Dr. Lori Zitelli on Comprehensive Care, Tinnitus, and Emotional Health
Nov 21, 2024
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Dr. Lori Zitelli, an audiology manager and adjunct instructor at the University of Pittsburgh, shares her expertise in interventional audiology and tinnitus management. She discusses how audiology can revolutionize healthcare beyond hearing loss, highlighting the inadequacies of standard screenings. The conversation touches on the serious link between tinnitus and mental health, including suicide risks. Dr. Zitelli emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluations and ongoing care, aiming for improved patient outcomes and emotional well-being.
Dr. Lori Zitelli underscores the importance of interventional audiology in identifying undiagnosed hearing issues, enhancing patient well-being beyond just addressing hearing loss.
The podcast highlights the critical link between tinnitus and suicide, advocating for awareness of warning signs and access to support resources for emotional health.
Deep dives
Understanding Interventional Audiology
Interventional audiology emphasizes the significant role audiologists can play in healthcare beyond just addressing hearing loss. This approach advocates for identifying and treating hearing impairment, which can enhance communication and overall health outcomes for patients dealing with unrelated medical issues. Dr. Lori Zatelli highlights how many individuals are unaware of their gradual hearing loss, stressing the importance of comprehensive evaluations over mere screenings. She cites data indicating that about 40% of individuals do not recognize their hearing impairment, leading to an urgency for proactive intervention in audiologic care.
Challenges of Screening and Follow-Up
The effectiveness of hearing screenings is questioned, especially in terms of patient follow-up after initial assessments. Dr. Zatelli points out that many patients who fail a hearing screening often do not pursue further audiometric evaluations, leading to missed treatment opportunities. Historical data suggests that a mere 15 to 20 percent of individuals follow up on positive screening results, which raises concerns about the value of such screenings. The podcast argues for a more thorough approach, akin to other healthcare practices, which require a detailed understanding of the patient's condition before deciding on the course of treatment.
Importance of Comprehensive Measurement Practices
The conversation addresses real ear measurements and test box standards, stressing their necessity for effective hearing aid fittings. Dr. Zatelli emphasizes that fitting a hearing aid without these measurements compromises the ability to determine audibility and achieve prescriptive targets, ultimately affecting patient satisfaction. Despite advancements in audiology, many practitioners still overlook these practices, often citing lack of time or equipment as barriers. Establishing best practices and understanding the science underlying hearing aid fittings can lead to better patient outcomes and fulfillment of professional standards.
How can audiology transform healthcare even when hearing loss isn't the primary concern? Join us as we uncover this and more with Dr. Lori Zitelli, audiology manager and adjunct instructor at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Zitelli shares her expert insights on the groundbreaking field of interventional audiology and the pivotal role it plays in identifying undiagnosed hearing issues. We discuss the limitations of basic screenings and the necessity for comprehensive audiometric evaluations, along with the crucial role audiology assistants have in ensuring follow-up care. Prepare to gain a deeper understanding of how audiology can enhance patient well-being by tackling hearing loss before it becomes life-altering.
In this compelling episode, we delve into the intricacies of real-ear measurements and how these practices can significantly improve patient outcomes despite common barriers like time and equipment constraints. We also take a sobering look at the serious relationship between tinnitus and suicide, highlighting the importance of recognizing warning signs and the resources available to help those in need. Dr. Zitelli's experiences and insights shed light on the evolving landscape of audiology, urging us to consider its expansive role in addressing both physical and emotional health challenges. Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your understanding of audiology's impact on healthcare.