Expanding the Frontiers of Pharmacy Practice (I)

<p>Lucas Berenbrok, PharmD, BCACP, TTS - Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Therapeutics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy - talks with us about hearing loss and the important role pharmacists can play as OTC hearing aids become available in 2020.</p> <p>Key Lessons:</p> <ul><li>Most older adults have some degree of hearing loss and it can significantly impact the quality of life</li> <li>There are many causes of hearing loss including medications, infections, cerumen, and aging</li> <li>A screening exam for hearing impairment is part of the Welcome to Medicare Exam, but hearing aids are not covered by Medicare.</li> <li>OTC hearing aids are predicted to be a far more affordable option for patients with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.</li> <li>Pharmacists have an important role in assessing patients and referring them to an audiologist for hearing exams.</li> <li>Pharmacists can assist patients select an appropriate OTC hearing aid</li> <li>To find an audiologist: <a href='https://memberportal.audiology.org/Directories/Find-an-Audiologist'>American Academy of Audiology</a></li> </ul>