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Sorrentino F, Cazzador D, Gazzola F, Cassarà A, Ariano M, Colombo A, Franchella S, Trevisi P, de Filippis C, Marioni G, Zanoletti E, Brotto D. Remote Check as a tele-health instrument for cochlear implant recipients: Analysis of impact and feasibility of application. Am J Otolaryngol 2024; 45:104294. [PMID: 38657534 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2024.104294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The number of cochlear implant (CI) surgeries is growing over time, with the risk of overloading CI centers in the post-surgical management. Telemedicine is a possible solution to address this phenomenon. Remote Check (RC) is an application that is specific for CI recipients monitoring. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of application, potential economic impact and patients' acceptance of RC. METHODS The study is retrospective investigation, data on clinical, audiological features (from remote and on-site evaluation), and satisfaction surveys of 66 consecutive patients were collected; costs required for RC and for on-site evaluations were recorded as well. RESULTS One hundred and ninety RC sessions were completed by the patients (2.88 sessions per patient). RC and on-site audiometry significantly correlated except for the 500 Hz frequency. Estimated costs for the Italian National Health System for RC review and on-site evaluations were 1.32€ and 3.49€ per minute, respectively. High satisfaction for RC was reached in 91 % of patients. CONCLUSION RC revealed to be a reliable, cost-effective and well accepted tool in CI monitoring. This study preliminarily supports the hypothesis that RC could be a valid instrument to reduce CI management overload in the outpatient clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Sorrentino
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Diego Cazzador
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Gazzola
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonino Cassarà
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marzia Ariano
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Colombo
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Franchella
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Trevisi
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cosimo de Filippis
- Phoniatrics and Audiology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Treviso, Italy
| | - Gino Marioni
- Phoniatrics and Audiology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Treviso, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zanoletti
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Davide Brotto
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Lin MJ, Chen CK. Breaking Sound Barriers: Exploring Tele-Audiology's Impact on Hearing Healthcare. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:856. [PMID: 38667501 PMCID: PMC11049182 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14080856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hearing impairment is a global issue, affecting billions of people; however, there is a gap between the population affected by hearing loss and those able to access hearing healthcare. Tele-audiology, the application of telemedicine in audiology, serves as a new form of technology which aims to provide synchronous or asynchronous hearing healthcare. In this article, we reviewed some recent studies of tele-audiology-related topics to have a glimpse of the current development, associated challenges, and future advancement. Through the utilization of tele-audiology, patients can conveniently access hearing healthcare, and thus save travel costs and time. Recent studies indicate that remote hearing screening and intervention are non-inferior to the performance of traditional clinical pathways. However, despite its potential benefits, the implementation of tele-audiology faces numerous challenges, and audiologists have varying attitudes on this technology. Overcoming obstacles such as high infrastructure costs, limited reimbursement, and the lack of quality standards calls for concerted efforts to develop effective strategies. Ethical concerns, reimbursement, and patient privacy are all crucial aspects requiring in-depth discussion. Enhancing the education and training of students and healthcare workers, along with providing relevant resources, will contribute to a more efficient, systematic hearing healthcare. Future research will aim to develop integrated models with evidence-based protocols and incorporating AI to enhance the affordability and accessibility of hearing healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mien-Jen Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333323, Taiwan;
| | - Chin-Kuo Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 204201, Taiwan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333323, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Enhancement Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333423, Taiwan
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Kingsbury S, Khvalabov N, Stirn J, Held C, Fleckenstein SM, Hendrickson K, Walker EA. Barriers to Equity in Pediatric Hearing Health Care: A Review of the Evidence. PERSPECTIVES OF THE ASHA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS 2022; 7:1060-1071. [PMID: 36275486 PMCID: PMC9585532 DOI: 10.1044/2021_persp-21-00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We review the evidence regarding barriers to hearing health care for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. BACKGROUND There are considerable data to suggest that hearing health care disparities constitute a major factor in loss to follow-up or documentation for children going through the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention process. Families are affected by a combination of factors underlying these disparities, resulting in delayed care and suboptimal developmental outcomes for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. CONCLUSIONS To address the socioeconomic, cultural, and linguistic inequities seen in the diagnosis and management of childhood hearing loss, pediatric audiologists and speech-language pathologists have a responsibility to provide culturally responsive practice to their individual clients and their families, as well as advocate for substantive changes at the policy level that impact their clients' daily lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kingsbury
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Nicole Khvalabov
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Jonathan Stirn
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Cara Held
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | | | - Kristi Hendrickson
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Elizabeth A. Walker
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
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4
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Fang CH, Smith RV. COVID-19 and the resurgence of telehealth in otolaryngology. OPERATIVE TECHNIQUES IN OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD AND NECK SURGERY 2022; 33:158-164. [PMID: 35505953 PMCID: PMC9047697 DOI: 10.1016/j.otot.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this review is to examine the impact of the ongoing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the use of telehealth in Otolaryngology. The use of telemedicine rose dramatically during the pandemic to meet the need for continued patient care while allowing for physical separation of providers and patients. Telemedicine has been used to evaluate patients with a variety of pathologies including dysphonia, vertigo, and anosmia. Innovative use of at-home exams, such as video-otoscopy has aided providers in overcoming challenges associated with a highly specialized physical exam. The use of telemedicine in Otolaryngology will likely remain essential in the post-pandemic era and has promising results for improving clinical efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina H Fang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Richard V Smith
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
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Holtmann LC, Deuß E, Meyer M, Kaster F, Bastian T, Schleupner MC, Hagedorn E, Lang S, Arweiler-Harbeck D. Detection accuracy of soft tissue complications during remote cochlear implant follow-up. Cochlear Implants Int 2022; 23:249-256. [PMID: 35477412 DOI: 10.1080/14670100.2022.2067644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE After cochlear implantation (CI), long-term follow-up is obligatory. Remote-care options which provide a standard of care comparable to in-person consultations, could be an attractive addition to a cochlear implant centre's portfolio. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of photographs of the skin covering the implant to reliably detect skin irritations or soft tissue complications. METHODS During routine follow-up consultations, 109 CI patients were examined in person and asked to take a photograph of the skin covering the implant using their smartphones. Photographs were digitally and remotely evaluated by two CI physicians who were blinded to the findings during the in-person examination. RESULTS In nine cases, skin abnormalities were detected by the CI physician upon in-person examination, seven of which required immediate treatment. Both digital evaluators reliably detected all treatment-requiring conditions. Overall, more skin irritations were suspected digitally compared to in-person examination. Without additional information from the patients' medical record, sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 63%; with additional information provided, sensitivity was 100%, and specificity increased to 65.3%. CONCLUSION Digital photographic assessment of the skin covering the implant is a highly sensitive method to detect skin irritations and could reduce the number of necessary in-person consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Holtmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - E Deuß
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - M Meyer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - F Kaster
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - T Bastian
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - M C Schleupner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - E Hagedorn
- CIC Ruhr Acoustics Bagus, Essen, Germany
| | - S Lang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - D Arweiler-Harbeck
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Yang A, Kim D, Hwang PH, Lechner M. Telemedicine and Telementoring in Rhinology, Otology, and Laryngology: A Scoping Review. OTO Open 2022; 6:2473974X211072791. [PMID: 35274073 PMCID: PMC8902203 DOI: 10.1177/2473974x211072791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Telemedicine and telementoring have had a significant boost across
all medical and surgical specialties over the last decade and
especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this scoping
review is to synthesize the current use of telemedicine and
telementoring in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck
surgery. Data Sources PubMed and Cochrane Library. Review Methods A scoping review search was conducted, which identified 469
articles. Following full-text screening by 2 researchers, 173
articles were eligible for inclusion and further categorized via
relevant subdomains. Conclusions Virtual encounters and telementoring are the 2 main applications of
telemedicine in otolaryngology. These applications can be
classified into 7 subdomains. Different ear, nose, and throat
subspecialties utilized certain telemedicine applications more
than others; for example, almost all articles on patient
engagement tools are rhinology based. Overall, telemedicine is
feasible, showing similar concordance when compared with
traditional methods; it is also cost-effective, with high
patient and provider satisfaction. Implications for Practice Telemedicine in otorhinolaryngology has been widely employed during
the COVID-19 pandemic and has a huge potential, especially with
regard to its distributing quality care to rural areas. However,
it is important to note that with current exponential use, it is
equally crucial to ensure security and privacy and integrate
HIPAA-compliant systems (Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act) in the big data era. It is expected that
many more applications developed during the pandemic are here to
stay and will be refined in years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Dayoung Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Peter H. Hwang
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Matt Lechner
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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7
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Kronenberger WG, Montgomery CJ, Henning SC, Ditmars A, Johnson CA, Herbert CJ, Pisoni DB. Remote Assessment of Verbal Memory in Youth With Cochlear Implants During the COVID-19 Pandemic. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:740-747. [PMID: 33734823 PMCID: PMC8740666 DOI: 10.1044/2021_ajslp-20-00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Youth with cochlear implants (CIs) are at risk for delays in verbal short-term memory (STM)/working memory (WM), which adversely affect language, neurocognitive, and behavioral outcomes. Assessment of verbal STM/WM is critical for identifying and addressing these delays, but standard assessment procedures require face-to-face (FTF) administration. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and validity of remote testing methods (teleassessment) of verbal STM/WM in youth with CIs as a method of addressing COVID-19-related restrictions on FTF test administration. Method Tests of verbal STM/WM for nonwords, digit spans, letter-number sequences, sentences, and stories were individually administered by speech-language pathologists over a teleassessment platform to 28 youth (aged 9-22 years) with CIs and 36 same-aged normal-hearing peers. Examiners, parents, and participants completed quality and satisfaction ratings with the teleassessment procedure. Teleassessment scores were compared to results of tests obtained at FTF visits an average of 1.6 years earlier. Results Quality and satisfaction ratings for teleassessment were high and in almost all cases did not differ between the CI and normal-hearing samples. Youth with CIs scored lower than normal-hearing peers on measures of verbal STM/WM, and scores for digit span and letter-number sequencing did not differbetween teleassessment and FTF methods. Correlations across teleassessment and FTF visits were strong for digit span, letter-number sequencing, and sentence memory, but were more modest for nonword repetition. Conclusion With some caveats, teleassessment of verbal STM/WM was feasible and valid for youth with CIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G. Kronenberger
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Caitlin J. Montgomery
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Shirley C. Henning
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Allison Ditmars
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Courtney A. Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Carolyn J. Herbert
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - David B. Pisoni
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington
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8
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Yoon YS, Boren CM, Diaz B. Effect of Realistic Test Conditions on Spectral and Temporal Processing in Normal-Hearing Listeners. Am J Audiol 2021; 30:160-169. [PMID: 33621127 DOI: 10.1044/2020_aja-20-00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To measure the effect of testing conditions (in the soundproof booth vs. quiet room), test order, and number of test sessions on spectral and temporal processing in normal-hearing (NH) listeners. Method Thirty-two adult NH listeners participated in the three experiments. For all three experiments, the stimuli were presented to the left ear at the subjects' most comfortable level through headphones. All tests were administered in an adaptive three-alternative forced-choice paradigm. Experiment 1 was designed to compare the effect of soundproof booth and quiet room test conditions on amplitude modulation detection threshold and modulation frequency discrimination threshold with each of the five modulation frequencies. Experiment 2 was designed to compare the effect of two test orders on the frequency discrimination thresholds under the quiet room test conditions. The thresholds were first measured in the ascending and descending order of four pure tones, and then with counterbalanced order. For Experiment 3, the amplitude discrimination threshold under the quiet room testing condition was assessed 3 times to determine the effect of the number of test sessions. Then the thresholds were compared over the sessions. Results Results showed no significant effect of test environment. The test order is an important variable for frequency discrimination, particularly between piano tunes and pure tones. Results also show no significant difference across test sessions. Conclusions These results suggest that a controlled test environment may not be required in spectral and temporal assessment for NH listeners. Under the quiet test environment, a single outcome measure is sufficient, but test orders should be counterbalanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Soo Yoon
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Baylor University, Waco, TX
| | | | - Brianna Diaz
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock
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9
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Kim J, Jeon S, Kim D, Shin Y. A Review of Contemporary Teleaudiology: Literature Review, Technology, and Considerations for Practicing. J Audiol Otol 2021; 25:1-7. [PMID: 33494551 PMCID: PMC7835434 DOI: 10.7874/jao.2020.00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The scope of teleaudiology has been noted with telehealth due to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) recently. As the notion has been around us for more than 20 years ever since 1999, it is necessary to perceive the knowledge accurately and prepare for the successful implementation of it. Therefore, the literature review including screening and diagnostic audiometry, cochlear implants and hearing aids, and aural rehabilitation, telecommunications technology regarding several fields of teleaudiology, and considerations for practicing were identified. Although overall internet-based audiological services showed benefits in terms of outcome and accessibility, uncertainties of cost-effectiveness, the optimal level of support, and a need for further studies of many aspects for teleaudiology has arisen. In the view of technology, the store-and-forward (asynchronous/hybrid) and a real-time (synchronous) methods were introduced with one applied and nine registered patents recorded from 2004 to 2020 for the invention of teleaudiology in the United States. Also, 10 checklists were suggested for planning teleaudiology practice from prior experience in hosting the teleaudiology program. Conclusively, it is hoped that this review sheds light on recognizing and improving the existing teleaudiology services and helps overcome the challenges faced in the era of pandemic and untact world to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsook Kim
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea.,Division of Speech Pathology and Audiology, College of Natural Sciences, Research Institute of Audiology and Speech Pathology, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Seungik Jeon
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Dokyun Kim
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Yerim Shin
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Graduate School, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
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10
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Irace AL, Sharma RK, Reed NS, Golub JS. Smartphone-Based Applications to Detect Hearing Loss: A Review of Current Technology. J Am Geriatr Soc 2020; 69:307-316. [PMID: 33341098 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a widely prevalent yet manageable condition that has been linked to neurocognitive and psychiatric comorbidities. Multiple barriers hinder older individuals from being diagnosed with ARHL through pure-tone audiometry. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in the closure of many outpatient audiology and otolaryngology offices. Smartphone-based hearing assessment apps may overcome these challenges by enabling patients to remotely self-administer their own hearing examination. The objective of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of current mobile health applications (apps) that claim to assess hearing. DESIGN Narrative review. MEASUREMENTS The Apple App Store and Google Play Store were queried for apps that claim to assess hearing. Relevant apps were downloaded and used to conduct a mock hearing assessment. Names of included apps were searched on four literature databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL) to determine which apps had been validated against gold standard methods. RESULTS App store searches identified 44 unique apps. Apps differed with respect to the type of test offered (e.g., hearing threshold test), cost, strategies to reduce ambient noise, test output (quantitative vs qualitative results), and options to export results. Validation studies were identified for seven apps. CONCLUSION Given their low cost and relative accessibility, smartphone-based hearing apps may facilitate screening for ARHL, particularly in the setting of limitations on in-person medical care due to COVID-19. However, app features vary widely, few apps have been validated, and user-centered designs for older adults are largely lacking. Further research and validation efforts are necessary to determine whether smartphone-based hearing assessments are a feasible and accurate screening tool for ARHL. Key Points Age-related hearing loss is a prevalent yet undertreated condition among older adults. Why Does this Paper Matter? Smartphone-based hearing test apps may facilitate remote screening for hearing loss, but limitations surrounding app validation, usability, equipment calibration, and data security should be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria L Irace
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rahul K Sharma
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nicholas S Reed
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Justin S Golub
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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11
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Miller LE, Rathi VK, Kozin ED, Naunheim MR, Xiao R, Gray ST. Telemedicine Services Provided to Medicare Beneficiaries by Otolaryngologists Between 2010 and 2018. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020; 146:816-821. [PMID: 32701120 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2020.1911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Clinicians are increasingly adopting telemedicine in an effort to expand patient access and efficiently deliver care. However, the extent to which otolaryngologists provide telemedicine services is unclear. Objective To characterize recent trends in the use of telemedicine by otolaryngologists to deliver care to Medicare beneficiaries. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018, using publicly available Medicare Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary data on physicians practicing in the field of otolaryngology and benchmark specialties (dermatology and psychiatry) that provided telemedicine services to Medicare beneficiaries. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes were the mean annual number of telemedicine services delivered per active physician and mean annual payment per active physician for these services. Secondary outcomes included the number, setting, and complexity of telemedicine services. Results Between 2010 and 2018, otolaryngologists provided 2127 total telemedicine services (7 unique service types) to Medicare beneficiaries and received $88 574 in total payment for these services. During this period, the mean number of telemedicine services increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.0%, and the mean Medicare payment per otolaryngologist increased at a CAGR of 21.8%. In comparison, telemedicine use during this period generally increased at a higher rate in the fields of dermatology (mean number of services per active physician at CAGR of 13.0%; mean Medicare payment per active physician at CAGR of 12.5%) and psychiatry (mean number of services per active physician at CAGR of 25.8%; mean Medicare payment per active physician at CAGR of 26.6%). In 2018, outpatient evaluation and management visits accounted for most telemedicine services provided (337 of 353 [95.5%]) and the payments received ($17 542.13 of $18 470.47 [95.0%]) by otolaryngologists. In contrast, physicians in other specialties also provided substantial portions of telemedicine services in the inpatient (psychiatry, 18 403 of 198 478 [9.3%]; dermatology, 231 of 1034 [22.3%]) and skilled nursing facility settings (psychiatry, 14 690 of 198 478 [7.4%]; dermatology, 46 of 1034 [4.4%]). Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests that the extent to which otolaryngologists used telemedicine to deliver care to Medicare beneficiaries between 2010 and 2018 was rare. Although there was relative growth in the use of telemedicine by otolaryngologists during this period, absolute growth remained low. Policy makers and provider organizations should support otolaryngologists in the adoption of telemedicine technologies, especially while coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) viral suppression efforts necessitate prolonged restriction of physical clinic throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Miller
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston.,Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vinay K Rathi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston.,Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elliott D Kozin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston.,Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew R Naunheim
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston.,Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Roy Xiao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston.,Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stacey T Gray
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston.,Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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12
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Singh AK, Kasle DA, Jiang R, Sukys J, Savoca EL, Z Lerner M, Kohli N. A Review of Telemedicine Applications in Otorhinolaryngology: Considerations During the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 Pandemic. Laryngoscope 2020; 131:744-759. [PMID: 32942340 PMCID: PMC7537247 DOI: 10.1002/lary.29131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS Review the published literature of telemedicine's use within otorhinolaryngology (ORL), highlight its successful implementation, and document areas with need of future research. STUDY DESIGN State of the Art Review. METHODS Three independent, comprehensive searches for articles published on the subject of telemedicine in ORL were conducted of literature available from January 2000 to April 2020. Search terms were designed to identify studies which examined telemedicine use within ORL. Consensus among authors was used to include all relevant articles. RESULTS While several, small reports document clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and the cost of telemedicine, much of the literature on telemedicine in ORL is comprised of preliminary, proof-of-concept reports. Further research will be necessary to establish its strengths and limitations. CONCLUSIONS Particularly during the coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic, telemedicine can, and should, be used within ORL practice. This review can assist in guiding providers in implementing telemedicine that has been demonstrated to be successful, and direct future research. Laryngoscope, 131:744-759, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita K Singh
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A
| | - David A Kasle
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A
| | - Roy Jiang
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A
| | - Jordan Sukys
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A
| | - Emily L Savoca
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A
| | - Michael Z Lerner
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A
| | - Nikita Kohli
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A
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Fieux M, Duret S, Bawazeer N, Denoix L, Zaouche S, Tringali S. Téléconsultation en ORL : enquête de satisfaction en période pandémique COVID-19. ANNALES FRANÇAISES D'OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGIE ET DE PATHOLOGIE CERVICO-FACIALE 2020. [PMCID: PMC7298459 DOI: 10.1016/j.aforl.2020.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
But Étudier l’intérêt de la téléconsultation en période de pandémie liée au COVID-19. Matériel et méthodes Étude prospective comportant une enquête de satisfaction réalisée au sein d’un service d’ORL d’un centre hospitalo-universitaire où la téléconsultation a été mise en place pour remplacer les consultations programmées. Les patients étaient répartis en deux groupes selon leur niveau de satisfaction pour en identifier les facteurs prédictifs. Une valeur de p < 0,005 était considérée statistiquement significative. L’objectif principal était d’évaluer le taux de satisfaction des patients à la suite d’une téléconsultation en ORL pendant le confinement mondial. L’objectif secondaire était d’identifier des facteurs prédictifs de la satisfaction globale des patients. Résultats 125 patients ont été vu en téléconsultation sur une période de 7 jours d’inclusion et 100 patients ont complété le questionnaire. Le taux de satisfaction globale était de 87 %. Aucun facteur prédictif cliniquement pertinent n’était associé de façon statistiquement significative avec la satisfaction. Respectivement 76 et 61 % des patients avaient jugé satisfaisante la qualité du son et de la vidéo sans impact significatif sur leur satisfaction globale (respectivement OR = 3,40 ; valeur de p = 0,049 et OR = 3,79 ; valeur de p = 0,049). L’absence d’examen physique n’était pas significativement corrélée à une diminution de la satisfaction globale (OR = 0,30 ; valeur de p = 0,027). Conclusion La téléconsultation ne permettait pas une prise en charge médicale complète mais en situation de pandémie, elle a été bien accueillie par les patients. Elle représentait un moyen simple de maintenir la continuité des soins médicaux tout en réduisant le risque de contamination par contact direct entre les patients et le personnel soignant.
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Fieux M, Duret S, Bawazeer N, Denoix L, Zaouche S, Tringali S. Telemedicine for ENT: Effect on quality of care during Covid-19 pandemic. Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis 2020; 137:257-261. [PMID: 32624390 PMCID: PMC7306717 DOI: 10.1016/j.anorl.2020.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To assess the benefit of telemedicine consultation during the Covid-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospective study of patient satisfaction with telemedicine consultation was carried out in the ENT department of a university hospital center where telemedicine consultations were set up to replace scheduled out-patient consultations. Patients were divided into two groups according to overall satisfaction, in order to identify predictive factors. The significance threshold was set at P<0.005. The main endpoint was patient satisfaction after an ENT telemedicine consultation during global lockdown. The secondary endpoint comprised predictive factors for overall satisfaction. RESULTS One hundred of the 125 patients with telemedicine consultation over a 7-day inclusion period completed the questionnaire. Overall satisfaction was 87%. There were no clinically relevant predictive factors significantly associated with satisfaction. Sound and video quality was satisfactory for 76% and 61% of patients respectively, without significant impact on overall satisfaction (respectively: OR=3.40, P-value=0.049; and OR=3.79, P-value=0.049). Lack of physical examination did not significantly correlate with reduced overall satisfaction (OR=0.30, P-value=0.027). CONCLUSION Telemedicine consultation did not allow complete medical care but, in a difficult time like the global pandemic, was well accepted by patients. It is a simple way to maintain continuity of care while reducing contamination risk by avoiding direct contact between patients and healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fieux
- Service d'Otologie et d'Otoneurologie, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69495, Pierre-Bénite, France.
| | - S Duret
- Service d'Otologie et d'Otoneurologie, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69495, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - N Bawazeer
- Service d'Otorhinolaryngologie et Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, Umm Al Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - L Denoix
- Service d'Otologie et d'Otoneurologie, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69495, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - S Zaouche
- Service d'Otologie et d'Otoneurologie, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69495, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - S Tringali
- Service d'Otologie et d'Otoneurologie, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69495, Pierre-Bénite, France
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