Speakers:
Catherine Palmer, PhD
Professor and Interim Chair, Dept of Communication Science and Disorders
University of Pittsburgh; Chair, Academy OTC Resources Task Force

Patrick Gallagher, MBA
Executive Director, American Academy of Audiology

Tracy Murphy, AuD
Audiologist, North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab, IL; Member, Academy OTC Resources Task Force

Susan Pilch, JD
Senior Director of Government Relations, American Academy of Audiology

Angela Shoup, PhD
Ludwig A. Michael, MD, Executive Directorship of Callier Center
UT Dallas; Member, OTC Resources Task Force

CEUs: 0.1 AAA CEUs

Duration: 60 minutes

Instructional Level: Beginner

Program Focus: Knowledge 

Description:  

With the release by the FDA on the final rule for the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids and their official entry to the market on October 17, audiologists need an understanding of the implications of the regulations for practice today. The final rule includes some changes from the proposed rule whereas other areas remained the same. The final rule offers a little more clarity in some areas, and in other areas, it does not. 

Members of the Academy’s OTC Resources Task Force and staff will offer some clarifications and answers to assist members. The webinar will present the final, key take-home messages from the final rule and also will address unintended consequences, including the ambiguity of the prescription hearing aid terminology and the significance of outdated state laws. Speakers will provide the most current clarifications, resources to offer guidance, and strategies for addressing issues at the state level. Additionally, the webinar will touch on some key logistics for implementing OTC hearing aids into audiology practice.  

Learning Outcomes: 

1. List the key components of the final regulations for OTC hearing aids.
2. Compare and contrast unintended consequences from the OTC final rule relative to current audiology practice.
3. Plan for the advent of patients needing assistance with OTC hearing aids.

Catherine Palmer, PhD
Professor and Interim Chair, Dept of Communication Science and Disorders
University of Pittsburgh; Chair, Academy OTC Resources Task Force

Patrick Gallagher, MBA
Executive Director, American Academy of Audiology

Tracy Murphy, AuD
Audiologist, North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab, IL
Member, Academy OTC Resources Task Force

Susan Pilch, JD
Senior Director of Government Relations, American Academy of Audiology

Angela Shoup, PhD
Ludwig A. Michael, MD, Executive Directorship of Callier Center UT Dallas
Member, OTC Resources Task Force