Speaker: Dr Melanie Ferguson
Date: Monday 13 May
Time: 1.00pm – 2.30pm
Location: Australian Hearing Hub, Level 1, Lecture Theatre
Agenda:
1.00pm – 1.05pm – Welcome
1.05pm – 1.45pm – Presentation
1.45pm – 2.00pm – Q & A
2.00pm – 2.30pm – Networking & Refreshments
Abstract:
In 2007, Arthur Boothroyd published the often-cited “Adult Aural Rehabilitation: what is it and does it work?”. More than a decade on, this presentation will examine developments in adult aural rehabilitation (AR) to improve auditory function, activity, participation and quality of life through research relating to the four cornerstones of AR intervention: hearing aids and other listening devices (sensory management), knowledge and skill (instruction), auditory and cognitive training (perceptual training), and motivational engagement (counselling).
Self-management and behavior change are at the core of many of these interventions. There is a focus on the need for high-quality research as this is needed to provide rigorous evidence to inform clinical practice and national guidelines. Much of this new research has a theoretical underpinning (e.g. behavior change theory) to better guide the development and evaluation of interventions, increasing likelihood of implementation of research into clinical practice. The role of new and emerging technologies that support e- and m-health delivery of interventions to increase access, personalisation and engagement of patients with hearing healthcare will be discussed. Looking to the future, the requirement for a set of relevant and appropriate outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions trialed in clinical studies will be highlighted.
Bio:
Mel Ferguson has recently become the Head of Audiology at NAL, and has responsibility for the Adult Hearing Loss research area. Prior to that she was an Associate Professor in Hearing Sciences and Consultant Clinical Scientist (audiology) at the NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, UK. Her translational research programme on Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss aimed to promote healthy hearing by reducing activity limitations and participation restrictions. This research focussed on (i) e-health and self-management, (ii) listening and cognition, and (iii) listening devices. These primary themes were underpinned by health behaviour, patient-centred approaches and outcome measures. Previously, Mel worked at the MRC Institute of Hearing Research, and was the head of the Clinical Section. There she worked on early screening for hearing loss, modernising hearing aid services, and APD in children.
Mel has a long track record in audiology professional affairs, with leadership roles in the British Society of Audiology and British Academy of Audiology. For example, she was Chair of the BSA Adult Rehabilitation Interest Group, Chair of the BAA Higher Training committee, and until recently was the Vice-chair for BSA. She contributed to developing national clinical guidelines on hearing Loss as a member of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline development committee.
Registration: Entry is free and open to the public.
Please register by Wednesday 8 May 2019 to louise.dodd@mq.edu.au