April—May—June - International Hearing Society
Transcription
April—May—June - International Hearing Society
Official Journal of the International Hearing Society heearing THE Professional APRIL–MAY–JUNE 2009 San Diego, California IHS Convention 2009 INSIDE: Special IHS Convention Preview The obvious choice when price is the issue. HIT HIT IS THE NEW STANDARD IN ENTRY LEVEL HEARING CARE. Based on Oticon’s superior RISE microchip platform, Hit delivers 8Khz bandwidth and advanced automatics in a complete range of product styles. With two price points Hit and Hit Pro, you can now deliver a whole new standard of hearing care to your price sensitive patients. RITE BTE 312 BTE 13 CIC For more information please call 1-800-526-3921 or visit - www.oticonusa.com ITC HS/LP The Hearing Professional VOLUME 58, No. 2 • APRIL–MAY–JUNE 2009 (USPS 036-940) 16880 Middlebelt Rd., Ste. 4, Livonia, Michigan 48154 Telephone: 734.522.7200 • FAX: 734.522.0200 • Website: ihsinfo.org THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL (ISSN 0004-7473) is published quarterly for members of the International Hearing Society (IHS), 16880 Middlebelt Road, Ste. 4, Livonia, Michigan 48154. Periodicals postage paid at Livonia, Michigan and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Hearing Professional, 16880 Middlebelt Road, Ste. 4, Livonia, Michigan 48154. THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL is the official journal of IHS, a nonprofit association of hearing healthcare professionals. Its purpose is to present authoritative technical and business information that will help hearing aid specialists serve hearing impaired people. Copyright © 2009 International Hearing Society IHS members are engaged in the practice of testing human hearing and selecting, fitting and dispensing hearing instruments. Special membership categories of the Society offer membership to those who are involved in or have an interest in the hearing instrument profession, but are not actively fitting and dispensing hearing aids. Call 734.522.7200 for information about IHS membership. OFFICERS AND GOVERNORS Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA President Alan Lowell, BC-HIS, ACA President-Elect Bruce Sharp, BC-HIS, ACA Secretary Larry Farris, BC-HIS, ACA Treasurer James Ogurek, BC-HIS Immediate Past President 503.472.8850 386.322.0832 801.484.3277 210.342.2299 Scott Beall, BC-HIS, AuD Todd Beyer, BC-HIS Richard Giles, BC-HIS A. Frederick Goossen, BC-HIS Tom Higgins, BC-HIS, ACA John Letts, BC-HIS John Moore, BC-HIS 513.722.2500 715.675.9923 360.690.4327 585.419.9702 201.934.7755 306.343.9516 772.219.9773 715.842.9882 EDITORIAL ADVISORS Kathy-Jo Facteau, BC-HIS Kathy Harvey-Jones, BC-HIS, CCCA Kenneth Laferle, BC-HIS Raymond Loercher, BC-HIS, ACA William Schenk, BC-HIS, ACA EDITORIAL STAFF Cindy Helms, Publisher Autumn Kovach, Managing Editor APRIL–MAY–JUNE 2009 Contents 2 President’s Message By Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA 4 From the Executive Director By Cindy J. Helms 5 International Hearing Society 2008 Annual Report to Members 11 IHS Board of Governors and Staff 12 Inside Industry: Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA, New IHS President 14 IHS Annual Convention and Expo 19 Professional Platform: Using a Patient-Centered Approach to Professionalize Your Office By Granville Brady, AuD 22 Soundbytes THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL is circulated to all members of IHS and to selected hearing aid manufacturers and suppliers. Advertising rate cards available on request. Subscription is free to all members of the Society. Paid subscriptions are available for $35 in the United States and Canada and $45 in all other countries. Contact IHS for additional details. INFORMATION contained in articles, editorials or paid advertising does not represent the endorsement of any specific product nor is IHS responsible for opinions or interpretations expressed by contributors. 23 Chapter Track 24 IHS Membership Application MICROFILM BACKFILES available from University Microfilms, Inc., Serials Acquisitions, 300 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106. 25 IIHIS Approved Courses Manuscripts: Researchers, practitioners, and others are invited to submit articles and papers for publication. THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materials. 28 Classifieds Building Trust with ACA The American Conference of Audioprosthology (ACA) is the premier program that helps hearing instrument dispensers grow their practices, reach higher goals, and establish themselves as respected healthcare providers. Offered by the International Hearing Society’s education division, the International Institute for Hearing Instruments Studies, this advanced program propels you to the highest standards of excellence in your field. For more information on this exciting career opportunity contact Carrie Pedersen at 734.522.7200, ext. 230 or check out the IHS website at www.ihsinfo.org. A Sound Investment in Your Future THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL 1 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE By Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA IHS President In this edition of The Hearing Professional, I would like to touch upon several issues that have an impact on all of us. The IHS Board of Governors held its annual spring meeting in San Diego, California on March 27–28. After talking with and listening to you, the members of IHS, a discussion was held during the Board meeting regarding the subject of mail order and Internet sales of hearing aids. A change in the IHS Code of Ethics was presented and passed unanimously by the Board. The revised Code of Ethics will state that IHS members shall not sell hearing aids to a patient via mail order or Internet without establishing direct, face-to-face contact. I would like to take a moment and comment on the advantages of continued learning. I might have thought that after 30-years of fitting hearing instruments I knew it all, but, I was wrong. Much of what was taught in the classes I attended with the American Conference of Audioprosthology Program as well as those at Spokane Falls Community College was information that I had learned and forgotten over the years, but more importantly, there was new material. What has this done for me and what can it do for you? Being back in class had a far-reaching effect that has an underlying benefit that will not be reflected on a grade or certificate of completion. It comes across in a higher level of enthusiasm and knowledge that your staff and patients will pick up on. Continuing your education will improve your business and the care that you provide to your patients. You will outdistance the competition and improve the bottom line. So what are you waiting for? For the new members who have just recently joined IHS and if this is your first issue of The Hearing Professional, and especially to all those of you who are new to the profession, again I would like to welcome you as a member. There are so many benefits offered to you with your membership in the Society and I encourage you to take advantage of them. One such benefit of IHS membership is receiving a member discount to attend the 58th Annual Convention and Expo. This year’s meeting will be in San Diego, October 14–18 at the luxurious Town and Country Resort (for more information see pages 14–18). And, after just recently visiting the Resort for our Board meeting, I can guarantee that you will love it as much as I did. Bring the entire family, and while you are busy attending classes or visiting manufacturers in the exhibit hall they will love spending time at one of the many pools or restaurants available. Another great advantage—the convention headquarters hotel is within walking distance to the shopping mall, and only a short cab ride will take you downtown, to SeaWorld, or the San Diego Zoo. Register now and start planning your convention experience. This is your opportunity to network, share ideas, see the latest of what the manufacturers have to offer, and participate in some top-rated seminars. The schedule for the convention is always busy for IHS Board members; however, we are never too busy to stop and chat with you, and I personally look forward to the opportunity to meet as many of you as possible. 2 APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2009 F R O M T H E E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R In this issue of the magazine we present the 2008 IHS Annual Report to Members. This is a consolidated summary of the year’s highlights for your information and review. We are tremendously pleased that the combined efforts of staff, governors, and volunteers have resulted in noteworthy accomplishments for which we can all be proud. As advocates for your profession we have continued to gain regulatory By Cindy J. Helms IHS Executive Director strongholds, grow our education division, welcome new student and professional members, upgrade our communications media and, in general, achieve ever higher levels of excellence, stature, and respectability. You will note, however, that 2008 expenses exceeded income. As with many other organizations, especially nonprofits, this is attributable to the global economic crisis. IHS has not been immune to the consequences of the recession, but we are working proactively to meet the daunting fiscal challenges of the current climate. A community spirit will be key as we move forward. The executive management of the Society has been diligent in its effor ts to minimize the budgetary fallout, while simultaneously maximizing the value of our membership dollars. As 2009 unfolds, we will continue to make any changes necessary to ensure the financial stability of the Society. I can assure you that your best interests are the driving force in our day-to-day operations and our long-range strategic planning. Tough times tend to bring us closer together in a common goal and we need to work in unison in support of our mission to serve the hearing impaired to the best of our ability. We appreciate that you have retained your IHS membership and hope that you’ll join us in San Diego for the annual convention. Any advocacy contributions would be most welcome and, as always, your ideas and suggestions are strongly encouraged. A community spirit will be key as we move forward. Let me say in closing that the Board of Governors and staff are honored to represent you, the members. You have entrusted us with the Society’s management and we, in turn, have devoted ourselves to protecting and advancing your professional interests. We extend our sincerest thanks for your loyal support of the Society and your dedication to the hearing healthcare profession. Quality of life for the hearing Ms. Helms can be reached at 734.522.7200 or by email at [email protected]. 4 impaired continues to improve through your expert, compassionate care and we are proud to serve each and every one of you. APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2009 International Hearing Society 2008 Annual Report to Members The Board of Governors and staff of the International Hearing Society are pleased to present the 2008 Annual Report to Members. All activities throughout the year were dedicated to actions deemed to be the most powerfully advantageous to our membership. Our efforts on your behalf are guided by our mission to represent your interests in the best possible ways. Statement of Operations The year-end financial statement places expenses over revenue by $33,172. While the severe economic downturn is responsible for this deficit, you can be assured that staff and leadership worked diligently to keep our losses to a minimum during this challenging recessionary period. Revenue Administration and Miscellaneous $ Membership $ 568,346 Advocacy $ Education $ 522,575 Communications $ Conventions and Meetings $ 276,231 Total $1,469,535 Administration and Misc. 1% 10,964 64,112 Conventions and Meetings 20% Communications 2% Membership 38% 27,307 Education 35% Advocacy 4% Expenses Administration and Miscellaneous $ 782,499 Membership $ Advocacy $ 111,964 Education $ 161,811 Communications $ Conventions and Meetings $ 364,611 TOTAL $1,502,707 Expenses Over Revenue $ (33,172) 8,217 73,605 Conventions and Meetings 24% Communications 5% Administration and Misc. 52% Education 11% Advocacy 7% Membership 1% Advocacy and Outreach Many thanks to those of you who contributed to the Advocacy Alliance. These funds are used exclusively for advocating on your behalf in the legislative and regulatory arena and in developing important coalitions for a stronger, more influential voice. It is of critical importance in expanding the benefits of better hearing to an increasing number of those in need and in safeguarding your ability to serve them. As IHS continues its vigorous advocacy and liaison efforts, we urge our members to actively participate in the political process and develop and sustain relationships with their elected representatives at the state, provincial, and federal level. — 2008 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS — 5 Federal Government Affairs An important member service provided by IHS is federal advocacy. This work to affect legislation and regulations and to develop relationships and coalitions with others in the hearing health sector is designed to expand the benefits of amplification to an increasing number of the hearing impaired. For more than thirty years, the Society has maintained the excellent services of Washington Counsel Tim Waters of McDermott Will & Emery LLP to help guide our regulatory efforts. For more than a decade, Karen Sealander, also of McDermott Will & Emery LLP, has advocated with Waters on the Society’s behalf. (Special note: Mr. Waters retired at the end of 2008. We wish him many long and happy years ahead.) Tax Credit Legislation IHS continues its support of the Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act. This legislation is designed to encourage an increasing number of Americans to enjoy the benefits of amplification. The legislation would provide a tax credit of up to $500 per hearing aid, available once every five years, toward the purchase of a hearing aid. The legislation has no restrictions on who may dispense the device and no restrictions on the technology available to the patient. At the close of the 110th Congressional session the legislation saw the support of 112 members for the House version of the bill and 13 members for the Senate bill. Although this legislation failed to pass in the 110th Congress, there is tremendous support from influential Congressional committee members to encourage passage in the 111th Congressional session. IHS Board of Governors Meeting The IHS Board of Governors took their annual spring Board meeting to the U.S. capitol. IHS governors and staff held individual meetings with their respective Members of Congress and key federal agency personnel carrying the message that millions of Americans could and should benefit from the hearing help available to them. Among the priority issues addressed was the hearing aid tax credit. In addition to individual Congressional visits, meetings were held with the offices of several members of the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee, which have jurisdiction over the tax credit. During this lobbying effort, IHS partnered with the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and the Hearing Industries Association (HIA) to meet with representatives from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). OPM has jurisdiction over the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, which covers approximately eight million government 6 workers and their families. As a direct result of that meeting OPM issued a call letter to insurance carriers encouraging them to enhance hearing aid benefits and to include all licensed and qualified providers. Public Awareness Program IHS collaborated with other members of the hearing healthcare community to promote a public awareness program through the Surgeon General’s office. The meeting with Acting Surgeon General Rear Admiral Galson, MD, MPH, was arranged by the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) to urge the Surgeon General to take on hearing loss as a public literacy/public awareness outreach effort. Other hearing health organizations present at the meeting included representatives from AG Bell, AAO-HNS, HIA, American Academy of Audiology, American Speech-Hearing-Language Association, and National Association of the Deaf. The Surgeon General was impressed with the wide range of representatives in attendance and showed a keen interest in hearing health issues. The meeting successfully opened a dialogue between the office and the hearing health community. Standard Occupational Classification Update On May 22, 2008, the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Policy Committee published in the Federal Register its recommendations to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for revising the SOC for 2010. In response, IHS submitted a written request to the OMB that hearing aid specialists be separately identified as a distinct detailed occupation. Resulting from the Society’s advocacy, the 2010 SOC will separately identify hearing aid specialists as a distinct detailed occupation under Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations, subcategory Health Technologists and Technicians. Partnership Between IHS and AAO-HNS IHS collaborates very effectively with AAO-HNS on federal legislative, regulatory, and public affairs matters. We have, for example, written numerous joint letters to the FDA and conducted numerous joint meetings with FDA officials, Members of Congress, and congressional staff to advance our shared view that entry into the hearing healthcare delivery system through all three providers (physicians, hearing instrument specialists, and audiologists) must be preserved. We also joined together to form America’s Hearing Healthcare Team, which advocates a multidisciplinary team approach with access to all qualified providers. The leadership of both organizations meets regularly to discuss issues of critical importance and explore new ways in which their partnership can be mutually supportive. — 2008 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS — Provider Network Inclusion IHS believes that licensed and qualified hearing healthcare professionals should be included in provider networks serving patients with insurance coverage for hearing aids and related services. To support that message, the IHS Board of Governors, Federal Advocacy Committee, Washington Counsel, and staff collaborated on the creation of a white paper that will be used to promote our position on this important issue. State Government Affairs Another important aspect of our advocacy efforts is at the local level, primarily in providing assistance to affiliate chapters to supplement their respective efforts. The following section highlights state legislative actions that occurred in 2008 and our continued coalition efforts with others on the hearing healthcare team. IHS and AAO-HNS State Liaison Effort IHS and AAO-HNS maintain a state liaison effort which affords the Society’s chapters the opportunity to establish an official liaison relationship with otolaryngologists in their state. Activities that have resulted from this program include sharing of information with respect to state legislative developments, increasing coordination of grassroots efforts to promote the importance of hearing health, and working to ensure that state legislators understand the hearing healthcare delivery system. State Events in Support of Tax Credit Legislation IHS partnered with the HIA and other allied organizations to support the hearing aid tax credit legislation at the grassroots level by supporting local events for influential Congressional leaders. In 2008, local events were held for Rep. Nick Lampson (D–Houston, TX), Rep. Xavier Beccerra (D–Los Angeles, CA), Rep. Mike Thompson (D–Napa, CA), and Rep. Shelley Berkley (D–Las Vegas, NV). These targeted local events were designed to raise the Congressman’s awareness of the importance of hearing health to overall health and general well-being and to demonstrate constituent support for hearing aid tax credit legislation. IHS and local affiliate chapter leadership provide organizational and promotional support for these events. Insurance Coverage for Hearing Health Twenty states addressed insurance legislation with varying degrees of coverage and provider provisions. IHS is committed to promoting access to all licensed and qualified hearing healthcare professionals in provider networks serving patients with insurance coverage for hearing aids and related services. Audioprosthology Title Attention was once again focused on the use of the Audioprosthology title during 2008. Only those who have completed the advance practice training of the American Conference of Audioprosthology are allowed to use this title. Working with leadership on the state level, IHS has educated policymakers and regulatory authorities on the value of the program and justification for graduates to use the title. Legislative Monitoring An electronic reporting service allows IHS to daily monitor legislative activity throughout the U.S. that could impact the hearing healthcare profession and the hearing impaired. IHS notifies the appropriate chapter and works with their leadership to provide strategic development and implementation, documentation, bill analysis, and coordinate strategic contacts. Professional Education and Training IHS continues to be a leader in hearing healthcare education. Managed by IHS’s education division, the International Institute for Hearing Instruments Studies (IIHIS), our programs are widely acclaimed for their standards of excellence. Highlights of IIHIS accomplishments for 2008 follow. IIHIS is the largest provider of accreditation for continuing education programs in hearing instrument sciences. With nearly 300 course approvals, this was an exceptional year for provider-sponsored programs. Over 15,000 certificates of completion were issued to course attendees. IIHIS developed 14 seminars for the IHS convention. Sales and distribution of the Society’s distance learning program for entry-level training, Distance Learning for Professional in Hearing Health Sciences, continues to flourish at an all-time high. Nearly 800 programs were sold in 2008 and 183 students completed the course. The distance learning program was translated into Spanish for broader distribution. IHS’s advanced educational program, the American Conference of Audioprosthology, continues to thrive. This is a 13-month course available to interested hearing health professionals in the U.S. Fifteen students graduated during the year. — 2008 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS — 7 2007–2008 Committees IHS extends its appreciation to the following members who have demonstrated their commitment to the Society and the profession by volunteering their time and expertise on one or more committees. They excelled during their twoyear service term and many agreed to serve again in 2009–2010. Member involvement through voluntarism is a critical component of our success. ACA Federal Advocacy Pat Connelly, PhD, CCCA, Chair Hans Christopher Bell, BC-HIS, ACA Thomas Higgins, BC-HIS, ACA Dana McSpaden, CCC-SLP/A Therese Wolf, BC-HIS, ACA J. Scott George, BC-HIS, Chair Robin Clowers, BC-HIS Larry Farris, BC-HIS, ACA Raymond Rich, BC-HIS W. Ben Wofford, BC-HIS Awards Grievance Scott Austin, BC-HIS, Chair W. F. Samuel Hopmeier, BC-HIS Patrick Kochanowski, BC-HIS, ACA Nonean Price, BC-HIS G. Charles Young, BC-HIS A. W. Britt Rivers, BC-HIS, Chair Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA Charles St. James, BC-HIS Kathy Harvey-Jones, BC-HIS, CCCA, Chair Sandy Bichard, BC-HIS Todd Beyer, BC-HIS, ACA Michael Stone, BC-HIS Antoinette Tiberi, BC-HIS Nonean Price, BC-HIS Leann Polhill, BC-HIS Joel Cmiel, BC-HIS The Hearing Professional Public Relations Bylaws Howard Kan, BC-HIS, Chair Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA Ray Hill, BC-HIS, ACA Carl McCurdy, BC-HIS Raymond Rich, BC-HIS Michael Stone, BC-HIS Chapter Relations Larry Farris, BC-HIS, ACA, Chair A. Frederick Goossen, BC-HIS Deanne Manning, BC-HIS Bruce Sharp, BC-HIS, ACA Deborah Twisdale, BC-HIS CPOP Therese Wolf, BC-HIS, ACA, Chair Kathy Harvey-Jones, BC-HIS, CCCA Michael Moran, BC-HIS Ethics Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA, Chair John Bartolucci, BC-HIS, ACA Sandy Bichard, BC-HIS Harlan Blake, BC-HIS Linda Donaldson, BC-HIS, CCCA W. F. Samuel Hopmeier, BC-HIS Stanley McDaniel, BC-HIS, ACA Lloyd Musselman, BC-HIS, ACA Robert Siegel, AuD, BC-HIS, CCCA Exhibit Kelly Clark (Sonic Innovations) Grace Defilippis (Beltone) Randy Dickins (MedRx) Henning Falster (Oticon) Janis Lybarger (Microsonic) 8 Nominating Committee for President-Elect Pat Connelly, PhD, CCCA, Chair Granville Brady, AuD Kathy-Jo Facteau, BC-HIS Ken LaFerle, BC-HIS Ray Loercher, BC-HIS, ACA Scott Austin, BC-HIS, Chair Christine Feige, BC-HIS Thomas Higgins, BC-HIS, ACA Connie Johnson, BC-HIS Bill Schenk, BC-HIS, ACA International Affairs Resource Development John Letts, BC-HIS, Chair Harlan Cato, BC-HIS Anne Hogarth Alan Stone, BC-HIS International Institute for Hearing Instruments Studies Pat Connelly, PhD, CCCA, Chair Denny Dingler, BC-HIS, ACA Rick Giles, BC-HIS Jerome Goldstein, MD Kathy Harvey-Jones, BC-HIS, CCCA Charles Herb, BC-HIS, ACA Jay McSpaden, PhD, BC-HIS, CCCA Ron Perry, BC-HIS, ACA Item Writers H. Christopher Bell, BC-HIS, ACA, Chair Larry Brethower, BC-HIS Kathy Harvey-Jones, BC-HIS, CCCA Dana McSpaden, CCC-SLP/A Jay McSpaden, PhD, BC-HIS, CCCA Michael Moran, BC-HIS Kelly Morgan-MacKenzie, BC-HIS Richard Nodar, PhD Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA, Chair Scott Austin, BC-HIS W. F. Samuel Hopmeier, BC-HIS Alan Lowell, BC-HIS, ACA Bruce Sharp, BC-HIS, ACA Scope of Practice Laura Dennison, BC-HIS, CCCA, Chair Randy Swint, BC-HIS State Advocacy Therese Wolf, BC-HIS, ACA, Chair Linda Donaldson, BC-HIS, CCCA Kathy Harvey-Jones, BC-HIS, CCCA Bruce Mow We also wish to thank those who served temporary assignments for territorial governor elections. Membership Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA, Chair Sherry Appleby, BC-HIS Christine Fiege, BC-HIS A. Frederick Goossen, BC-HIS Mary Lou Luebbe-Gearhart, BC-HIS, AuD, CCCA — 2008 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS — New Members in 2008 The Society is only as strong as its membership and we are pleased to announce the addition of 293 new members in 2008. We wish to congratulate the following individuals who stepped forward to become members of IHS. We salute your commitment to the profession and welcome you aboard. John Adams, III, BC-HIS Anthony Albanese Leigh Alderman Fabiola Anaya James Anderson, BC-HIS, CCC-SLP Clayton Andrews, III, BC-HIS Natalie Andrews Brenda Angelstad, BC-HIS Eliodoro Anglarill Chris Arnold Lindsay Atwood Mary Barber Megan Barnes Andreas Barous Amber Barr Elizabeth Barth, BC-HIS C. Reagan Beam Uttam Belel Annie Belin-Bilke Deborah Beneby Zachary Bennett, BC-HIS Dennis Bettis, BC-HIS Sean Borland Candace Boyer Cynthia Britt Kenneth Brooks, BC-HIS Theresa Brumfield Brenda Brumwell Jerry Brungardt, BC-HIS Thomas Bryant, BC-HIS Ross Burke Joe Burns Leslie Bush Karen Butler, BC-HIS, ACA Sandra Cahill, BC-HIS Mirtha Camacho Christina Campanozzi Colette Carey Kevin Cason Robert Caswell Tracy Caswell Timothy Chapman Valerie Charette, BC-HIS Christopher Childs Chris Chmielewski Maria Chrysikos Susan Cloud Ryan Cohen Lois Collie Jim Collins David Colombo Diana Constantino Leslie Cook Lucia Cordovez, BC-HIS Jack Moore Corry, II, BC-HIS Susan Cote Thais Coughanour Kevin Crabtree Thomas Crone Rhonda Cunningham, ACA Judith Curtin Terra Dannes Gerianne Davenport, BC-HIS Michelle Davenport, BC-HIS, AuD Debra Davila Fidel Davila, ACA Charles Davis Shawn Davis Michael De Yarman Belinda DeLaby Dwayne Devore David Dishman, BC-HIS Shirley Dominick Charlene Doss Jill Dowling Thomas Downey James Downing, BC-HIS Sandra Duncan, BC-HIS Jeffrey Duttera Tracie Edwards Andrew Ehlers Kristen Ekedal Daniel Faneuf Cathy Fasano Darryl Feaga Deanne Feirick John Finnerty James Fish, BC-HIS Anthony Foggia Terry Fox, BC-HIS Hirsch Friedman Hal Frost Kevin Fura Marco Fuster Roger Garcia Carol Gaussoin Golda Gold Diane Gonzalez James Graham Shirley Green, ACA Rochelle Gregoire Kathy Gregory Debra Griffin, BC-HIS Brett Griffith Scott Guyer Charles Haas Tayebeh Hajibagheri Terry Hall Nicole Hamdan-Huguelet John Hamm, BC-HIS Trevor Hancheroff, BC-HIS Amy Harris Debra Harris Cherry Hartshorn, BC-HIS Ronald Haynes, BC-HIS Melissa Hazelton Arlynn Hefta Clayton Helms Jill Hermiller JennaMarie Hille Joseph Hines Gary Hittleman, BC-HIS Candice Holden Kyle Hooper Beth Hummeldorf Audie Hunsbusher Natalie Huska, BC-HIS Rosemarie Huskey Dianne Ingwersen Dwight Isenhoward Clifton Istre, BC-HIS, CCCA Bea Jackson Stephen Joffe, MD Misty Jones, BC-HIS Robert Jones, III Russell Jones, BC-HIS Teresa Jones Thomas Jones — 2008 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS — 9 Esther Jordan Gloria Joseph Edward Justice Rachel Justice Kristofer Kaelin Zahra Kalantari Eric Kaminsky Diane Kaplan Lyle Karp Kathleen Kelly William Kemple, BC-HIS Dean Kent Bader Khalaf Kenneth Kidd Bonnie King Cindy King, BC-HIS Donna Kirkland James Kish Steve Klapperich Donald Kleindl, III Julie Klompas Robert Knapp, III Melissa Knapp-Jensen Kevin Knight Dean Knoblach, BC-HIS Sharon Kober Gina Kontz, ABA Elizabeth Kremer, BC-HIS Barbara Kummerlen Daniel LaDuke Janet LaFond Nathan Laisure Krista Lalonde Royce LaMarr, BC-HIS Carolyn Langston Bullington Melissa Lee Tammy Legge Gregory LeRoy, BC-HIS Jeff Lev Douglas Lewis, JD Kurt Lillemon Joyce Long, BC-HIS Virginia Lopez Daniela LoPresti Angela Losonsky Diane Lukens, BC-HIS David Lupien Stephanie Macke Frank Mackell Randall Madden Summer Maddox Steve Marando, BC-HIS 10 Bryce Marsh Mary McAndrew, BC-HIS Barack McClain Thomas McCroskey, Jr., BC-HIS Angela McGlumphy Roberta McMillian Sally McMullin Alexander Meier Michael Meleca Angela Melton, ACA Kaiwa Metzker Barbara Miles Brian Miles, BC-HIS Trena Morgan Larry Mortemore Sharon Mueller Anna Mysliwiec, BC-HIS Robert Naegely Donnie Newman, Jr. Steven W. Newsom Mark E. Nielson, III, BC-HIS Joe O’Donnell Wade O’Neal Jeffrey Olson Alaina Orr Stephen Owens Maritza Palacios Emily Palmer Sharon Pattee Robert Pavlik, BC-HIS Brent Peterson, BC-HIS Deborah Phalen Rise Preslar Anthony Pro Mike Pruneda Kimber Quattlebaum Douglas Rankin Julie Raybuck, BC-HIS Kristi Raymond David Reamer, BC-HIS Eric Reams Andria Reid-Caro Lisa Rex, BC-HIS Ricky Robinson Daniel Rolin Travis Roskam Alyre Joseph Roy, BC-HIS Karen Rushkewich Art Salas Jerry Salas Jennifer Salisbury Mary San Miguel Stephanie Sari Sugano Satoshi Martin Sattler Roger Saunders, BC-HIS Michael Schaeffler, BC-HIS Michael Schmit Karen Schneider, BC-HIS Garrett Schupp Jason Shillingstad Debbra Sikora, BC-HIS Grady Simmons, BC-HIS William Simmons, BC-HIS Tomas Slosarek Amanda Smith Donald Smith Melody Smith-Jones Michael Spain Robert Stevenson, AuD, CCCA Karla Stokes Jeremy Stroud, BC-HIS Mark Stuemke Laura Szot Howard Tamashiro, AuD Valerie Taylor Dennis Tembreull Aggie Thiesing Lisa Thomas, ACA P. Drew Thompson David Trefry Calvin Trepp Malvina Trifilio, BC-HIS Elizabeth Vickery, BC-HIS Peter Vieira, BC-HIS Ronald Villeneuve, BC-HIS Amy Waller Donna Watson Paula Watson Carol Weidman, BC-HIS Bruce Weinstein, BC-HIS Lee Weissman Karen Wheeler Tina Wicker-Carper George Widhson, Sr. George Widhson, III Julianne Wiley Kathleen Winget Leslie Winget B. Scott Wisniewski, BC-HIS Jon Wood Jessica Ziegler Robert Zwickey — 2008 ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS — The IHS Board of Governors and staff look forward to serving you in 2009 and providing you with the highest level of support and assistance. IHS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA [email protected] President-Elect Alan Lowell, BC-HIS, ACA Secretary Bruce Sharp BC-HIS, ACA Treasurer Larry Farris, BC-HIS, ACA [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Immediate Past President James Ogurek, BC-HIS [email protected] IHS TERRITORIAL GOVERNORS Scott Beall, AuD, BC‑HIS Todd Beyer, BC‑HIS, ACA Larry Farris, BC-HIS, ACA Central East: IN, KY, MI, OH Central: IL, IA, MO, MN, WI Southwest: AZ, AR, LA, NM, OK, TX [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Richard Giles, BC-HIS, ACA A. Frederick Goossen, BC-HIS Pacific: AK, CA, HI, Northeast Coast: ID, NV, OR, WA CT, ME, MA, NH, NY, [email protected] RI, VT [email protected] Tom Higgins, BC‑HIS, ACA John Letts, BC-HIS John Moore, BC-HIS Central East Coast: DE, DC, MD, NJ, PA, VA, WV Canada [email protected] Southeast: AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN [email protected] [email protected] Bruce Sharp, BC-HIS, ACA Northwest: CO, KS, MN, MT, NE, ND, SD, UT, WY [email protected] IHS STAFF* Cindy Helms Executive Director [email protected] Autumn Kovach Administrative Manager and THP Editor Susan Stewart Government Affairs Manager [email protected] Alice Markey Executive Assistant *There are 10 staff positions, but the new hire for Marketing/ Membership/ Communications Manager had not been determined at press time. Marlene Deuby Executive Assistant [email protected] Rosalie Francis Executive Assistant [email protected] THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL [email protected] Kathleen Mennillo Education Manager [email protected] Carrie Pedersen Education Services Coordinator [email protected] [email protected] Tami Bethune IT Specialist [email protected] 11 INSIDE INDUSTRY Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA New IHS President future of IHS, what are the most important issues on your agenda? Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA, be gan his two-year term as president of the International Hearing Society (IHS) on January 1, 2009. President Gustafson received his dispensing license in 1977 and was later certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences and completed IHS’s educational program the American Conference of Audioprosthology. Gustafson, a member of IHS since 1980, resides with his wife Meg in Salem, Oregon. In a recent interview with The Hearing Professional, Gustafson discussed his goals for the next two years and gave us an insider’s look into his life. THP: I think our readers would like to know, first of all, about your background and what motivated you to choose hearing instrument dispensing as a career. Gustafson: I was born in Prineville, Oregon and I grew up in Salem, which Gustafson: My first priority is to see our membership grow in number. IHS as a professional society welcomes all hearing health professionals. It is with the strength in membership that we will make our voice heard on issues at the state/provincial levels and internationally. THP: Please share with our readers your thoughts on expanding education. Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA makes me a native Oregonian. I got my first start in the business when my former father-in-law owned a business called Oregon Hearing Aid Center. With his encouragement and training, I started my career in the hearing health profession. THP: What made you want the very top position at IHS? Gustafson: With the leadership training I have received through my involvement with the Lions Club, I felt I had the necessary skills. I am a strong supporter of IHS and what our members do for the benefit of our patients. I believe key to that is to continuously be involved with improving ourselves. I am a strong believer in mentoring, and if I can reach out and encourage just one person to go further with their career, then I feel I have succeeded. Enjoying the beautiful surroundings at Zion National Park. 12 THP: An incoming president always brings a fresh perspective and a unique set of priorities. As you consider the Gustafson: I believe strongly that continuing education is the key to having the competitive edge in this business. I’d like our members and others to utilize the educational resources available out there today. IHS’s American Conference of Audioprosthology (ACA) is a tremendous opportunity to advance your business and improve your skills as a professional. And, I highly recommend the pursuit of earning a degree in a hearing instrument sciences program. THP: You clearly have a strong passion for continuing education. Can you tell our readers about your educational background? Gustafson: I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Oregon University back in 1992. And last year I completed the hearing instrument specialist program at Spokane Falls Community College and received my associates in applied science degree. THP: You have an outstanding history of volunteerism in the hearing healthcare profession. Will you please share a few highlights with our readers? Gustafson: I served two terms as president of the Oregon Hearing Society. I was appointed by the governor to serve on the Oregon Governor’s Advisory Council on Hearing Aids for the APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2009 INSIDE INDUSTRY Oregon Health Licensing Agency and served in that capacity for 13 years. I was elected to the NBC-HIS Executive Council; however, I relinquished that position as I became an officer on the IHS Board. I have also volunteered on several committees including IHS’s Ethics, Membership, Resource Development, and Grievance Committees. THP: What are some of your proudest accomplishments as a hearing healthcare professional? Gustafson: First, I’d say becoming Board Certified with NBC-HIS. And next completing the coursework of the ACA program and then taking that to the next level and going back to school at Spokane Falls Community College and earning my associates degree in the hearing instrument sciences program. THP: Switching gears altogether, if you had to guess, what would you say is something people would be most shocked to learn about you? Gustafson: I spent a year in jail. At the time, we referred to it as, “Home Release.” I had the keys and went home at the end of the shift as I spent a year working as a corrections officer for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Gustafson: I’ve been married since 1986 to my wife Meg who I met while attending a Tri-State convention. She is an educational audiologist currently working with the Willamette Education Service District. We love traveling and the life on cruises. Some trips have taken us to Sweden, Mexico, Alaska, the Grand Canyon, and Crater Lake here in Oregon. We also enjoy hiking, camping, and I especially enjoy fishing trips. We try to make one or two trips annually to visit Ashland, Oregon to attend plays at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, as well as trips to Seattle to visit family and see plays at the Seattle Repertory Theater. We also have season tickets to the Oregon Symphony and the Pentacle Theater here in Salem. THP: In closing is there anything you’d like to share? Gustafson: I look forward to serving all of the members of IHS and being a part of the continued growth of our Society. THP Chris and his wife Meg. THP: How do you like to spend time away from the rigors of your very busy professional schedule? Balance work, family, and school. Take MacEwan’s Hearing Aid Practitioner program in the comfort of your own home through distance delivery. Due to our rapidly aging population, trained hearing aid practitioners are in high demand! Based on international standards, this 60-credit, two-year program offers a professional credential at a price that won’t make your ears ring! Learn to: s0ERFORMHEARINGTESTSANDEVALUATE client needs s3ELECTFITANDDISPENSEHEARINGAIDS and assistive listening devices s$EVELOPBUSINESSMANAGEMENTAND customer relation skills Find out more! Call 1-800-799-6113 or visit www.MacEwan.ca/hearingaid. Chris and his big catch. THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL 13 Join Us in “Sun-sational” San Diego! The IHS Annual Convention and Expo is always a spectacular whirlwind of seminars, business meetings, manufacturer products, networking and fun in a beautiful location. This year’s exciting destination tunes us in to the “Sun‑sational Sounds” of San Diego, California from October 14–18! Please read on to see what excitement awaits at this year’s meeting. Sharpen Your Professional Edge Now is the perfect time to renew your commitment to your profession. The IHS 58th Annual Convention and Expo is the ideal opportunity for celebrating the superb quality of care we provide to the hearing impaired around the world. You can expect an explosion of creative concepts, innovative programming, practicebuilding opportunities and, well, just plain fun. As an attendee, you’ll visit with old friends and make important new business connections. You’ll have a firsthand look at the industry’s most progressive products and services. You’ll broaden your knowledge base for advanced expertise. You’ll join forces with colleagues to promote the ideals of the Society and the profession at large. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and offer a huge return on your very wise investment. •Educational sessions that are second to none •Exciting social events •Important business meetings •Exhibitor showcase of products and services •An evening aboard the USS Midway •Networking with colleagues and vendors There’s no other event that provides this much value to you as a hearing healthcare practitioner. Make the smart move and register today. Simply complete the registration form on page 18 or register online at www.ihsinfo.org. All That’s Missing in San Diego is YOU! With its sunny disposition, cultural bravado, and fun-filled attractions, San Diego is the perfect city for this year’s convention. Location is everything and we always choose a spot that makes a great vacation destination for your whole family. We’ve booked the entire event at the luxurious Town and Country Resort. This beautifully-appointed hotel has top-notch accommodations and offers the finest hospitality. With everything self-contained in a single property, you won’t have the hassle of long walks or shuttle buses. In fact, the vibrant gardens, peaceful fountains, and shimmering pools make the short stroll from sleeping rooms to meeting rooms a wonderful bonus. If you want to venture beyond the hotel, many fantastic adventures await. Tourists come from all over the world to enjoy the fruits of the city and the spec14 tacular southern California landscape. Here is just a sampling of what makes San Diego such a famous hot spot. •The San Diego Zoo is one of the largest, most progressive zoos in the world, showcasing over 4,000 animals of more than 800 species. •Downtown is booming with awardwinning restaurants and exciting nightlife. •Sightseeing options include scenic cruises and bus, trolley, or walking tours—including everything from the harbor, to historic Old Town, to vintage neighborhoods, to downtown, to coastline vistas. •Torrey Pines has earned international acclaim as a premier golf course and was the site of the U.S. Open Championship last year. •SeaWorld has 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides, and amazing marine life. REGISTER ONLINE: WWW.IHSINFO.ORG •There are parks, museums, and shopping galore—and so much more!!! San Diego is truly a lifetime experience you won’t want to miss. APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2009 Schedule of Events Wednesday, October 14 TBD Golf Event at Torrey Pines (optional) 12:00p–6:00p Onsite Registration 2:00p–6:00p Pre-convention Seminar: Effective Management Strategies (optional) 7:00p–10:00p Welcome Reception Thursday, October 15 7:15a–6:00p Onsite Registration 7:15a–8:00a Continental Breakfast 8:00a–12:00p Chapter Leadership Conference 8:00a–10:00a Choice of Concurrent Seminars: •Basic Masking: Explanation and Procedure •Hearing Healthcare and the Age Boom 10:00a–12:00p Choice of Concurrent Seminars: •Compression, Directional Microphones & Digital Noise Reduction •When Listening Environments Collide with Digital Technology 12:30p–2:30p Annual Membership Meeting & Luncheon 2:30p–4:30p Choice of Concurrent Seminars: •Beyond Audiometrics: Building a “Tool Box” for Fitting Success •Top Ten Reasons for Hearing Aid Delight 6:00p–10:00p “Magical Midway”—Dinner, Tours & Entertainment Aboard the USS Midway 11:30a–2:00p Exhibit Hall Open (Includes Lunch & Silent Auction) 2:00p–4:00p Choice of Concurrent Seminars: •Common Clinical Encounters •Psychology of Changing Attitudes, Beliefs, and Expectations •Speech Mapping 2:00p–4:00p Licensing Board Conference 4:30p–6:30p Exhibit Hall Reception (Includes Live Auction) Saturday, October 17 Friday, October 16 7:15a–6:00p Onsite Registration 7:30a–9:30a Exhibit Hall Open (Includes Breakfast & Silent Auction) 9:30a–11:30a Choice of Concurrent Seminars: •Best Practices in Cerumen Management •The Perception of Sound •Counseling Adjustments for Advanced Technology 8:00a–10:30a Exhibit Hall Open (Includes Breakfast & Silent Auction) 10:30a–12:00p Learn or Burn (General Session Seminar) 12:00p–2:30p Awards Luncheon Midway Magic—An Evening Extravaganza Can you imagine anything as spectacular as dining on the flight deck of a 1001.6foot aircraft carrier with breathtaking views of one of the most beautiful harbors in the world? You’ll enjoy a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza aboard the USS Midway that will be a treasured memory for years to come. This world-famous vessel is ours exclusively for the night! We’ll serve a sumptuous dinner banquet with panoramic views of San Diego and the harbor. The dazzling sunset and city lights reflecting off the water will create a colorful backdrop to a fun-filled evening. You’ll be free to tour all the fascinating areas of the vessel—even experience what it was like to assume active duty— and shop for those must-have souvenirs. THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL San Diego’s Navy Pier is the majestic Midway’s final berth. Commissioned in 1945, she was the lead ship in her class, and the first aircraft carrier built that was too large to pass through the Panama Canal. She inspired all personnel who served on board and now, at rest, she continues to inspire visitors from around the world. This is just one of the many spectacular highlights new to this year’s “sun-sational” convention experience. Register today and ensure your spot at this monumental industry event. QUESTIONS? CALL 734.522.7200 15 Exciting Attractions This is just a sampling of this year’s exclusive features. Welcome Reception We’ll start things off with a garden party on the beautiful grounds of the Town & Country Resort. Enjoy local music and cuisine while you meet and greet your friends and colleagues. This is sure to put you in the right frame of mind for the rest of your convention experience. Tee Time at Torrey Pines What golfer hasn’t longed to play the exquisite, world-famous bluffs and plains of Torrey Pines Golf Course (home of the 2008 U.S. Open Championship)? This is your chance! Join family, friends, and colleagues on the greens for the thrill of a lifetime. Green fees are $245 per person. For details on this optional event, call Susan Stewart at 734.522.7200. Exhibitor Showcase This year’s dynamic exhibits offer an extravaganza of technology designed to improve your success as a hearing healthcare provider. Enjoy one-on-one interaction with manufacturers who will demonstrate the newest technology for growing your practice and better serving your patients. Silent and Live Auctions We’ve taken one of our most popular attractions and made it even more exciting! In addition to the Silent Auction, you can participate in a thrilling Live Auction. Win big at both auctions, where lucky bidders will take home the best bargains of the year! Earn Extra Credit Wednesday, October 14— 2:00p–6:00p Squeeze even more invaluable infor‑ mation into your conference experi‑ ence and earn four extra hours of continuing education credit. Come early and take advantage of our preconvention seminar.* Effective Management Strategies This course offers processes to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of patient hearing assessment, counseling, fitting, and follow-up care. It challenges the skills, knowledge level, current practices, and ethical concerns of the hearing healthcare professional. Michael Metz, PhD President, Audiology Associates Robert Sandlin, PhD Author *T his is an optional seminar not included in any convention package. Registration Fee $59 member/$79 non-member (through July 31) $69 member/$89 non-member (starting August 1) Special Details Hotel Accommodations This year’s convention is completely housed in the sumptuously-appointed Town and Country Resort & Convention Center. This picturesque venue is warmly inviting. Whether relaxing by a sun-drenched pool, strolling through lush gardens, enjoying fine cuisine, or pampering yourself at the luxurious spa, your convention “home” is truly a destination unto itself. We’ve negotiated special discounted room rates of $147 and $167 (your choice of three room options—details on the hotel link via the IHS website). Reserve your room today by calling the hotel directly at 800.772.8527 and identifying 16 yourself with the IHS convention or registering online at www.ihsinfo.org. Earn Continuing Education Credit The International Institute for Hearing Instruments Studies (IIHIS), the educational division of IHS, has assigned the following continuing education credits to the convention seminars. Tax Deductions Treasury regulations permit an income tax deduction for educational expenses (registration fees and cost of travel, meals and lodging) undertaken to maintain and improve professional skills. Consult your tax advisor for details. •Regular Seminars: 2 hours each •General Session Seminar: 1.5 hours •Pre-convention Seminar: 4 hours REGISTER ONLINE: WWW.IHSINFO.ORG APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2009 Superior Seminars This year’s seminars are a clear reflection of our long-standing reputation for educational excellence. Choose from a variety of topics to customize the program to your particular needs. (See the Schedule of Events for days and times.) Learn or Burn Advanced education and training should be a high priority for the individual healthcare practitioner as well as the hearing healthcare profession at large. This plenary session focuses on the importance of expanding your knowledge and skill base and demonstrates why a commitment to building your professional credentials is critical for survival and success in today’s climate. Panel includes all members of the Inter‑ national Institute for Hearing Instru‑ ments Studies and the President of the National Board for Certification in Hear‑ ing Instrument Sciences. Basic Masking: Explanation and Procedure The proper use of masking is essential in hearing testing if accurate hearing thresh olds, appropriate medical referrals and correct fitting are to result. This presentation illustrates when masking should be used, what type of masking is recommended, and more. Wayne Staab, PhD—President Dr. Wayne J. Staab & Associates Best Practices in Cerumen Management Presents an explanation of the outer ear structure as well as the five basic methods utilized in removal of ear wax. Also addresses the importance of not practicing cerumen management unless professional liability insurance is current. Alan Lowell, BC-HIS, ACA—President Alan Lowell Seminars, Inc. and Luis Valdes, MD, BC-HIS Hearing Healthcare Practitioner When Listening Environments Collide with Digital Technology Defines some of the real-world listening environment problems and examines why working parameters of the modern digital hearing aid don’t always match the patient’s needs. Reviews hearing assistive technologies and BlueTooth communication devices and how they can be interfaced with digital hearing aids. Jay Thurman, BC-HIS—Owner Hearing Resources THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL The Perception of Sound Psychoacoustic (subjective) experiences are the only true indications of how the overall hearing mechanism responds to sound. This presentation shows that many current hearing tests and hearing aid fittings are better understood when considering both the objective and subjective aspects of sound. Wayne Staab, PhD—President Dr. Wayne J. Staab & Associates Compression, Directional Microphones & Digital Noise Reduction Hearing aids today have a two-fold task: to improve audibility and increase signalto-noise ratio. This session covers the many aspects of compression in hearing aids, followed by a discussion of directional microphones and digital noise reduction technologies. Ted Venema, PhD— HIS Program Coordinator Conestoga College Hearing Healthcare and the Age Boom Hearing healthcare professionals will need to evaluate and plan how best to provide for the profoundly-influential Baby Boom generation. This seminar “crystal balls” a future that will be significantly impacted by our exploding age boom. Douglas Lewis, PhD—President Excalibur Business Consultants Beyond Audiometrics: Building a “Tool Box” for Fitting Success Hearing instrument fitting can be greatly enhanced by implementing a set of tools beyond the conventional tests most often used. Maximize your fitting effectiveness by utilizing these tools to target the different communication styles and needs of your patients. Roxann Bonta— Hearing Instrument Specialist Counseling Adjustments for Advanced Technology Needs assessment profiles are increasingly important in fitting hearing aids. This seminar reviews several question- naires available for office use. Discover how technological innovations affect traditional hearing aid counseling methods. Joel Mynders, BC-HIS— Hearing Instrument Specialist A.P. Mynders and Associates Top Ten Reasons for Hearing Aid Delight Outlines the Hearing Industries Association’s research into the unparalleled advances in device technology and the professional practice. Discusses elements of the process that “delighted” consumers for successful use of hearing aids in their journey to better hearing. Carole Rogin—Executive Director Hearing Industries Association Common Clinical Encounters Describes ten commonly misunderstood clinical phenomena and explains how this knowledge can be applied to counseling patients and selecting appropriate amplification for optimal patient outcome management. Ted Venema, PhD— HIS Program Coordinator Conestoga College Psychology of Changing Attitudes, Beliefs, and Expectations Focuses on the “how-to” of changing attitudes, beliefs, and expectations. Offers practical methods to combat patients’ reluctance to acknowledge a hearing problem, misconceptions about the help a hearing aid can provide, and overall resistance to using a hearing device. Russell Jones, BC-HIS—Owner Russell Hearing Aids Speech Mapping Demonstrates how quick and easy it is to use speech mapping to validate fittings for increased patient satisfaction and fewer returns. Also includes simple methods to check functionality of the high-end features on digital instruments. Chris Stokes-Rees—Technical Specialist Audioscan/Etymonic Design QUESTIONS? CALL 734.522.7200 17 Fast, Convenient Registration Enrollment is easy by phone, fax, mail, or online. Choose the package best suited for you and take advantage of our early-bird discounts! PREMIER PACKAGE Includes everything but pre‑convention seminar. Through July 31 Member: $359 Non-member: $419 Starting August 1 Member: $409 Non-member: $469 THURSDAY ONLY PACKAGE Includes everything on Thursday. Through July 31 Member and non-member: $150 Starting August 1 Member and non-member: $175 FRIDAY ONLY PACKAGE EVENTS PACKAGE Includes everything but seminars. Through July 31 Member: $259 Non-member: $319 Starting August 1 Member: $309 Non-member: $369 Includes everything on Friday. Through July 31 Member and non-member: $150 Starting August 1 Member and non-member: $175 Cancellations and Refunds IHS must be notified of your cancellation in writing. All cancellations received will be subject to the following schedule: On or before August 24: Refund less $45 administration fee After August 24 but on or before October 14: Refund less $75 administration fee After October 14 or no-show: No refund EXHIBIT HALL ONLY PACKAGE Includes admission to the Exhibit Hall on Friday and Saturday. Through July 31 Member and non-member: $75 Starting August 1 Member and non-member: $95 2009 Registration Form Please use one form per person. Photocopy this form for additional registrants. Mail or fax registration form with payment to: International Hearing Society • 16880 Middlebelt Rd., Ste. 4 • Livonia, MI 48154 • F: 734.522.0200 Select your package option(s) NAME (PLEASE PRINT) THROUGH JULY 31 STARTING AUG. 1 PREMIER MEMBER. ........................................ $359. ................... $409.................... $ STREET ADDRESS NON-MEMBER............................... $419..................... $469.................... $ CITY, STATE EVENTS MEMBER. ........................................ $259..................... $309.................... $ COUNTRY PHONE ZIP/POSTAL CODE NON-MEMBER............................... $319..................... $369.................... $ THURSDAY ONLY FAX MEMBER AND NON-MEMBER..... $150..................... $175. ................... $ EMAIL M Check enclosed, payable to International Hearing Society M MasterCard M Visa FRIDAY ONLY MEMBER AND NON-MEMBER..... $150..................... $175. ................... $ EXHIBIT HALL ONLY CARD NUMBER EXP. DATE OPTIONAL PRE-CONVENTION SEMINAR SIGNATURE Note: Golf registration is by phone only to Susan Stewart at 734.522.7200. IHS reserves the right to use any photographs taken during the course of the convention in an IHS publication, brochure, or website. 18 MEMBER AND NON-MEMBER..... $75....................... $95...................... $ MEMBER. ........................................ $59....................... $69...................... $ NON-MEMBER............................... $79....................... $89...................... $ REGISTER ONLINE: WWW.IHSINFO.ORG TOTAL AMOUNT $ APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2009 PROFESSIONAL PLATFORM Using a Patient-Centered Approach to Professionalize Your Office By Granville Brady, AuD Professional Platform provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals to share their opinions and perspective with peers. IHS does not necessarily endorse, approve, concur with or otherwise advocate material that appears here. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author. A patient recently came to my office by way of a third-party provider. She had been referred to a competitor who has a storefront hearing aid/optical business. According to the patient, “The place was dirty and cluttered. I wouldn’t buy anything from them and I walked out.” She was then referred to an upscale audiology practice. She said, “He started to take an impression of my ear before I understood what I was going to get. His explanation was way too technical for me. I walked out of there too.” This is a 60-something woman who holds down two jobs in retail. In other words, she is a sharp cookie who knew what a professional practice should look like. Office Appearance Professionalizing the hearing aid or audiology office requires an objective approach that covers all aspects of the practice. Let’s start with seeing things through the patient’s eyes by taking a walk-through of the office. Is the exterior signage fresh and readable? Is there easy access? When a patient enters the office or storefront does it look and feel like a pleasant place to be? Is the waiting room clean and does the receptionist smile with a cheerful greeting? These small but vital details might not seem important but we know how much anxiety goes into making a decision to get hearing help. Any excuse, even a minor one, is enough to drive the patient away. Does the practice have a detailed intake sheet? Patients are accustomed to filling out an intake form. All of the basic information about the patient’s name, address, phone number, who referred, brief history of hearing loss, medications taken, use of amplification, and, of course, signed permission to have the testing and pay for products or services. In my state, a trial period is not mandated so I have a statement on the intake form that a percentage of the total charges will be retained if the patient returns the hearing aid(s) within 30 days. Some states mandate that information be printed on the sales agreement. THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL Patient Interview Process The interview is the second important part of the process after the first impression. Greet the patient with a friendly, “Mrs. Jones? Hi, I’m Dr. Brady and I’ll be working with you today.” In some cultures, extending the hand is taboo so wait for the patient to give the cue. In other cultures a bow or nodding of the head is appropriate. Do not assume that all people react the same way to a greeting. Once the patient is seated comfortably, the next question is “How may I help you?” or you might simply say, “Tell me about your hearing.” Refrain from saying “hearing loss” since it hasn’t been determined if a loss exists yet. By asking an open-ended question, it allows the patient to state what he or she believes the problem is without coaching by the professional. This is important since the patient’s perception of a hearing problem is often more important than the actual results of testing. An example is the young flight attendant who complains that she cannot understand her coworkers in the plane. Her hearing is within normal limits but the plane’s noise masks conversational speech. Perhaps there is an underlying auditory perceptual problem rather than a loss of acuity. The healthcare professional should ask about sudden hearing loss, family history, tinnitus, aural fullness, history of noise exposure, and vertigo. Examination Until now, there has been distance between the patient and the examiner. The first part of the actual examination is otoscopy. It is important to inform the patient of what you are going to do but never ask permission. This is especially true when the patient is a child or when someone displays anxiety. “Is it OK if I look in your ear?” may be met with a resounding “NO.” You’ve dealt a hand that cannot be Brady owns a private audiology–hearing aid dispensing practice in New Jersey. Correspondence: [email protected]. 19 PROFESSIONAL PLATFORM taken back. When you ask a person’s permission and it is denied, then you may have to go into a lengthy explanation that results in more anxiety. “I have to look in you ear to see if there is any blockage” can evoke even more anxiety and result in a wasted visit. It is better to tell the patient, “I’m going to use my light to look in your ears, so hold still for a moment.” Now the professional has control of the situation. For younger patients, I might say, “I’m going to take a picture of your ear.” Note that the action quickly follows the informative statement giving the patient little time to respond. If you obtain a tympanogram, the instruction is, “I’m going to take a picture of your ear. You may feel a little pressure.” The rest of the examination in a sound booth is usually routine except for patients with claustrophobia. Allowing the door to be open or even having the patient sit outside the booth is better than insisting that the test be done in a sound booth. Patient Communication When and how much information do you give to a patient? It is wise to complete the testing before giving any information. Once testing is completed, the examiner can show the patient the results and explain what they mean. It is helpful to relate the test findings to everyday situations. For example, the patient probably knows he has trouble understanding in groups. You need to explain in lay terms why this occurs. “The background noise blocks your ability to understand speakers. This is because you don’t hear some of the sounds and confuse what is being said.” Of course you can relate the information back to the visual representation on the audiogram. Many patients will ask what can be done and this is the professional’s opening for recommending amplification. Patients do not like being pressured into buying hearing aids. By the time testing is completed, you have a pretty good idea of how the patient will react. If the hearing loss is perceived to be very troublesome, acceptance of amplification is easier than for a person who is in denial and simply wants you to tell him/her all is well. Rather than talk about technology, it is often better to discuss the effect of the loss and how much improvement can be expected with amplification. Patients are looking for help and the hearing aids may be a small part of the helping process. It is the hearing instrument specialist’s and audiologist’s skill and professionalism that take over at this point. Describe what the effects of the loss are, how embarrassing it is not to hear, and the risks for the patient who is working not to hear his/her supervisor, etc. Next is the issue of what treatment to use. Conventional sales training suggests using a features-advantages-benefits approach whereby the specialist demonstrates and discusses the features of each type of hearing aid, advantages to the patient, and benefits of amplification. Using a goodbetter-best dichotomy is a sales tool to direct the customer to select the most costly product. There is nothing wrong with this approach when selling a product. However, the professional patient-centered approach should focus on the 20 best solution to the problem. Of course price is important, but asking a patient to select his/her amplification system based on price alone is akin to asking a cardiac case to select the best pacemaker. Patients may be Internet savvy, but they do not have the expertise to make an informed choice about the array of circuits, channels, and programs available in advanced hearing aid technology. Therefore, the patient needs to be informed and guided into making the best decision. Here is where too much information can be dangerous. How can a 16-channel, 6-program instrument with Blue tooth and iPod capabilities be explained to a patient who has trouble using a DVD player? This dilemma confronts many of us daily. By overexplaining the features of hearing instruments in technical jargon, the specialist overlooks the real issue, which is to provide the best correction possible. In essence, the features of the hearing aids should be no more obvious to a patient than the advanced technology in an automobile. Hearing instruments are designed to provide effortless hearing without burdening the patient with the nuances of the instrumentation. If the hearing instrument specialist or audiologist overwhelms the patient with his/her knowledge of technology, it is at the cost of providing the patient with the help that is needed. By now the patient should assume you know what you’re talking about; you need not overwhelm them with technical jargon. Hearing Aid Selection Once rapport is established, the hearing instrument specialist ought to be able to assist the patient in making a selection of a hearing aid model that ensures the best benefit for the loss, as well as accommodating the patient’s cosmetic needs. Never sacrifice performance for cosmetics. A 90-year-old with essential tremor asked me the other day why I selected full shell hearing aids that were so big. I responded that he could not handle anything smaller. After a moment of reflection, the wise patient agreed that functionality was more important than cosmetics. Conclusion Skeptical readers might question how a consultative patient-centered approach would work with neophyte specialists who are eager to demonstrate their technical knowledge. While the mature clinician feels comfortable in his or her own skin, less experienced specialists are often reluctant to develop a more personalized professional approach with the patient. In my office, a young associate doctor of audiology half my age and from a non-western culture easily adapted to these techniques. The issue of professionalism became moot when she realized that patients were as warm and accepting to her as she was to them. Of course, clinical skill is important, which is why I insisted that she have the three C’s: Concern, Competence, and Compassion. If the office practices the three C’s, pre sents a clean, well-kept environment that is efficient, and refrains from pressure sales in favor of a patient-centered approach, the business will reap the benefits. THP APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2009 What’s On Your Mind? We’d like to know. We welcome your submission of articles for publication in The Hearing Professional. If you have something to say, this is the place to say it—your opportunity to share with practitioners throughout the hearing healthcare field. As long as the topic is relevant to the hearing health industry or general business management, the specific nature of the subject matter is entirely up to you. Feel free to write from a very personal perspective or from a broad industry overview. So get creative. And don’t worry about your writing skills or the “roughness” of the draft. The job of our editors is to make you and your article look good. Email a Word document to Autumn Kovach at [email protected]. Length should be approximately 500–1,000 words. Graphics, including photos, charts, diagrams, etc. that are not incorporated into the Word document, should also be sent electronically, if possible. 7,5('2):($5,1* $//7+(6(+$76" $GYHUWLVLQJ0DQDJHU3D\UROO&OHUN $50DQDJHU+XPDQ5HVRXUFHV0DQDJHU $FFRXQWV3D\DEOH&OHUN2SHUDWLRQV'LUHFWRU +HDULQJ&DUH6SHFLDOLVW /RRNLQJIRUDSDUWQHU" ([LWVWUDWHJ\" ,QWKHVHGLI¿FXOWHFRQRPLFWLPHV LWLVKDUGHUDQGKDUGHUWRHDUQD UHVSHFWDEOHLQFRPHHYHQDVD EXVLQHVVRZQHU:K\QRWOHWDQ LQGXVWU\OHDGHUWDNHFDUHRIDOOWKH GHWDLOV\RXMXVWWDNHFDUHRI\RXU SDWLHQWV&DOOQRZWROHDUQPRUH &DOO RUYLVLWZZZDYDGDFRP WRGD\IRUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQ +HDULQJ&DUH&HQWHUV +HDULQJ+HDOWKFDUH0DQDJHPHQW,QF $OOULJKWVUHVHUYHG$OOUHSOLHVZLOOUHPDLQFRQ¿GHQWLDO DQGQRFRPPLWPHQWZLOOEHDVVXPHGRULPSOLHG All submissions will be considered for publication, but not all are guaranteed for acceptance. All copy is subject to editing at our discretion. We will make every effort to allow your review of edited copy prior to publication, but cannot guarantee it. Photos are welcome and will be returned. Hard copy documents and CDs will not be returned. THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL 21 SOUNDBYTES Soundbytes Hearing Aid Tax Credit Reintroduced Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) has recently reintroduced the Hearing Aid Tax Credit legislation in the Senate (S 1019), which would expand coverage to people of all ages who have hearing loss. The Hearing Aid Tax Credit legislation in the House (HR 1646), was introduced in March by Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), and has already garnered 70 co-sponsors—11 of whom are members of the House Ways and Means Committee. The Hearing Aid Tax Credit would provide assistance to many of the 32 million people who need hearing aids to treat their hearing loss. If enacted, S 1019 would provide a $500 tax credit per hearing aid every five years for all people purchasing a hearing aid. The House legislation would provide the same credit for children and people age 55 and older. According to Hearing Industries Association Chairman Jerry Ruzicka, “With the reintroduction of the Senate bill, the Hearing Aid Tax Credit coalition has come closer to finally addressing the need for financial assistance for people who need hearing aids.” The hearing health community has formed a coalition to focus Congressional attention on the importance of hearing health and the burdens associated with the lack of financial assistance for treatment. IHS is part of this coalition. Others include the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Hearing Loss Association of America, Academy of Doctors of Audiology, American Academy of Audiology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and Hearing Industries Association. IHS Welcomes New Staff Member Kathleen Mennillo has recently joined the IHS staff as education manager. She is responsible for all the Society’s educational programming and oversees both the International Institute for Hearing Instruments Studies and the International Licensing Exam Item Writers Committees. Mennillo comes to the position with a great deal of nonprofit experience, with an emphasis on education and new product development. She has a master’s degree in business administration from Davenport University. “I feel confident that my experience in leading teams and developing business plans for educational products, along with launching and developing new products, will help me to be successful at IHS. But most of all, my vast experience in working with members will most likely be my strongest skill set.” 22 IHS Executive Director Cindy Helms said, “We are tremendously pleased to have Kathleen in this key role. She has the ideal combination of talent, expertise, and initiative to upgrade and expand the range of our educational offerings. I am confident that our education department will enjoy extraordinary growth under her excellent leadership.” Mennillo replaces Phyllis Wilson who resigned to pursue other interests after 45 years with IHS. The Society appreciates Wilson’s many years of dedicated service and we know that her many friends throughout the industry join us in wishing her the best. IHS Attends Hearing on the Hill The Hearing Industries Association (HIA) hosted Hearing on the Hill in Washington DC on May 13. This is a biennial event to help educate government leaders and staff on the importance of hearing healthcare. This year’s spotlight was on the Hearing Aid Tax Credit legislation (HR 1646 and S 1019). IHS was represented by President Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA, and Washington Counsel Karen Sealander. HIA member CEOs and senior executives met with 81 Congressional offices to reinforce support for the Hearing Aid Tax Credit. At the day’s conclusion Gustafson and Dr. Therese Walden of the American Academy of Audiology provided hearing screenings for members of Congress and their staff. Gustafson expanded his advocacy efforts to schedule private meetings with several key congressional leaders to further support the tax credit bill and promote for better hearing overall. Beltone’s President’s Cup Award Winners Announced Beltone presented its President’s Cup Award to Terri ZahnBurnam and Russell Burnam, ACA, at its 2009 national meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. “We’re proud to receive the President’s Cup Award and glad to know that Beltone recognizes the value we place in our customers and the integrity of our practice,” said Burnam. “We could not have achieved this honor without the valuable support and dedication of our field partners and hearing care providers who play such an integral role in the communities we serve.” Since 1958 this award is given annually to hearing care practitioners who demonstrate exceptional patient care, community involvement, and professional business practices. THP APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2009 CHAPTER TRACK 2009 IHS Chapter Meetings MEETING DATE LOCATION CONTACT Alabama/Georgia Society for Hearing Healthcare Providers July 23–26 Cherokee, NC Ralph Jackson 229.432.0053 [email protected] Hearing Healthcare Providers of Arizona July 17–18 Glendale, AZ Robert Baber, BC-HIS 623.582.6699 [email protected] Arkansas Hearing Aid Society July 24–25 Little Rock, AR LeAnn Jackson, CCCA 501.268.4321 [email protected] Colorado Hearing Society June 25–27 Colorado Springs, CO Nonean Price, BC-HIS 303.665.0454 [email protected] Florida Society of Hearing Healthcare Professionals July 17–19 Clearwater Beach, FL Neil Waingrow, BC-HIS 954.553.4045 [email protected] Iowa Hearing Association September 11–12 West Des Moines, IA Bev Thomas 515.440.6057 [email protected] Minnesota Hearing Healthcare Providers September 18–19 Bloomington, MN Gregory Wales, BC-HIS 320.219.2379 [email protected] Hearing Healthcare Alliance of New York June 24–26 Saratoga Springs, NY Fred Goossen, BC-HIS 585.419.9702 [email protected] Oregon Hearing Society June 26–28 Seaside, OR Rosalind Sinclair-Sjue, BC-HIS 360.260.2898 [email protected] Texas Hearing Aid Association June 18–20 Houston, TX Scott Pospisil 512.477.1701 [email protected] If you have an upcoming chapter meeting that you’d like listed in the above roster, please contact IHS headquarters at 734.522.7200. THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL 23 Spread the Word About IHS Membership Help strengthen the Society by encouraging membership growth. This application form can be submitted to IHS headquarters or individuals can join online at the IHS website where they’ll find detailed information on the benefits of membership. $275—Professional (Individuals engaged in the practice of testing human hearing and selecting, fitting, counseling patients and dispensing hearing instruments) $150—Associate/Affiliate (Individuals such as office staff, receptionists, or any other support staff, educators, physicians, counselors or those employed by a hearing industry manufacturer or supplier) $135—Student (Individuals pursuing an academic or vocationally-based program of study in the practice of hearing instrument sciences or other related professions) GENERAL INFORMATION NAME (Last, First, Middle): SS/SI Number: Company Name: Date of Birth: / / Street Address: Business Phone: Business Fax: City: State/Province: Home Address: City: Country: Zip/Postal Code: Home Phone: State/Province: Email: Country: Zip/Postal Code: Male Female PROFESSIONAL/EDUCATION INFORMATION What year did you begin dispensing hearing instruments? Credentials: BC-HIS (Certificate No.) CCCA (Certificate No.) Education Level: High School College/Trade (Degree) Post-Graduate (Degree) PAYMENT METHOD Visa or MasterCard #: Check #: Exp. Date: Amount: Signature: I agree to abide by the bylaws and code of ethical practices as established by the International Hearing Society. Signature/Title: Date: International Hearing Society 16880 Middlebelt Rd., Ste. 4 • Livonia, MI 48154 • phone 734.522.7200 • fax 734.522.0200 www.ihsinfo.org 24 APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2009 INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEARING INSTRUMENTS STUDIES IIHIS Approved Courses This is a partial list of approved courses. For a complete roster, contact IIHIS at 734.522.7200. Contact individual sponsors for locations and for program dates where not specified. Sponsor: Arkansas Hearing Aid Society Description: Arkansas Hearing Society Annual Seminar (12 hours) Contact: Gary Pearson, ACA, 870.735.0454 Date: July 24-25, 2009 Sponsor: Phonak Description: Full Life Experience; Digital Wireless Accessories; Hands-On Training; Benefits and Case Studies (10 hours) Contact: Allie Wright, 630.821.5034 Sponsor: Beltone Electronics Description: Intro and Safety; Hearing Aid Shell Repair; Building Up the Canal; Replacing the Battery Door; Open Fittings (8 hours) Contact: Bernadette Londberg, 847.832.3300 Sponsor: Rexton Description: Latest Advances in Hearing Instrument Technology; Receiver-in-the Ear Technology; Selection; Automatic Features (3 hours) Contact: Carla Larson, 800.876.1141 Sponsor: Electone Description: Open Fittings; Earmold Acoustics and Effect of Earmold and Shell Technology; Effective Programming (7 hours) Contact: Eunice Straw, 800.432.7483 Sponsor: Siemens Description: Digital Technology Overview; Hands-On Sessions with Fitting Software (2 hours) Contact: Lisa Perhacs, 800.766.4500 Sponsor: Florida Society of Hearing Healthcare Professionals Description: HIV/Aids; Medical Records Errors; Wax Removal (10 hours) Contact: Randy Ellsworth, BC-HIS, 352.394.1659 Date: July 16-19, 2009 Sponsor: GN ReSound Description: ReSound Legacy; Troubleshooting; Case Studies; Sample Marketing Materials (1 hour) Contact: Tobi Ferrence, 800.248.4327 Sponsor: Sonic Innovations Description: Open Fit Solutions; Design and Evaluation; Software Overview; Fitting Adjustments Based on Patient Issues (3 hours) Contact: Merritt Bahl, 402.926.9179 Sponsor: Starkey Laboratories Description: Troubleshooting; Live Demonstrations; Hands-On Cases; Office Case Studies (6 hours) Contact: Molly Holschuh, 952.947.4509 Sponsor: Interton Description: Product Overview; Hearing Aid Options; Autofit; Selection and Fitting (1 hour) Contact: April Bennett, 952.698.2168 Sponsor: Unitron Description: Development of the 360 Super Power; Adaptive Features; Additional Features; Noise Reduction; New Software (2 hours) Contact: Donna Haider, 800.888.8882 Sponsor: Oticon Description: Performance and Design; Decision Making; Patient Adaptation; New Software (6 hours) Contact: Dena Abood, 800.526.3921 Sponsor: Widex Hearing Aid Company Description: New Product Features; Case Studies (2 hours) Contact: Francis Kuk, PhD, 630.245.0025 Accreditation of educational courses for continuing education credit by the International Institute for Hearing Instruments Studies does not imply endorsement of a specific program or procedure. THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL 25 CLASSIFIEDS EDUCATION POSITIONS AVAILABLE PREPARE FOR YOUR NBC-HIS OR STATE LICENSING EXAM—Revised and recorded on-site in 2006 & 2007, our Professional Seminars provide the latest updated information. PowerPoint slides, study materials and sample exams included. Since 1977, we have helped over 4,500+ hearing healthcare professionals earn their credentials and are recognized as the industry’s leading resource in preparation for competency exams. State Licensing DVD $495.00, NBC-HIS DVD $395.00. Also, brand new for beginners with no experience, Video Tutorial for New Dispensers $265.00. 20% discount for ordering all three programs, 10% discount for ordering any two programs. To order, please go online at www.alanlowellseminars.com or call 1.800. 749.4644. Visa/MC/AMEX/Check. Free shipping 2-day DHL. Seeking a self motivated, hard working and honest Regional Manager and Audiologist or licensed Hearing Instruments Specialist to join my growing organization in The East Bay San Francisco area. My name is Rick Frasier and I run some of the most successful Miracle-Ear Franchises in the country. I have offices located in nine different states—NY, MA, CA, IN, KY, IA, WA, NE and CT. Run the business as if it is your own and get support from marketing, human resources and accounting from our corporate headquarters. Benefits include 401k and the ability to earn $80k + per year. If you are a team player and a Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist or Audiologist and you feel it is time to take up a new and rewarding challenge where your efforts truly make a difference, then send me your résumé today! Please fax résumé to Rick Frasier: 518.736.2285, or email carlcase@ frasierenterprises.com. MISCELLANEOUS Would You Like to Pay Less for World-Class Hearing Aids? Then Join Our Hearing Aid Buyer’s Club! Order direct from the manufacturer everything from Custom to BTE to Open Fits! Free Membership! No minimum commitment! No middleman! No obligation! It takes five minutes to join! Keep more profit in your pocket! Call Toll Free 866.480.1220 to join today! +HDULQJ&DUH&HQWHUV 67,//*52:,1* $=&7)/*$,/,1.<0$011& 1+2+253$6&7;9$97:$:, 5HDFK<RXU )XOO3RWHQWLDO &RPSHWLWLYH6DODU\ %RQXVHV *UHDW%HQHILWV 3URIHVVLRQDO'HYHORSPHQW &RPHMRLQD0DUNHW /HDGHU:LWK2YHU 1DWLRQZLGH/RFDWLRQV Hearing Aid Center with multiple Nevada locations hiring licensed Hearing Aid Professional/Audiologist. Benefits available, competitive wage. Email résumé to hearing[email protected]. Apply online at www.avada.com, or fax your letter of interest and resume to 502-253-9804, referencing ad 210. Email classified ad copy to [email protected] or fax to 734.522.0200. The ad rate is $.99 per regular word and $1.15 per boldface or all-capped word, with a minimum rate of $50.00. There is an additional charge of $20 for boxed ads. For additional information call 734.522.7200. You Can Make a Difference! Help fund the ongoing fight for your rights before governmental bodies. Contribute to the IHS Advocacy Alliance and do your part to protect the profession and the hearing impaired you serve. It’s your future and theirs. Please accept my contribution to the IHS Advocacy Alliance. Circle amount: Name: $1,000 Company: M Check attached M Cash attached Address: M Charge my: M Visa City/State/Zip: Phone: $500 $250 $100 Other $ M MasterCard Account Number: Email: Expiration Date: International Hearing Society • 16880 Middlebelt Road, Suite 4 • Livonia, MI 48154 P: 734.522.7200 • F: 734.522.0200 • www.ihsinfo.org 28 APRIL • MAY • JUNE 2009