Audiology

Description
Clinical audiology services are provided to active and former astronauts to assess their hearing, determine the need for treatment of hearing disorders, and provide recommendations for hearing improvement and hearing loss prevention. Audiometric data are collected as part of NASA's Longitudinal Study of Astronaut Health, which was established in 1992 as a database for monitoring the health of astronauts and for research on the effects of space flight. The audiologist also provides audiological evaluations during astronaut candidate reviews and return-to-flight evaluations. The JSC audiologist is associated with the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (found at http://www.nsbri.org ), which seeks solutions to health concerns facing astronauts on long missions through research, as well as supporting NASA's education and outreach missions.

Auditory Issues in Aerospace Medicine at NASA
Cooperative Projects with NASA Glenn Research Center

Hearing Information for Military Veterans
Information about Hearing Aids

Auditory Issues in Aerospace Medicine at NASA
The JSC audiologist collaborates with a multidisciplinary group toward resolution of noise issues aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and Space Shuttle that that have been observed, such as speech intelligibility, alarm audibility, sleep interference, and habitability. The JSC audiologist works with the Acoustics Working Group and Crew Surgeons to limit noise crew noise exposure through engineering controls and medical monitoring. An "On-Orbit Hearing Assessment" is done within the first 14 days of flight, and then every 30 days thereafter, to assess the peripheral hearing sensitivity of crew members while living on the ISS. Hearing protective devices are evaluated, recommended, and fitted for use in aircraft during NASA training, as well as in space flight missions.

Web Links
JSC Acoustics Working Group
Acoustics Issues re: International Space Station Environments (Boeing)

Cooperative Projects with NASA Glenn Research Center
The JSC AuHCon clinic has collaborated with Acoustical Testing Services, NASA Glenn Research Center (Cleveland) in the design and presentation of educational resources in hearing conservation that are distributed NASA-wide, as well as to the public (on behalf of NASA). Examples of these projects, as well links for free copies, are available at http://www.caohc.org/.

Web links
JeopEARdy Training Aid
Auditory Demonstrations II: Challenges to Speech Communications and Music Listening

Hearing Information for Military Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs currently has over 100 medical treatment facilities, located throughout the United States, which have been authorized to provide audiologic care (including the dispensing of hearing aids) to former members of the Uniformed Services. In other words, for those who are eligible, the VA may be a convenient (if not your only) avenue for free, high-quality hearing health care. It is critical to note that not every veteran is entitled to hearing aids through the VA. First, you must establish your eligibility through your local VA Regional Office. Veterans should contact the Regional VA Office in your area of residence for information about the full range of veteran's benefits and claims procedures. You will automatically be connected with the VA Regional Office in your calling area when you call 1-(800) 827-1000. You can request a copy of the VA Pamphlet entitled "FEDERAL BENEFITS FOR VETERANS AND DEPENDENTS", which will provide an excellent summary of your entitlements for hearing aid services. That information is also available on the VA website at www.va.gov. Furthermore, veteran's service organizations can personally assist you with questions about VA entitlements and provide assistance in filing your claim.

Information About Hearing Aids
If you suffer from a hearing impairment (like 21 million other Americans), you may consider using hearing aids. Recent research has produced new technologies and rehabilitation strategies that extend the benefits of hearing aid amplification to more and more individuals. While the NASA-JSC Audiology Clinic focuses on preventing hearing loss through hearing conservation, you may be frustrated by a hearing loss you've already acquired.

Clinical practices and technology are incrementally improving success rates with hearing aid use, but it's not simply a matter of "Buy a hearing aid and use it". A patient's hearing loss - as well as acoustic, cosmetic, environmental, situational and contextual factors - contribute to a decision to fit a hearing aid. The literature is quite clear that a patient-centered approach to decision making (one that involves measurement of the effect of impairment and consideration of the patient's unique circumstances), is the best method for audiologic decisions. Several excellent websites that have been prepared by professional organizations, offering clear and unbiased information that summarize considerations in choosing amplification options. Audiologists would much rather fit a well-informed patient who can say, "I have trouble in THESE situations and have read about THIS technology".

Websites For Hearing Aid Information For Consumers
National Institute for Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIH)
American Academy of Audiology: Consumer Guides
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Other Audiology Websites
American Academy of Audiology
Academy of Dispensing Audiologists
Audiology Awareness Campaign
Texas Academy of Audiology
Better Hearing Institute