WASHINGTON, DC—The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is thrilled to announce a new interprofessional, competency-based advanced training program on OTC hearing aids developed by University of Pittsburgh faculty.
APhA has entered into an exclusive license agreement with the University of Pittsburgh for the rights to offer this OTC hearing aid training program.
“We are extremely excited APhA is offering the ‘Pharmacy-based OTC hearing aids’ training course,” said Amy L. Seybert, PharmD, Dean, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh. “OTC hearing aids represent an innovative way for pharmacists to strengthen the health of our communities. Here at Pitt Pharmacy, we are leaders in competency-based microcredentials which allow pharmacists to comprehensively learn about the newest ways to deliver cutting edge patient care.”
This first-of-its-kind program developed in collaboration between a pharmacist and an audiologist is suited for both pharmacists and student pharmacists alike. The “Pharmacy-based OTC hearing aids” advanced training program will prepare pharmacists and student pharmacists to support patients safely and effectively in the selection of OTC hearing aids.
Hearing loss increases with age and adversely impacts quality of life. NIH estimates that 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids.
“Pharmacy is the front door to health care for many people,” said Dan Zlott, PharmD, BCOP, SVP, Education & Business Development at APhA. “Patients routinely turn to pharmacists to help them address their health concerns and problems, including questions about hearing health. Through this exclusive agreement with the University of Pittsburgh, we are thrilled to offer this comprehensive program to provide pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to assist patients with OTC hearing aids and to collaborate with local audiologists when a patient’s hearing needs are not being met by OTC options.”
Pharmacists and student pharmacists looking to prepare for the increase in consumer demand for OTC hearing aids can complete the 3-hour self-paced eLearning course and receive a certificate of completion demonstrating their knowledge of hearing health care.
According to co-creators, pharmacist Lucas A. Berenbrok, PharmD, MS, BCACP, Associate Professor of Pharmacy & Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, and audiologist Elaine Mormer, PhD, CCC-A, Professor, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, “The FDA regulation of OTC hearing aids created a perfect opportunity for pharmacy and audiology to intersect” and “this training program may serve as a model for how the pharmacy and audiology professions can work together to further better hearing health of the nation.”
This training program has been reviewed by the American Academy of Audiology, the largest professional organization of, by, and for audiologists. “The Academy is proud to affirm the value of this relevant and important training program to educate pharmacists on the importance of hearing health care and the services provided by audiologists,” said Patrick E. Gallagher, MBA, Executive Director, American Academy of Audiology. “This collaborative effort to connect audiology with pharmacy can only continue to further strengthen optimal patient care and outcomes.”
To learn more or register for the advanced training program, please click here.