Final Review

Question 1

What is the primary mission of audiology as a clinical profession?

Answer 1

Evaluation of hearing ability and the amelioration of impairment that results from hearing disorders.

Question 2

What is humanism in audiology, and how does it influence patient care?

Answer 2

Humanism in audiology is defined as the audiologist’s “attitudes and actions that demonstrate interest in and respect for the patient”
This approach emphasizes addressing the patient’s concerns and values, fostering a supportive and compassionate care environment.

Question 3

What is an audiologist and how do ASHA and AAA define the role of an audiologist?

Answer 3

Audiologists are licensed health-care professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss and balance disorders for adults and children. Treatment for hearing loss typically involves selecting and fitting hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive technologies.
- ASHA: is a professional who works to promote healthy hearing, communication competency, and quality of life across the life span. This is achieved by working to prevent hearing loss whenever possible, by screening individuals for hearing loss, and by assessing and treating individuals for disorders of hearing and balance. As needed, audiologists provide hearing aid and cochlear implant services, including equipment dispensing, follow-up services, and counseling.
AAA: is are the primary health-care professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss and balance disorders in individuals of all ages from infants and teens to adults and the elderly.

Question 4

Importance of respecting patient values, culture, and needs in audiology care.

Answer 4

Maintaining the humanistic approach, higher patient satisfaction rate. Better rapport with patients so they come back and are honest with you.

Question 5

What are the primary work settings for audiologists?

Answer 5

Hospitals, clinics, private practice, ENT (majority), universities, K-12 schools, government, military, VA

Question 6

What are the primary areas of specialization within audiology and how do the responsibilities of audiologists differ across these specialties?

Answer 6

Medical, educational, pediatric, dispensing/rehabilitative, industrial, professional schools of audiology, research, recreational and animal, tele-health

Question 7

What factors are driving the demand for audiologists in the U.S.?

Answer 7

Aging Population
Technological advancements
Increased Awareness
Healthcare Expansion

Question 8

What are the primary advantages for affiliating with professional associations?

Answer 8

Workload issues, ethical issues, professional connection, advocacy

Question 9

What opportunities do professional associations offer students in training?

Answer 9

Early exposure, leader interaction, peer support, student associations (leadership roles and educational resources)
ASHA offers Minority Student Leadership Program (MSLP)

Question 10

What are the five general ethical concepts found in most Codes of Ethics?

Answer 10

Beneficence (do good), autonomy (defends choices of capable patients), nonmaleficence (do no harm), justice (act based on fair adjudication between competing claims), fidelity (be honest and truthful)

Question 11

Why are credentials important in assessing a professional’s qualifications and expertise?

Answer 11

Credentials reflect a commitment to competence in their field.
Professionals earn these credentials voluntarily by demonstrating knowledge and skills through education and experience.
Achieving credentials typically involves passing a competency examination.

Question 12

What are the legal and ethical requirements for practicing as an audiologist?

Answer 12

Professional competency: must be certified and commit to continuing education/professional development

Question 13

Define accreditation, credential, credentialing, certification, license, and licensure.

Answer 13

Accreditation: A process of evaluating an education or credentialing program based on specific standards.
Credential: A designation of a qualification or achievement.
Credentialing: The process of evaluating an individual’s or organization’s qualifications in comparison with established standards.
Certification: A process whereby an individual earns a certificate after having met academic and professional standards.
License: An official permit to do something (e.g., drive a car or practice as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist).
Licensure: Regulation of a license, typically by a state agency.

Question 14

What is the role of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) in accrediting credentialing programs?

Answer 14

Accredits programs that certify professionals (e.g. Certificate of Clinical Competence) , ensuring these programs meet high standards.

Question 15

What are the certification requirements for ASHA and AAA?

Answer 15

ASHA: Academic preparation (doctoral degree),
clinical experience (minimum of 9 months full-time),
national examination (pass Praxis)
AAA: Education (doctoral degree),
national examination (Praxis),
licensure (state licensure),
professional experience (mentored professional practice)
Both require continuing education units

Question 16

Why is state licensure a legal requirement for practicing audiology but certification is not? - How do licensing and certification differ in purpose, role, and governance?

Answer 16

Licensure is regulated by state law and is legal requirement, serves as a form of consumer protection. Certification is not a legal requirement and is governed by professional organizations showing that the professional reflects high standards and excellence

Question 17

What are the consequences of non-compliance with licensing and certification requirements?

Answer 17

Non-compliance with licensing leads to loss or revocation of this documentation prohibits an individual from practicing audiology. Non-compliance with certification leads to no legal prohibition on practice but may affect professional credibility.

Question 18

Why is it important to adopt a growth mindset and remain aware of the Dunning-Kruger effect?

Answer 18

Self-assessment and growth are essential for maintaining competency in audiology, dunning-Kruger effect is overconfidence in incompetence.

Question 19

What is the overall purpose of the NIH competency proficiency scale, and what are its stages?

Answer 19

NIH offers a Competencies Proficiency Scale, designed to measure a professional’s competency, that reflects a continuum from Fundamental Awareness (basic knowledge) through Expert. Stages: Fundamental awareness (graduate education), Novice (clinical fellow 4th year), Intermediate (clinician), Advanced (clinician), Expert (specialist)

Question 20

What are the key steps for audiology graduates to transition into professional practice?

Answer 20

Know the licensure requirements in the state where you are practicing.
Maintain your license to practice and your national certification.
Adhere to continuing education requirements for both licensure and certification.
Develop and adhere to a plan for your personal development of professional competence at the intermediate, advanced, and/or expert level.

Question 21

What are the defining elements of a profession?

Answer 21

Education
Training
Experience
Recognized framework of qualifications
Accepted standards of practice
Fiduciary Responsibility

Question 22

How do education, training, and experience contribute to professional qualifications?

Answer 22

Education provides the theoretical knowledge base, training equips individuals with specific practical skills, and experience allows for the application of that knowledge and skills in real-world situations, all of which together form a comprehensive set of professional qualifications that demonstrate a person’s competency in a given field; essentially, education provides the foundation, training builds specific abilities, and experience validates the ability to utilize those skills effectively in a professional setting

Question 23

What are the professional attributes?

Answer 23

Confidentiality, trustworthiness, honesty, loyalty, reliability

Question 24

What are the key elements of professionalism?

Answer 24

Excellence
Humanism
Respect
Accountability
Altruism (selfless concern for other well-beings)
Integrity and justice

Question 25

How do professional appearance, time management, and communication contribute to professional conduct?

Answer 25

A professional is judged based on these things, good conduct reflects good credibility

Question 26

How should professionals manage their online presence to maintain a positive image?

Answer 26

Clean up social media and remove any questionable content.
Do not complain about work, supervisors, patients, or colleagues online.
Never post pictures, names, or any identifying information about patients.
Do not use phones to check time, or as a stopwatch.

Question 27

How can professionals balance personal challenges, like illness or emergencies, with workplace responsibilities?

Answer 27

Have grit and resiliency, be flexible and transparent while still being professional

Question 28

Why is patient privacy essential in healthcare, and how do ethical codes and HIPAA regulations guide its protection and enforcement?

Answer 28

Trust is crucial in healthcare, especially in ensuring that patient information remains confidential. Breaches can lead to legal consequences and undermine patient trust, potentially deterring them from seeking necessary care. Expectations and consequences are outlined by HIPAA

Question 29

How to build rapport with patients and their families?

Answer 29

Establish a positive relationship from the first meeting.
Introduce yourself and use appropriate nonverbal behaviors.
Learn and use the names of your patients and their families.
Explain the process and duration of the appointment.
Use appropriate language and convey empathy and open-mindedness.
Notice what your patient values and make it important to you.
Remain neutral and professional, even if the patient is upset, to facilitate communication.
Provide space for questions without judgement.
Others: remember birthdays, provide tissues for emotional sessions, provide a toy for siblings in waiting room, adjust pillows for bedside clients, etc.

Question 30

What are the barriers to communication with patients?

Answer 30

Hearing loss
Language barriers
Cognitive, speech/language deficits, time constraints (patient won’t stop talking)

Question 31

Why is nonverbal communication considered more genuine than verbal communication?

Answer 31

nonverbal communication is always happening and is difficult to hide - believed to be more genuine, and less monitored and controlled.

Question 32

What are the different types of nonverbal communication? And how can these cues influence communication?

Answer 32

Physical appearance
Space and seating
Eye contact
Facial expressions
Body language
Time

Question 33

Transitioning from a student to a practicing professional is a significant shift that requires working independently. What steps can you take to better understand your role and responsibilities to ease this transition?

Answer 33

Review license requirements within your state of employment
Know the licensing laws within that state
Review need for education certification (if applicable)
Review the ASHA certification process with your mentor or preceptor

Question 34

What are the four key professional skills that are important to have? How do these skills support professional growth and success?

Answer 34

Teamwork: effective collaboration and positive team culture
Professional curiosity: view challenges as opportunities
Networking: provides valuable insights, opportunities, and collaboration
Advocacy: support patients and profession

Question 35

What are the components of the 70:20:10 learning model developed by Lombardo and Eichinger?

Answer 35

Professional development can happen through a mix of three things: 10% formal learning opportunities, 20% social or relational, 70% experiential

Question 36

What are the differences between stress and burnout? And what strategies can be used to prevent professional fatigue and banish burnout?

Answer 36

Stress: short-term solution to an immediate problem (too much pressure and demands)
Burnout: result of long-term exposure to stress (not enough energy left to function)
Banish burnout by managing your energy, not your time, resist perfectionism, and put yourself first.

Question 37

What is impostor syndrome, why is it common among high-achieving individuals, and how can it be managed?

Answer 37

Imposter syndrome is when is when there is a mismatch on how one sees themself and how they are being perceived. It is correlated with high success because it is rooted in perfectionism. Manage it by focusing on outcomes, separating feelings from facts, avoid comparison, seek out a trusted support system.

Question 38

What does autonomy mean in healthcare profession, and what challenges or threats can impact an audiologist’s ability to maintain independence and professional judgment?

Answer 38

In healthcare, it means a self directing freedom and moral independence in which an individual is free to choose and implement his or her own decision. An autonomous profession is one in which the practitioner has the qualifications, responsibility, and authority for the provision of services which fall within its scope of practice. Threats to an audiologists autonomy include Health care facility or educational setting policies or procedures (productivity targets, commission for sale of hearing aids), physicians who insist on prescriptive requirements that conflict with professional judgement, supervision by someone unfamiliar with audiology, direct access (physician gatekeeping Medicare patients), Medicare fee schedule, third party payers contract limitations.

Question 39

What are the legal and ethical responsibilities of audiologists in their professional roles?

Answer 39

Audiologists are liable for malpractice or negligence and are responsible for supervising other professionals and students under their charge. Audiologists must adhere to ASHA’s Code of Ethics, which mandates the use of appropriate resources and prohibits providing services without the requisite preparation or credentials. (ethical responsibilities include assuring quality of service, offering patient autonomy, and providing accurate info).

Question 40

What are the types of collaboration in professional settings and how do they differ in supporting patient care?

Answer 40

Multidisciplinary collaboration (team of professionals performing within their scope of practice), interdisciplinary collaboration (team of professionals blending their knowledge), transdisciplinary collaboration (untraditional, overlapping roles between team members).

Question 41

Audiological application of the multidisciplinary collaboration approach:

Answer 41

An audiologist assesses and manages hearing status, a speech therapist evaluates speech and language, and an
ENT addresses medical concerns. Each creates a separate report, and while this ensures thorough input, it lacks integrated planning or joint problem-solving.

Question 42

Audiological application of the interdisciplinary collaboration approach:

Answer 42

An audiologist, speech-language pathologist, and psychologist might work together to
address both hearing and language challenges in a child. They develop a unified treatment plan where the
audiologist optimizes hearing aids, the speech therapist provides tailored therapy, and the psychologist
addresses cognitive and emotional barriers, ensuring interventions are aligned and comprehensive.

Question 43

Audiological application of the transdisciplinary collaboration approach:

Answer 43

Audiologists, deaf education specialists, and speech-language pathologists might collaborate to develop oral language in children with hearing loss, blending their expertise to deliver seamless interventions as a single team.

Question 44

According to ATSU’s Dr. Story, what is the definition of “occupation?”

Answer 44

Activities that “occupy” our daily lives, such as brushing teeth, standing, putting shoes on, etc.

Question 45

What are the main differences between OTs and PTs when managing patient health concerns according to Dr. Story?

Answer 45

OTs and PTs may examine the same issues but approach them from different perspectives. PTS focus on movement and function, strengthening weak muscles to restore mobility and help patients regain physical capabilities. OTs focus on connecting the brain to movement, enhancing coordination and enabling patients to perform functional activities more effectively.

Question 46

What are some examples of collaboration between audiologists AND physical therapists and SLPs?

Answer 46

Stroke recovery, Traumatic brain Injury, aging adults

Question 47

What are the four tenants of osteopathic medicine?

Answer 47

1. The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind and spirit.
2. The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.
3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.
4. Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.