Take a break from winter in Rancho Mirage/Palm Springs, CA for the 2005 ASHA Audiology and Health Care Conferences on Feb. 19-20.
These two conferences allow audiologists and SLPs a unique opportunity to explore current clinical topics in depth. In addition to presentations, the conferences feature small-group consultations with faculty, roundtable discussions with peers, and workshops with manufacturers.
Audiology Conference
In "Hearing Technologies: Audiologists Make the Difference," clinicians will learn about the latest hearing technologies and best practices in client/patient care from some of the top experts in the field.
Sessions will focus on:
- best practices in amplification needs assessment and outcome verification
- new hearing aid technologies
- post hearing aid fitting and counseling
- real ear measures and digital hearing aids
- optimizing hearing aids for children
- comprehensive management of children with hearing loss
- hearing assistive technologies
- achieving positive patient and financial outcomes with aural rehabilitation
Manufacturer workshops will allow participants to ask questions and get the latest information on current clinical topics such as pediatric amplification and FM systems, auditory steady state responses, deep canal fittings, and electroacoustic hearing aid verification measures.
Audiologists will also get a candid look at life on the other side of the audiometer. Hearing loss advocate, writer and actor Gael Hannan presents "Unheard Voices," her award-winning, one-person play about the life-changing impact of hearing loss and provides insight into how audiologists can affect the world view of a person with hearing loss.
Health Care Conference
Designed for SLPs in health care settings, "Dementia, Vocal Pathologies, and Pediatric Dysphagia: Clinical Approaches for SLPs in Health Care Settings" will allow clinicians to update their knowledge of evidence-based approaches to assessment, treatment, and long-term management in key areas. Students and clinicians in their fellowship year may attend, and SLPs are encouraged to attend with allied professionals they work with as a team.
Top experts in the field will lead three full tracks of programming:
- Dementia—beginning with the basics of aging and dementia, this track covers the use of various medications, evaluation and treatment planning; case studies; and strength-based interventions for individuals with dementia.
- Vocal Pathologies in Health Care Settings—provides an overview of voice disorders and treatment options; treatment approaches for benign lesions and management of vocal fold paralysis; voice restoration in head and neck cancer; treatment options including vocal function exercises, responant voice therapy; and circumlaryngeal manipulation, and complex case studies.
- Pediatric Dysphagia—an overview of the physiologic components of neurologic, airway, and gastrointestinal systems; medical issues and oral sensorimotor assessment; nutrition considerations and gastrointestinal tube issues; instrumental swallow studies and bedside/clinical exams in management decisions; and case studies in team decision making.
In addition to sharpening professional skills, keynote speakers will help participants become more effective in non-clinical areas that are critical to career success and explore approaches that will enhance patient counseling—and their own lives.
When not in sessions, participants can relax in the sunshine at the Westin Mission Hills Resort, which is renowned for its beautiful desert setting and championship golf. Visit the Audiology Conference and Health Care Conference web pages for more information or to register.