OasisLMS

Hearing healthcare professionals regularly work with patients who present with multiple health conditions, making it essential to understand the ethical implications of counseling around comorbidities and cognitive health. This presentation explores distinctions between health conditions and comorbidities, clarifies correlation versus causation, and provides a template for patient education and counseling.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define the relationship between health conditions and comorbidities in hearing healthcare.
2. Explain the distinction between correlation and causation to patients/clients.
3. Summarize current dementia research to report what is known and what remains uncertain about the relationship between hearing loss, hearing aids, and cognitive decline.
4. Ethically counsel patients/clients using precise language and shared decision-making.
5. Engage in patient-centered communication and practices.
6. Assess how financing strategies can improve practice stability and sustainability.

Carrie Meyer, Au.D., is Director of Clinical Programs for Amplifon Hearing Healthcare.  Dr. Meyer is an audiologist with over 35 years of clinical experience in diagnostic assessment of hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance dysfunction as well as hearing aid evaluation, fitting, and verification.  In her role as Director of Clinical Programs, Dr. Meyer works with providers, health plans and members to optimize member hearing health outcomes by improving clinical care pathways through provider innovation, member education, and health plan support.    Dr. Meyer is Chair of the American Board of Audiology and a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology as well as the Academy of Doctors of Audiology.  Dr. Meyer is a member of the Concordia University St. Paul Board of Regents and chairs the Academic Committee.