2022 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Virtual Conference
March 13 - 15, 2022
10/27/2019 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | “Best” Practice in a Less than Ideal Environment | Ventana Ballroom B
“Best” Practice in a Less than Ideal Environment
Humanitarian medical expeditions help meet the needs of many individuals with limited access to healthcare, but often the humanitarian healthcare providers face their own limitations as well. Medical expeditions in remote areas encounter challenges related to limited electricity, space, access to medicine, and follow-up care. Audiology services are no different.
The Idaho State University audiologists and students recently completed their fourth expedition to Peru with Idaho Condor Humanitarian, a nonprofit organization. The group travels to remote villages surrounding Cusco, Peru. Typically the providers have limited information about the villages and environments prior to arrival. Based on this challenge, the unknown, the audiology team strategizes on how to provide “best practices” in a less than ideal environment.
Over the past four years, many of the patients seen had occluding cerumen. In order to perform cerumen management, irrigation was a necessary tool. Unfortunately, running water and more importantly warm water may not be accessible. As a result, the audiology team devised solutions to perform cerumen removal in ways consistent with best practice.
Limited access to medical services has resulted in a higher incidence of active outer and middle ear disorders. In an effort to provide appropriate treatment within our scope of practice, the audiology team has partnered with other medical providers to ensure patients receive the most appropriate care.
On average, 88% of patients reported hearing loss in one or both ears with most thresholds ranging from mild to moderate hearing loss. Over the past four years, the audiology team fit 65 hearing aids and provided some follow-up care. However, traditional hearing aids present a number of limitations and the audiology team determined that alternative amplification options may be more beneficial for people we serve in Peru. Also, efforts to improve sustainability and follow-up care remain a primary focus.
- Participants will learn about creative strategies to ensure quality audiologic care is provided in less than ideal situations.
- Participants will explore alternative amplification options for individuals in remote areas.
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Presenters/Authors
Corrie Holmes
(), Idaho State University, smitcorr@isu.edu;
Corrie is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the audiology program at ISU. Corrie teaches both undergraduate and graduate level audiology courses as well as supervising students in the on-campus clinic. Corrie enjoys research, serving as the advisor for the ISU Student Academy of Audiology and participating in community service projects.
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Jenn Holst
(), Idaho State University, holsjenn@isu.edu;
Jenn Holst is a Clinical Professor at Idaho State University. She has been at ISU for 14 years and an audiologist for 18. Her professional interests include auditory evoked potentials, pediatrics, humanitarian services, and clinical education.
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Gabriel Bargen
(), Idaho State University, barggabr@isu.edu;
Gabe Bargen is an Associate Professor at Idaho State University on the Meridian Campus. She earned her Ph.D. in Audiology from the University of Kansas in 2010. Shortly after, she began her academic career at ISU. Her professional interests include pediatric audiology, auditory evoked potentials and humanitarian endeavors.
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