Expanding the Frontiers of Pharmacy Practice (I)

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.

Key Lessons:

• Most older adults have some degree of hearing loss and it can significantly impact the quality of life
• There are many causes of hearing loss including medications, infections, cerumen, and aging
• A screening exam for hearing impairment is part of the Welcome to Medicare Exam, but hearing aids are not covered by Medicare.
• OTC hearing aids are predicted to be a far more affordable option for patients with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
• Pharmacists have an important role in assessing patients and referring them to an audiologist for hearing exams.
• Pharmacists can assist patients select an appropriate OTC hearing aid
• To find an audiologist: American Academy of Audiology