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Explore hearing loss mechanisms and use cutting-edge research to educate adults on its impact, treatment options, tinnitus management, and hearing protection.
Hearing loss is increasingly prevalent among adults, particularly older individuals. Research has highlighted its severe effects, including increased risk of falls, depression, cognitive decline, dementia, and higher rates of hospitalization. Despite these significant impacts, public awareness about the importance of adult hearing care remains low, with fewer than 20% of adults with hearing loss seeking treatment.
In this project, you will create an awareness overview resource aimed at educating the public on crucial aspects of adult hearing care. Your presentation will cover: the mechanisms and pathways of hearing, the pathologies and impacts of hearing loss, the characteristics and management of tinnitus, options for hearing devices, and strategies for hearing protection. This project will not only immerse you in the field of audiology but also provide you with valuable experience in advocacy and research. Developing the ability to critically review research literature is essential for evidence-based practice. The skills and knowledge gained from this project will be vital for your success in the healthcare field.
Get to know the Build Fellow and other students, preview of future session topics to have a general understanding of hearing healthcare.
Get familiar with anatomy and function of the ear: External ear, Middle ear, Inner ear. Understand the sound transmission and interpretation pathway from the ear level to the central brain level.
Interpreting the type and degree of hearing loss by reading audiograms.
Critically review research literature that explains the general impact of hearing loss on quality of life, family, cognition, etc.
Distinguish hearing device options for treating hearing loss and select corresponding ones based on patient’s individual needs.
Learn tinnitus definitions, assessment tools, and management techniques.
Understand the prevalence of noise induced hearing loss, learn how to use phone app to measure noise level, and compare three types of hearing protection devices.
Connect all of the topics in a coherent way and present both in slide deck and oral form, with the big themes of understanding hearing loss, treating hearing loss, and preventing hearing loss.
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Ling Zhong is an Audiology Fellow at Open Avenues Foundation, where she works closely with students and leads hearing healthcare projects. In addition to her role at the OAF, Ling practices as an audiologist at a private hearing clinic in the Bay Area. There, she specializes in diagnosing hearing loss, consulting on and fitting hearing aids, providing cerumen removal services, and managing tinnitus. Ling is also involved in conducting research projects related to hearing sciences at the clinic. She earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from Vanderbilt University. Outside of her professional life, Ling enjoys gathering with friends and exploring her surroundings.