Teleaudiology: The Use of Telemedicine in Audiology
Written by OrkaDec 28, 2020
- 5 min read
The global health industry has seen various inventions, all in a bid to better the patient services offered. One of the most useful inventions is telemedicine. Although the concept is only now gaining popularity, the history of telemedicine traces back to the fifties, when hospitals tried to provide healthcare access to patients in remote areas. So, what exactly is telemedicine, and how does it benefit the patients? How does telemedicine work
Telemedicine refers to the use of technology to provide remote health services to patients, regardless of where they are. Telemedicine allows millions of people to access clinical health services in real-time using electronic visual and audio means. As long as both the patient and the doctor have access to smartphones, desktops, or laptops, there’s no need to make trips to the doctor’s office.
Advantages of Telemedicine
Undoubtedly, telemedicine offers several benefits to both patients and doctors.Remote access to digital health provides convenience and ensures that people have access to healthcare services regardless of location. Healthcare professionals get to offer better follow-up services and in less time.Increased Patient Autonomy
This is, by far, one of the most significant benefits. Patients often face several challenges when accessing healthcare services from hospitals and clinics. They have to book appointments and eventually still end up spending hours in the waiting room.
With telemedicine, patients have better control over the kind of services they receive. No more waiting in crowded rooms.They only need to be available for the meeting to get better communication with their healthcare professional, all from the comfort of their homes.Reduced Transportation Costs
Let’s face it, healthcare is expensive, and if you have to travel to and from the doctor’s office every so often, you may end up spending a fortune just to keep your health in check. Telemedicine comes in handy, in that patients don’t have to worry about transportation costs. All you need is internet connectivity and a device to help you communicate with the doctor.Better Access to Specialist Services
It is difficult to get specialist consultation, patients often have to travel to different hospitals, sometimes even outside the country. It may also require them to book an appointment months before.
Telemedicine makes it easier for patients to access specialist services. Schedule quick meetings with specialists who can help diagnose and treat their conditions. Telemedicine also facilitates faster diagnosis, which plays a crucial role in the survival chances for patients with some chronic diseases, such as cancer.
Lower cost, faster diagnosis. The Vital Role of Teleaudiology
Telemedicine has cut out a niche for itself across various medicine practices and healthcare professionals in different medical fields are continuously looking for ways to leverage the innovative technological advancement.One of the newest players in the field is teleaudiology, which basically refers to the provision of remote hearing care services.
Teleaudiology helps people living in remote areas to get more options for hearing care services. Professionals get to provide better services at reduced costs associated with in-person hospital visits.
Orka's role in teleaudiology allows users to have real-time fine-tuning opportunities to adjust and tune their hearing aids without having to visit a doctor's office. An audiologist will tune the hearing aids and users will immediately hear the difference on their end, in real time! This means less effort, saves time, and helps reduce costs.
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