This session is developed by, and presenters invited by, Dispensing, and Business Practice Management: Audiology. Over-the-counter hearing aid legislation provided a new incentive for interprofessional collaboration with pharmacists. This session will address the potential impact of OTC hearing aids on audiology services in the community through the lens of the pharmacy profession. Content will consider OTC hearing aids within the scope of practice and workflow of pharmacists in community settings. Presenters will discuss results from a survey on pharmacists’ awareness, interest and readiness to support patients seeking OTC hearing aid solutions. Strategies for collaborating with pharmacists to increase referrals to audiology services and follow up will be presented.
Learning Objectives:
Explain how OTC hearing aids align with pharmacists’ training and scope of practice.
Describe results of a survey assessing pharmacists’ awareness, interest, and readiness to support patients seeking OTC hearing aids.
Discuss opportunities for interprofessional collaboration with pharmacists in regard to hearing health self-care.