Conférencière
Dr. Goldman is the Keynote speaker at SAC’s 2023 Audiology Event. He is a Canadian emergency physician, best-selling author, public speaker, and radio personality. His published works include The Power of Teamwork, The Power of Kindness, The Night Shift, Real Life in the ER and The Secret Language of Doctors. He is the host of CBC Radio’s White Coat, Black Art and The Dose.
In the high-pressure and complex setting of healthcare, a new approach to teamwork is leading to healthier patients, happier staff and more efficient operations. Dr. Goldman latest book The Power of Teamwork, draws on ground-breaking research and real-life examples from around the world to show how a team approach in healthcare can translate and improve how we can all work better together in speech-language pathology, audiology, and beyond!
9 h 15 – 18 h 00
9 h 15 – 12 h 15
Conférencière
Starting a vestibular audiology practice can be challenging. This course will walk participants through the thought process and the steps of an initial vestibular assessment. It will cover the foundational understanding of the anatomo-physiology of the vestibular system, the essential components of a successful patient interview, and all the essential parts of an objective assessment (VNG) – oculomotor testing, positional and positioning tests, caloric test, and video head impulse test (vHIT). Participants will learn how to perform and interpret each of these tests as well as begin to formulate diagnostic hypotheses to guide patients through the next steps, including possible referrals and implementation of vestibular management strategies
Learning Objectives
9 h 15 – 11 h 00
Conférencière
Occupational stress and burnout have a tremendous impact on overall physical and mental health. Curiously, audiology is often labelled a low-stress profession based on broad categories of stressors experienced across diverse careers. However, to label an entire profession as low stress diminishes the lived experience of individual audiologists who experience tremendous stress in the workplace, and those who experience burnout that impacts their professional caregiving role and their quality of life. This talk will describe researched-based information on stress and burnout, including the impact of stress, stressors reported by audiologists, components and symptoms of burnout, the impact of burnout on patient care, and approaches to address stress and burnout in the workplace.
9 h 15 – 11 h 00
Conférencière
As a member of a child’s circle of care, a paediatric clinical audiologist accompanies families along the journey as a child acquires hearing loss from medical treatment. Our scope of practice includes assessment, interpretation and reporting of findings, making recommendations, and informational and supportive counselling. This work can feel lonely and sad for the clinician. At the same time, we share moments of remarkable immediacy and delight as families and the care team navigate a child’s life-threatening conditions. The audiologist has a unique role in helping families ameliorate the adverse effects of ototoxic hearing loss on communication, speech and language learning, and quality of life.
11 h 00 – 11 h 15
11 h 15 – 12 h 15
Conférencière
As the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) continues to grow, it is essential for Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) and its audiology professionals to be among those at the forefront of testing innovation, leading change, and prioritizing member and patient-centred approaches. For audiology members, being frontline health care providers who are working in clinics, hospitals, and schools, the journey toward greater equity means understanding the challenges and obstacles faced by their patients and other diverse and intersectional stakeholders (both internal and external) in order to name them, address them, and ultimately eliminate them.
This 1-hour session will take all participants on a DEI journey by introducing essential terminology and concepts and connecting them to their work and role as audiologists/health care providers. We will also discuss how to better incorporate DEI into their practices. The session will be structured in an engaging manner where content is shared through a slide deck, and participant comments are solicited and welcome. Come join us for this important conversation!
11 h 15 – 12 h 15
Conférencier
Historically, it was assumed that decisions about hearing rehabilitation arise from considerations about the impact of hearing difficulties in everyday listening situations. Typically, a basic test of perception (i.e., the audiogram) was used to identify appropriate candidates for hearing rehabilitation. Research, most notably from the last decade, reveals that the decision making process is substantially more complex and is influenced by a number of factors previously believed to be considered “extraneous”. This presentation will highlight some of the ways that psychological processes influence the decision to engage in hearing rehabilitation and how these processes also affect clinical outcomes. Specifically, the presentation will discuss how different elements of the hearing journey (e.g., contemplation, decision making, and action) are influenced by cognitive and socio-emotional processes. One relevant cognitive process is how we as clinicians frame information that we present to persons with hearing loss. One relevant socio-emotional process is the presence/absence of significant others during audiology appointments. Recent evidence from our lab suggests that even the nature of the relationship between the patient and significant other can potentially influence hearing aid uptake. The presentation will conclude with recommendations that can directly inform clinical care.
13 h 30 – 15 h 00
Conférencier
Though dementia is defined by cognitive decline, people with dementia experience diverse symptoms across the dementia journey, including changes in auditory sensation and perception. Yet, people with dementia face barriers to accessing a range of healthcare services due to poor understanding of dementia and dementia-supportive practices. This session will be of interest to anyone interested in better understanding dementia and how-to better support people with dementia in their practice and their community. We will review: 1) myths and realities about dementia; 2) how you might recognize that a person has dementia or cognitive impairment and could benefit form support; and 3) changes that you can make in your service delivery and the clinical/facility environment to better accommodate the needs of people with dementia. Case studies will be used to illustrate recommendations.
13 h 30 – 15 h 00
Conférencière
Permanent hearing loss can be identified and supported in infancy through comprehensive early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs. For decades, these health systems have been guided by international benchmarks and evidence-based clinical practice protocols. Additionally, research indicates positive outcomes of early identification and optimal management of infants born with hearing loss. It is unacceptable, then, that only 7 out of 13 provinces and territories have EHDI programs, according to a 2019 report card issued by the Canadian Infant Hearing Task Force. Due to this longstanding health care inequity, infants born with hearing loss in specific postal code regions in Canada will experience delayed development. Eliminating this injustice for Canadian infants is critical. During this presentation, the components of a complete EHDI system will be described and the status within Canada will be shared. Opportunities to improve access to infant hearing health care across Canada will be discussed.
13 h 30 – 17 h 00
Conférencière
Audiologists have long embraced their important role in rehabilitation and vestibular rehabilitation, as it fits naturally within the scope of practice. In this course participants will learn what is next once a vestibular assessment has been completed, going beyond canalith repositioning maneuvers, starting with basic concepts in vestibular education and counselling. There will be discussions about who is a candidate for traditional vestibular and balance rehabilitation, what preventative measures can be used when a patient is not a candidate, and finally what types of exercises should be used to address the issues identified in the assessment.
15 h 00 – 15 h 30
15 h 30 – 17 h 00
Conférencière
Reduced sound tolerance is a pathological condition for which tolerance to sounds is so reduced that tolerable normal everyday sounds induce discomfort. This general term encompasses different forms of reactions and responses to sounds including hypersensitivity to loud sounds (loudness hyperacusis), sound-triggering pain (pain hyperacusis) and aversion to specific sounds (misophonia). According to epidemiological studies, around 10 to 15% of the general population suffers from these disorders. During this presentation, the different forms of reduced sound tolerance will be described and discussed. An up-to-date review of the current methods of evaluation will be presented and the pros and cons of each method will be discussed. Finally, the state of knowledge regarding current and future therapeutic options will be briefly discussed.
15 h 30 – 17 h 00
Conférencière
This session will focus on practical considerations of hearing and listening skills in people with autism across the lifespan. Current research in autism and hearing will be discussed. This research will include describing auditory aspects of autism, including the perspective of autistics that includes with perspective of “nothing about us without us.” Specific considerations in audiologic assessment and management will be addressed including testing modifications that may help to provide the best outcomes for the listener. Additionally, questions regarding sound tolerance and potential auditory processing disorders will be addressed. Case studies will be included. The purpose to this session is to explore the role of audiology in working with people with autism and their families and to provide practical recommendations.
Conférencière d’honneur
The language used in the description reflects the language of the session.
Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a term used to describe a variety of conditions for which there are no clear organic etiologies. Psychosomatic illnesses more broadly account for approximately 5-10% of patient visits to the ER, primary care physician and neurologist’s office. These under-diagnosed and poorly understood conditions are costly to the healthcare system and perplexing to providers. Dr. Gilks will speak about her experience treating functional neurologic disorders, drawing from her work in ENT, audiology and complex pain clinics. She will discuss the common features and diagnostic hallmarks for these illnesses with particular attention to conditions relevant to audiology such as non-organic hearing loss and tinnitus.
9 h 00 – 14 h 30
9 h 00 – 11 h 15
Conférencière
Tinnitus prevalence estimates suggest that while there is a significant need for tinnitus care, tinnitus patients are likely under-served by our profession. While tinnitus care presents opportunity to expand clinical practice, audiologists face several potential barriers to provision of tinnitus care including limited training opportunities in tinnitus management, reimbursement, and the potential mindset of patients and health providers that “there is nothing to be done for tinnitus.” In this presentation, we will discuss some of the ways in which clinicians can augment clinical skills and provide tinnitus care using conventional and newer models of tinnitus care.
9 h 00 – 11 h 15
Conférencière
This session will focus on practical considerations with auditory processing disorders (APD). Current clinical research will be reviewed and the need for clinical services will be discussed. Tools for assessing auditory processing in both children and adults will be presented. Treatment and management of APD across the lifespan will be offered. A number of cases will be shared. Guidance for building a program for APD assessment and/or management will be provided. This session is designed to address clinical questions that arise from both audiologists and speech-language pathologists.
9 h 00 – 10 h 00
Conférencière
Cochlear implant candidacy and utilization has changed dramatically since this treatment was routinely adapted for use. The indications for cochlear implantation have expanded with technological advancements and a greater understanding of the potential outcomes and benefits. Patients with a greater variety of hearing losses including asymmetric, unilateral, or steeply sloping losses are now considered appropriate candidates for cochlear implantation. Patients with a greater variety of etiologies (i.e. Meniere’s, vestibular schwannoma, otosclerosis) are now able to benefit from cochlear implantation. Paediatric candidates are being identified and implanted at an earlier age and elderly patients are enjoying improved hearing and quality of life with cochlear implants. Cochlear implant technology has progressed to offer greater ease of use, safety, and compatibility with other devices. This presentation will review how cochlear implant candidacy has evolved from the traditional to non-traditional.
10 h 15 – 11 h 15
Conférencière
The cochlea and vestibular system develop from a shared anatomic origin. As such, many etiologies of hearing loss lead to dysfunction of the vestibular end-organs through a common pathophysiologic pathway. Determining the etiology of the deafness can be the first step in recognizing the risk of concurrent vestibular impairments in children with SNHL. Such high-risk etiologies span acquired infectious causes (i.e. congenital cytomegalovirus, meningitis), anatomic (i.e. anomalous cochleovestibular apparatus) and genetic causes (i.e. Usher Type 1). Congenital or early acquired vestibular impairments have impacts on development that extend well beyond balance and motor skill development. Amplification, particularly when it provides bilateral balanced auditory input, as well as physical therapy can enhance function in children with cochleovestibular impairment.
11 h 15 – 12 h 45
12 h 45 – 14 h 15
Conférencier
During this learning session, George will share in a way that is in alignment with his Coast Salish protocols – in the oral tradition and through storytelling. Participants will discover the beauty and intricacies nurtured within Indigenous relationship and will unpack how communities have and continue to be impacted by the effects of an ongoing attempted genocide. Finally, we will learn how these experiences continue to affect First Nations engagement with the Canadian health care system. Listeners can anticipate an emphasis on how audiologists and other healthcare providers can enhance the cultural safety of their professional practice.
12 h 45 – 14 h 15
Conférencière
Through the power of digital marketing, learn how to attract your ideal client and start building a relationship with them before they step inside your clinic. Few forms of advertising are as cost-effective and data-driven as digital marketing.
12 h 45 – 14 h 15
Conférencière
Real-ear measurements (REM) are commonly viewed as a best practice procedure for the fitting and verification of hearing instrument technology. This session will review strategies that can be used to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and overall value of REM, with particular emphasis on the Audioscan Verifit2. In addition to fundamental concepts, verification tools, and techniques applicable to several advanced hearing aid features and form factors will be reviewed including open fittings, frequency lowering technology and CROS/BiCROS devices.
14 h 30 – 16 h 00
Modérateur
Audiologists in Canada have followed OTC hearing aid developments closely with a vested interest ever since a regulated category of OTC hearing aids was first proposed in the U.S. For years, we have been speculating about how and when the market demand and availability for OTC hearing aids may impact both Canadian clinical practice and our profession. Rex Banks will begin the session with an opening talk about “where we are” with OTCs in Canada and then ask hearing aid manufacturer leaders to address key questions, providing updates along with insights, on this topic with attendees having the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session.