(The following article is one of several adapted from information presented in seminars this writer attended at the Starkey Hearing Innovation Expo held in Las Vegas Jan. 4 through 7.)
Regular readers of this Blog are probably aware that I have not always been enthralled with some of the changes created by our modern technology. I’m not talking about the instruments which I believe are fantastic. However, at the Starkey meeting I was impressed with the various uses to which the I-Pad is being adapted, or is envisioned to be used in the very near future, plus other things.
Client Check In – A client can now sit down in your reception area and fill out an intake questionnaire on an I-Pad using an in-office WIFI system. This promotes client comfort and helps you show how modern is your office while efficiently transferring data into your client management software.
Client Satisfaction – A client can fill out follow-up questionnaires with an I-Pad.
Client Amplification Selection – Using the Sound Point system (Starkey proprietary software) a client can remotely manipulate the response of his instruments in simulated noise to achieve client satisfaction.
Client Testing – Many self-administered or specialist administered tests can be done more quickly, and with less stress on the client.
Client Counseling – An I-pad can be used to facilitate aural rehabilitation at a speed that is comfortable for the client without the specialist having to be present every moment.
Remote Office Operation – Work with a client from your main office while the client is at a remote site. This is similar to Tele-health, which the medical field is using in rural areas.
Ear Canal Impressions – Impression taking using a laser ear scanning system and data transmission to your lab.
All of these activities have been accomplished and are available or are in development as of this writing. What else can you do in your office with currently available technology and a local WIFI router?
Even though I am of the pre-baby boomer generation I was for many years involved with cutting edge technology in several different fields. But things change; now that I am no longer actively dispensing I am amazed at how things have evolved in our industry and where it is going. A concept at the Starkey meeting was proposed which we are all aware of, but to which I had never given a name. “Reverse Mentoring” it is simply a formal name for going over to your child, grandchild, neighbor’s child and asking that person to teach you how to use/understand today’s technology and how the various Internet social medias work. I do know of at least one professional office that does no advertising/marketing and is growing, but that is a very unique situation. The rest of us must continually work at reaching our audience. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others can be as important, or more so than your print advertising. Don’t be left behind; take a kid out for some ice cream or buy him or her an X-Box, learn today’s language and get with it.
