Audiology Connections - 2021 - 22

We started using ultraviolet (UV)
sterilization boxes and have
implemented more rigorous
infection control protocols.
-Tyler Raup, AuD, CCC-A

TYLER RAUP, AUD, CCC-A
Audiologist, Chesapeake Hearing
Centers
The pandemic has forced us to get
outside our comfort zone, find ways to
be flexible and nimble with changing
schedules, and look for ways to deliver
high-quality care to our patients.
At our practice, we are fortunate to
have seven locations, so we have
the built-in ability to see patients in
different offices without any change
in standard of care, which has been
helpful for patients who moved in with
family members during this time. We
implemented curbside services and
drop boxes for patients to drop off
their hearing aids for cleaning, repairs,
and so forth, while remaining in their
cars. We started using ultraviolet
(UV) sterilization boxes and have
implemented more rigorous infection
control protocols. These practices will
probably stay with us long after the
pandemic ends. There have been pros
and cons-finding the right mask for the
right patient has been challenging at
times, but I've also had some patients
request to be seen outside when the
weather is nice, so it's not all bad!

22 

LINDSAY CREED, AUD,
CCC-A, FAAA
Audiologist, Chesapeake Ear Nose &
Throat
Although the pandemic has
challenged many of us in ways we
wish to never experience again, it has
also forced us to adapt to change,
think creatively, and ultimately grow
in our profession. At the beginning,
many of us were overwhelmed with
fear and uncertainty; how would
audiology be affected? What would
happen with our patients? One thing
we all agreed on was that-more than
ever-our patients need us. So many of
them are quarantined and relying on
other methods of communication such
as phone calls or video chat to stay
in touch with loved ones and friends.
It is imperative that their hearing
abilities remain as good as possible to
decrease risk of further social isolation
and promote and maintain healthy
relationships with others.
Initially, we needed to reserve use of
personal protective equipment (PPE)
for frontline workers by significantly
reducing or ceasing our practice
altogether. Once PPE became more
readily available, we began to figure
out how to safely return to meeting
our patients' needs. For our busy ENT
practice, it meant coming together
as a group (physicians, audiologists,

  2021 AUDIOLOGY CONNECTIONS asha.org/aud

practice administrator, and support
staff) to develop a protocol to ensure
the safety of our patients and staff-
and to adopt and implement the
new Centers for Disease Control &
Prevention (CDC) guidelines specific
to coronavirus. It meant going to
great lengths to acquire and preserve
appropriate PPE, screen staff members
and patients for signs and symptoms of
COVID-19, and reduce physical contact
as much as possible. We continue to
perform temperature checks and other
screening measures on all staff and
patients daily. In between patients, staff
members sanitize equipment and all
frequently touched surfaces. We have
become accustomed to the sound of
air purifiers running and timers dinging
to indicate that a room or sound booth
is sanitized and safe to be occupied.
I often joke with my patients that I
became dually certified in audiology
and cleaning services over the past
year.
Our workplace looks a lot different
than it used to. Chairs are spaced
apart or turned around, extra supplies
are tucked away, and wipes and
hand sanitizer are available in every
room. All staff wear surgical masks
at all times. All providers wear N95
masks, surgical masks, and eye
protection in the presence of patients.
Although we are grateful for these
necessary and life-saving measures,
they have increased the barrier to
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Audiology Connections - 2021

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