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Registration and Continental Breakfast

Registration - Get nametag, familiarize yourself with app and location, networking

Opening Session

Welcome from the Board and Updates from the Conference Co-Chairs

Managing Patients with Bothersome Tinnitus
Stelios Dokianakis, Au.D.

Managing bothersome tinnitus can be challenging and time consuming for Audiologists. Our professional training, typically, does not full address tinnitus management . Further, education on tinnitus is often provided by manufacturers and is specific to their tinnitus treatment devices, not offering an objective and balanced approach. The goal of this presentation is to provide a review of clinical best practices for tinnitus, without bias, and empower clinicians to better understand and manage patients with bothersome tinnitus.

Learner Objective #1
Understand tinnitus generation, perception, reactions and how to assess.
Learner Objective #2:
Understand current tinnitus treatment options and best practices.
Learner Objective #3:
Learn available resources and develop a "Tinnitus First Aid Kit" for your practice.

  • Stelios Dokianakis, Au.D. (Audiologist/Practice Owner at Holland Doctors of Audiology)

    Stelios Dokianakis, Au.D.

    Audiologist/Practice Owner at Holland Doctors of Audiology
The Parallel Auditory Brainstem Response
Ross Maddox, Ph.D.

The frequency-specific auditory brainstem response (ABR) is a crucial tool in diagnosing infant hearing loss. We have recently developed the parallel ABR (pABR), which presents stimuli at all frequencies in both ears all at once. The result of this parallel presentation is that responses are acquired faster and with better signal-to-noise ratio, and the threshold search is simplified because only stimulus level needs to be traversed. In this talk we will go over how the pABR works as well as its advantages over traditional, serial presentation for estimating thresholds.

Learner Objective #1
appreciate the advantages and drawbacks of the pABR compared to traditional tools.
Learner Objective #2:
describe the differences between the pABR and the multiple auditory steady-state response.
Learner Objective #3:
understand how the pABR offers more place-specific responses.

  • Ross Maddox, Ph.D. (Associate Professor at University of Michigan - Michigan Medicine)

    Ross Maddox, Ph.D.

    Associate Professor at University of Michigan - Michigan Medicine
Lunch

Break for Lunch (On Your Own)

Audiblity-based Parent Counseling Up and Down the Audiogram
Caitlin Sapp, Au.D., Ph.D.

In this course for pediatric audiologists, we will examine counseling for parents of children with hearing loss across several time points in the clinical course of care. This presentation will be rooted in peer-reviewed evidence and present research about the impact of adding objective measurements of audibility to our descriptions of hearing loss. In this course, we will also examine the state of the literature supporting clinical decision-making about candidacy for hearing technology at different hearing loss levels. This course will present practical strategies for increasing the use of objective measurements to support recommendations and discuss maximizing parent urgency after an early hearing loss diagnosis.
Learner Objective #1
Recognize the gaps in our current parent counseling approach about early hearing loss from the literature.
Learner Objective #2:
Contrast audibility-based counseling and degree-based counseling after diagnosis and during early audiological management.
Learner Objective #3:
Evaluate a model of driving parent urgency after diagnosis, including both semantic and procedural cues about the importance of early hearing loss.

  • Caitlin Sapp, Au.D., Ph.D. (Director, Early Hearing Loss Lab of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill)

    Caitlin Sapp, Au.D., Ph.D.

    Director, Early Hearing Loss Lab of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Understanding the Intersection of Chronic Pain and Auditory Health: Implications for Audiologists
Brittany Richmond, B.S.Nicole Ferguson, AuD

Chronic pain is a multifaceted condition with profound implications for individuals' overall well-being, including auditory health. This presentation aims to elucidate the interconnectedness between chronic pain and auditory processing, emphasizing the importance of addressing chronic pain in audiological practice. Through a comprehensive exploration of the biopsychosocial model of chronic pain, attendees will gain insights into the biological, psychological, and social factors influencing both conditions. Case studies will illustrate the impact of chronic pain on auditory processing and highlight effective management strategies. By recognizing the holistic nature of patient care, audiologists can play a vital role in improving outcomes for individuals experiencing chronic pain. This presentation encourages a proactive stance in integrating chronic pain awareness into audiological practice, ultimately enhancing patient care and quality of life.
Learner Objective #1
Identify the biopsychosocial factors contributing to chronic pain, allowing audiologists to recognize the interconnected nature of these conditions.
Learner Objective #2:
Analyze case studies illustrating the manifestations of chronic pain in auditory health, enabling audiologists to assess and manage auditory issues in patients with chronic pain.
Learner Objective #3:
Participants will be able to articulate the interconnectedness between chronic pain and auditory processing, demonstrating an understanding of how addressing chronic pain in audiological practice can positively impact overall patient well-being.

  • Brittany Richmond, B.S. (Graduate Student)

    Brittany Richmond, B.S.

    Graduate Student
  • Nicole Ferguson, AuD (Director of Clinical Services & Instruction, Audiology at Central Michigan University)

    Nicole Ferguson, AuD

    Director of Clinical Services & Instruction, Audiology at Central Michigan University
KEYNOTE: Enhancing Hearing Healthcare Accessibility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Kellie Murphy, B.S.Jennifer Smart, Ph.D.

Access to healthcare for individuals with intellectual disabilities presents numerous challenges. This presentation will explore a strategy for expanding and enhancing a hearing screening program tailored to this population, focusing on improvements in the referral and follow-up processes. The discussion will address specific challenges, such as those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and how these challenges prompted innovative approaches to delivering hearing screenings more effectively. Notably, the program achieved a growth of over 40% during the pandemic. Practical action items for healthcare professionals and audiologists will be provided to support the advancement of inclusive healthcare practices.
Learner Objective #1
Identify at least one barrier associated with access to hearing healthcare for people with ID
Learner Objective #2:
Describe at least one way to remove or reduce barriers in clinical care to people with ID
Learner Objective #3:
Describe how to support access (or expand access) to hearing screenings (or diagnostic assessments) within your community for people with intellectual disabilities

  • Kellie Murphy, B.S. (Manager of Sports and Wellness at Special Olympics Michigan)

    Kellie Murphy, B.S.

    Manager of Sports and Wellness at Special Olympics Michigan
  • Jennifer Smart, Ph.D. (Graduate Program Director/Associate Professor of Grand Valley State University)

    Jennifer Smart, Ph.D.

    Graduate Program Director/Associate Professor of Grand Valley State University
Mingle with Exhibitors
Give Back to MACADDITIONAL TICKET REQUIRED

Join us for a night of fun and fundraising following the conference keynote speaker on Thursday evening at Beggar's Banquet in East Lansing. The event will include drinks, appetizers, music, exclusive silent auction items, a 50/50 raffle, and wine tasting with Wines for Humanity.

Proceeds of the event will go to fund lobbying costs and ensure continued legislative representation for the profession of audiology in the state of Michigan.

Registration and Continental Breakfast/MAC Mentor Program Meet-Up
Fostering Deep Self-Awareness: Exploring Our Biases in Healthcare
Alex Boesch, Ph.D.

Implicit biases affect our unconscious thinking and decision-making, and it's an individual's responsibility to unearth and mitigate biases before they affect others. This interactive workshop designed for healthcare professionals provides an opportunity for deep self-exploration as well as tools to mitigate biases.
Learner Objective #1
identify implicit biases within themselves.
Learner Objective #2:
recognize how implicit biases impact their professional work.
Learner Objective #3:
gain skills to interrupt implicit biases before they affect their actions.

  • Alex Boesch, Ph.D. (Principal Consultant at Intercultural Connections, LLC)

    Alex Boesch, Ph.D.

    Principal Consultant at Intercultural Connections, LLC
Feeling Blue? Tips to help with Bluetooth connection
Kristina Petraitis, Au.D.

Today’s consumers desire ease, convenience and flexibility. Technology continues to evolve with recent strides in connectivity supporting consumer demand, yet can elicit challenges. Attendees will learn how to successfully fit and connect to MFA hearing instruments with Bluetooth™ devices and easy-to-use solutions. We will also provide supportive tips to ensure success with connectivity to best support your patients regardless of device.
Learner Objective #1
1. Identify the 2.4GHz protocols used with MFA hearing instruments and other Bluetooth™ devices
Learner Objective #2:
2. Describe and identify how to best pair for successful connection to Bluetooth™ devices and solutions
Learner Objective #3:
3. Identify and troubleshoot common connectivity issues and review current Bluetooth protocols

  • Kristina Petraitis, Au.D. (Audiology & Education Manager at Unitron)

    Kristina Petraitis, Au.D.

    Audiology & Education Manager at Unitron
Membership Meeting and Lunch
Precepting AuD Students, Not Creating Mini-me’s
Tracy Hagan Winn, Au.D.Kristine Riley, PhD

Precepting Au.D. students can be both immensely rewarding and challenging. With the shift from a master’s to a doctoral level of education, class sizes have grown, placing greater demands on preceptors. Despite these challenges, clinical training remains a cornerstone of our students' education, with the shared goal of shaping skilled, confident clinicians who are capable of independent decision-making.

While it's tempting to teach students to mirror our own approaches, it’s crucial to support each student in developing their own unique style. In this talk, we will provide you with strategies to be effective preceptors while balancing your primary role as a clinical audiologist.
Learner Objective #1
Identify the expectations of your students as well as the academic programs.
Learner Objective #2:
Identify the learning and motivation style of students.
Learner Objective #3:
How to deliver effective feedback to maximize student learning.

  • Tracy Hagan Winn, Au.D. (Assistant Clinical Professor at Northwestern University)

    Tracy Hagan Winn, Au.D.

    Assistant Clinical Professor at Northwestern University
  • Kristine Riley, PhD (Associate Clinical Professor at Northwestern University)

    Kristine Riley, PhD

    Associate Clinical Professor at Northwestern University
Accessibility In and Out of the Classroom: Panel Discussion
Kelly Dunham, BSBeth Kennedy, Ph.D.Samantha Kesteloot, AuDJohn Kirsh, M.A.
  • Kelly Dunham, BS (DHH Education Consultant at Michigan Department of Education – Low Incidence Outreach)

    Kelly Dunham, BS

    DHH Education Consultant at Michigan Department of Education – Low Incidence Outreach
  • Beth Kennedy, Ph.D. (Director of DB Central)

    Beth Kennedy, Ph.D.

    Director of DB Central
  • Samantha Kesteloot, AuD (Educational Audiologist at Trenton Oral Program for the Deaf/ Hard of Hearing)

    Samantha Kesteloot, AuD

    Educational Audiologist at Trenton Oral Program for the Deaf/ Hard of Hearing
  • John Kirsh, M.A. (MDE-LIO DHH Education Consultant at MDE-LIO)

    John Kirsh, M.A.

    MDE-LIO DHH Education Consultant at MDE-LIO