Pharmacyforward

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