to take the audience through the various steps involved in determining the candidacy bone anchored hearing devices, and achieving a successful fitting in children and adults using an easy to follow practical and unbiased approach. Topics to be covered in the session will include:
1. One anchored hearing system and how they work and who they are for
2. Improvements in implant and abutment design
3. Advances in signal processing technology
4. Developments in surgical technique/approach
5. Objective verification of bone anchored devices
Instructional Course 9.
The Greatest Gift: Harnessing Parent Power to Develop a Child's Brain
Ms Emma Rushbrooke
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Date: 3 May 2014
Cost: $110.00
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Max participants: 100
Overview
At Hear and Say the two primary disciplines of Audiology and Auditory-Verbal (AV) Therapy work closely together within a multidisciplinary team to enable young children with hearing loss to achieve optimal outcomes in listening and spoken language.
The introduction of UNHS has resulted in an increased number of families accessing early intervention services after their babies have been diagnosed with hearing loss. However, early diagnosis is not enough, it must be followed by the timely, optimal fitting of modern hearing devices, the provision of specific targeted early intervention and the application of knowledge from research and neuroscience. Only then will we be able to change the expectations and outcomes for children with hearing loss.
The underlying philosophy of the AV approach is that parents are the natural language teachers of their children. Recognition by professionals of the value of empowering parents underpins a successful early intervention program. The program at Hear and Say places great importance on parent participation in the multidisciplinary team, both in decision making and the delivery of Auditory-Verbal Therapy.
Case discussions and video demonstrations of Auditory-Verbal Therapy sessions will highlight aspects of the program at Hear and Say and demonstrate how vital the skilled Audiology and Auditory-Verbal Therapy programs are to achieving best outcomes for babies and young children. Clinical observations, standardised speech and language assessment results, research outcomes and anecdotal evidence will be presented to highlight the benefits of early optimal amplification and specific intervention, with video footage presenting a montage of some of these children now in middle childhood.
Instructional Course 24.
Chemical-Induced Auditory Dysfunction: From Scientific Evidence to Practice
Dr Adrian Fuente, Prof Kamakshi Gopal and Dr Thais Morata
Time: 9:00am - 10:30am
Date: 4 May 2014
Cost: $110.00
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Max participants: 100
Overview
Exposure to chemicals such as industrial solvents, pharmacological agents, metals and pesticides can directly induce auditory dysfunction leading to hearing loss, tinnitus and auditory processing difficulties. Hearing loss from noise exposure has been well documented, and audiologists are well aware of the associated preventive and rehabilitative needs of the noise-induced hearing loss population. However, assessment and prevention of hearing loss in individuals exposed to chemical agents is quite limited. Exposure to noise and chemicals is shown to have a synergistic effect on the auditory function. Moreover, chemical exposure is considered to be a possible contributor to the individual variability in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss. The adverse auditory effects of chemical toxicants have been systematically investigated during the past three decades, both in animals and humans using basic science and clinical techniques. A number of studies have demonstrated that some chemicals not only affect the sensory organ of the auditory system, as noise does, but also lead to adverse effects in the central auditory structures. The aim of this instructional course is to discuss the current scientific evidence of chemical-induced auditory dysfunction along with translating this evidence to clinical practice. In the first section of this instructional course, the potential impact of ototoxicity and neurotoxicity of some chemicals will be discussed along with the techniques that characterize and prevent such effects. In the second section, the use of a test battery approach for the evaluation of hearing in workers exposed to chemicals will be examined. Finally, alternative strategies for preventing auditory effects from chemical exposure will be discussed.
Instructional Course 18.
The Use of Speech Mapping in Hearing Aid Verification
Ms Jan Pollard
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Date: 4 May 2014
Cost: $110.00
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Max participants: 30
Overview
Real Ear Insertion Gain (REIG) was developed for the assessment and settings for hearing aid gain almost two decades ago. Hearing aids are now more complex with many adaptive features and complex digital processing being used, and so we need to review what is available in terms of a more appropriate measurement technique. Speech Mapping (SM) is now being used by many clinicians as it enables the assessment of the aid function, with all features being turned on, and can be used with NAL-NL1 or NL2 targets being applied. The use of Percentile Analysis can also enhance hearing aid output assessment as it provides additional information than just a single output line. It looks at the dynamics of the modified processed signal, not only the Long Term Average Speech Spectrum (LTASS) output level. This enhances the fitting outcome, especially in relation to speech understanding in noise. Both of these techniques use a speech signal, ideally the International Speech Test Signal (ISTS) to standardise the measurements.
The practical applications of these measurement techniques will be demonstrated and discussed.
Instructional Course 7.
Optimising Hearing Aid Outcomes with Frequency Transposition
Ms Jenny Smith
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Date: 4 May 2014
Cost: $110.00
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Max participants: 24
Overview
This instructional session will consist of the following elements. Discussion will be invited throughout, and at the
conclusion of the session.
- A presentation on the rationale for frequency transposition and its application for severe profound hearing loss, including a review of the literature (10 minutes)
- Videoed interview with an experienced clinician on the client profile most receptive to frequency lowering technology, and candidate selection (10 minutes)
- Live demonstration of a frequency transposition fitting (i.e. Widex Audibility Extender) via Widex Compass software.(15 minutes)
- Structured dialogue between the facilitator and an experienced clinician on managing client questions about the aided listening experience (10 minutes)
- Structured dialogue between the facilitator and a second experienced clinician on interpreting client comments which require fine-tuning and how and when to monitor the degree of transposition applied (10 minutes)
- Discussion around the tools available to validate the benefits of frequency transposition (10 minutes)
- Comments on i) the evidence base for applying frequency transposition for children and young adults, and o ii) functional differences between frequency transposition and frequency compression (5 minutes)
- Summary and review of learnings
Instructional Course 10.
Working with Clients with Long Standing, Severe Hearing Loss
Dr Elaine Saunders
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Date: 4 May 2014
Cost: $110.00
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Max participants: 16
Overview
Hearing aids can be a "bottom up" approach i.e. audiogram to prediction to sound output to real ear verification to modification for preference, or a "Top Down" approach where in situ measures are set to client preference and the processing keeps sound audible an comfortable. In this case, in-clinic verification is a clinical measure of benefit. Dilemmas occur for the audiologist with a client who has severe to profound deafness and is not a suitable candidate for a cochlear implant (e.g. speech perception too good). The audiologist has to select a High Power
Aid, and deal with a much reduced dynamic range. Participants will learn about an approach to this problem, which features a fully featured 64 channel ADRO® based High Power hearing aid. This type of client needs
to be prepared to continue a preparation for potential cochlear implantation, and to be strongly encouraged and enabled for successful cochlear implantation[1]. Despite the extreme flexibility of this type of amplification, there is much to learn about what constitutes an optimised approach to this type of client.
Instructional Course 14.
Hearing and Ageing: Considerations for Older Adults using Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants
Dr Jane Opie, Dr Dunay Taljaard and Mrs Karen Pedley
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Date: 4 May 2014
Cost: $110.00
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Max participants: 100
Overview
The World Health Organization estimates that 278 million people worldwide have moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears. The leading cause of adult-onset deafness is age-related hearing loss, which affects approximately 65% of adults older than 65 years. Statistics on ageing suggest that the proportion of older
adults will rise to approximately 20% of the population over the next 25 years. Audiologists managing this population are faced with new challenges when fitting hearing aids and cochlear implants and must synthesize information about cognition, mental health and social and living settings with traditional audiological and medical measures to make sound decisions for individual patients. Current models of hearing, cognition and ageing will be
discussed and practical suggestions for the assessment and management of both hearing aid clients and cochlear implant (CI) recipients will be offered. Expected hearing performance benefits will be weighed against potential medical and surgical risks of CIs. The Attune Adult Recipient Profile, developed by the Attune implant team in Brisbane, is an assessment tool applied to older CI candidates and emphasizes issues having the greatest impact on outcome. Case examples will show how the profile influences the decision-making process and habilitation planning to facilitate equitable, objective and efficient processing of candidates.
Instructional Course 22.
Providing Services to Children, Parents and Professionals through Tele-Practice
Ms Emma Rushbrooke
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Date: 4 May 2014
Cost: $110.00
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Max participants: 100
Overview
Advances in technology are changing the way health and educational practitioners are able to provide quality services to children with hearing loss. In order to benefit from the early diagnosis of hearing loss, professionals need to seek innovative ways of providing effective Auditory-Verbal Therapy, Audiology and Professional Training and Mentoring, regardless of geographical location.
Tele-Practice is providing professionals with exciting and rewarding opportunities to disseminate their services to all clients, wherever they may be throughout the world. It is changing the face of how professionals at Hear and Say interact with children who have hearing loss and their families.
This instructional session will describe three programs within the Hear and Say eMPower model: eAVT using web conferencing to provide Auditory-Verbal Therapy, eAudiology using videoconferencing techniques to provide MAPping to children with cochlear implants and eTraining and Education providing professional mentoring and training.
Delivery of these programs, overcoming challenges and tips for achieving optimal delivery will be discussed. Research outcomes, anecdotal evidence and video footage will demonstrate the processes involved and the outcomes achieved.