A remote adjustment can happen while you listen.
Modern hearing aids can work with smartphone apps that allow a hearing care professional to program or fine-tune settings remotely, without requiring the patient to come into the office for every adjustment.
Connect through your device
Use a compatible phone, computer, or hearing-aid app to connect with your hearing care professional.
Settings are adjusted remotely
Your hearing professional can change hearing-aid programming without requiring an in-office fine-tuning visit.
Listen and respond in real time
Adjustments can be made while the patient listens, helping the hearing professional respond to what the patient is hearing.
Remote programming is especially useful when hearing-aid settings need to be adjusted or changed after fitting.
Live connection or store-and-forward?
Tele-audiology can be delivered in two main ways: through a live appointment or through a store-and-forward process where information is collected first and reviewed by an audiologist afterward.
Live, face-to-face tele-audiology
This is the model most people associate with telemedicine: the audiologist is present and runs the appointment through a two-way video connection.
- Requires a live video connection between audiologist and patient.
- A technician or audiology assistant may be present at the patient site for this type of setup.
- Audiometry, hearing-aid fittings, and counseling are listed as possible services.
- The audiologist controls the equipment remotely while the appointment is happening.
Store-and-forward tele-audiology
The audiologist does not need to be present during the test. Information is collected first, then stored and forwarded for professional interpretation.
- The patient can complete an automated test without the audiologist attending live.
- Basic air, bone, and speech information can be obtained through the automated process.
- The results are stored and sent to the audiologist for interpretation, improving access without waiting for a live diagnostic appointment.
Remote care can support more than hearing-aid adjustments.
Remote care can be used for more than a quick volume change. For the right patient and the right device, it may include:
- Remote hearing-care applications
Hearing aid programming
Remote fine-tuning and setting changes for compatible hearing devices.
Aural rehabilitation
Habilitation and rehabilitation support delivered through remote-care formats.
Counseling
Professional guidance and communication without requiring every visit in person.
Infant hearing screening
Infant hearing screening can be supported through appropriate tele-audiology setups.
Diagnostic hearing assessments
Some follow-up testing and hearing-aid adjustments can be completed remotely when the technology and the clinical question allow it.
Outcome measurement
Follow-up measurements can be part of the tele-audiology care model.
Counseling
Professional guidance and communication without requiring every visit in person.
Internet-based tinnitus treatment
Some tinnitus follow-up and counseling can be done remotely when the plan and the technology allow it. A tinnitus evaluation still starts with your hearing and your symptoms.
Less travel can make hearing care easier to stay connected to.
Tele-audiology can improve access, flexibility, communication, and the ability to troubleshoot in a comfortable environment.
Care closer to home - Useful for people who are homebound or live far from a clinic.
Reduced travel time - Remote care can help reduce travel time and related costs.
Family can join - Caregivers or family members can listen in with the patient.
More people can be part of the conversation.
Tele-audiology can make it easier for a caregiver or family member to participate with the patient rather than relying on the patient to remember every detail later.
Remote care can be especially useful when mobility, childcare, distance, or the difficulty of involving the whole family makes repeated clinic visits harder.
A remote format can improve access while keeping the patient, professional, and support person connected in the same conversation.
Could tele-audiology fit your hearing care?
Summerlin
1401 Hillshire Dr Suite 130, Las Vegas, NV 89134
Henderson
2821 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy Ste. 221, Henderson, NV 89052