Hearing Views

by Mike Metz If you know a better way of functionally describing transparency than by stating “one can see through it clearly”, let me know.  I would also like to have an alternative definition for “sterile”, “truthful”, “correct”, and “perfect”.  These words imply a state that is not compromised. Semi-truthful doesn’t mean almost the truth, it means wrong. Semi-perfect is

By Robert Castleton Wormus In 2004, at the age of 62, I retired from a long and wonderful career in audiology. I truly believe it was fate that brought me to this little-known field. I loved every minute of my time spent in audiology. I was able to balance work and play, (albeit with a bit of self-centeredness) and still empty

An article in the New York Times on March 20, 2018 by David Leonhardt presents (tangentially, I admit) an interesting issue.[1]  His piece concerns the recent tragedy of a pedestrian being hit by an Uber car in Arizona.  The Uber was operating in “automatic” mode with a driver in back-up command.  Uber halted testing of autonomous driving vehicles until the

  About twenty-five years ago, audiologists began to seriously question the issues which may constitute a professional “conflict of interest”.  Over the past two decades, many examples of blatant Conflict of Interest (COI) have been exposed, discussed, and for the most part, remedied. The field has improved remarkably—as it had to do. But there remains an issue at the core

Things in the hearing field are changing.  No matter what your opinion on these potential changes, consideration of all the issues and potential impacts would seem judicious.  The following three scenarios might provide some direction for consideration.   Scenario 1   A person with hearing loss goes on line and purchases two “mail order”, DIY, or PSAP hearing devices.  There

I hope the words in the title caught your eye sufficiently to entice you to read what follows.  Many people are like that.  Psych/Marketing 101. What might we learn from Mercedes Benz as the clinical world around us changes?  Or, more precisely, what’s the market for our services and what might influence future success?  (We do want to make PSAPs

I had an interesting conversation the other day with an old friend about a Facebook chatroom that entertained only audiologists talking about things that they would not share in a public forum.  Things like peculiar or difficult patients, office problems, and other issues that, shall we say, are either inappropriate or just plain nasty.  My friend and I decided that,

by Evan Knight   It seems like every small business owner is interested in Facebook Ads in 2018. Perhaps you’ve heard about your colleagues trying them, a marketing agency has pitched them to you, or the collective hive mind (read: social media) has lodged them into your subconscious. Whatever the case may be, Facebook Ads are a hot topic for

The first three parts of this piece (one, two, three) discussed some issues that caused consternation in the past.  While repetitive for many audiologists, perhaps some readers have a little better understanding of how past regulatory confrontations have influenced Audiology.  In reviewing these issues, here are some personal conclusions. Lessons to consider: Lots of input should go into licensing boards,

The first two parts of this series have dealt with some of the past issues that might have been managed in a way that provided for a more efficient and future-looking field.  A few more related discussions may provide more awareness of potential directions that might make the future easier. Federal Regulations Four important federal regulations hold an ever-decreasing sway