AUTOMATION AND THE FUTURE OF AUDIOLOGY
In the final episode of the "Closing the Audiology Gap" series, experts Robert Margolis, PhD, and James W. Hall III, PhD, discuss the future of audiology with a focus on GSI AMTAS™ and automation. They highlight the initial challenges and eventual acceptance of GSI AMTAS within the audiology community, which then prompts Dr. Hall to emphasize its potential to reach underserved populations, globally.
Dr. Margolis points out the significant shortage of audiologists compared to the growing number of people with hearing loss. By 2060, 47 million people are expected to need hearing evaluations, however, the current capacity to test those is only 17 million. Automation, such as GSI AMTAS, could be the solution to help bridge this gap between those needing testing and the shortage of those able to conduct tests.
Dr. Hall suggests that public schools and nursing homes are an ideal setting for automated testing to take place, as GSI AMTAS can be used without a sound booth and can reach individuals who need to be tested, but may not have an audiologist in proximity.
Lastly, Dr. Margolis and Dr. Hall discussed how GSI AMTAS continues to progress, such as more efficient bone conduction testing. Speech audiometry is also being automated, with innovative methods to overcome language barriers.
We encourage everyone to watch this informative video, as well as the first three videos in the series to learn more about the research behind GSI AMTAS and the advantages of incorporating automation into clinical practices around the world. Follow the link to view the full Closing the Audiology Gap series.
Laura Prigge, AuD is the Manager of Clinical Education and Training at GSI. Laura received her Doctorate of Audiology degree from AT Still University, a Master's of Arts in Audiology from UCONN and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Western Illinois University. Laura’s 20+ years of experience includes providing manufacturing support for a leading hearing aid manufacturer as well as technical audiology training and support for an international audiologic equipment company. Prior to that, she managed education and training at another hearing aid manufacturer and conducted audiologic evaluations on children, adults, and geriatric patients at a retail hearing center.