LM317 - Hearing Aid Technology in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) Environments

Abstract:
Hearing aid functionality has evolved with changes in global communication technology, proving beneficial for individuals with hearing loss. However, for those working within secure locations, this can be problematic. The number of individuals wearing hearing aids is on the rise, and many of these patients work within Secure Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) environments. The two features allowing seamless communication between hearing aids and communication devices (Bluetooth and bidirectional microphones) are considered security risks within these facilities. However, collaboration between industry, audiology, and the intelligence community has resulted in a solution so these patients can receive the full benefits of amplification.

Summary:
As with all technology, the advancements of hearing aids have been extensive over the past several years. To meet the demands of growing global communication, including but not limited to teleconferencing, video communication, and phone calls, hearing aid functionality has evolved beyond improving hearing in an individual’s immediate vicinity. At current, most hearing aids are made to directly connect to cell phones, computers, and other Bluetooth devices either directly or using intermediary devices. Using Bluetooth technology and bidirectional microphones, audio signals are transmitted directly to patient’s hearing aids. This can be highly beneficial as incoming signals are amplified according to their hearing loss, two ears are utilized instead of one, and patients are provided a more favorable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In a time where individuals are becoming more reliant on communication through technology for both professional and personal reasons, this can have a significant positive impact on people who otherwise struggle to hear in these situations.

Although these advanced features can improve overall quality of life for many patients, for those who work within classified environments (active duty military, veterans, and civilians working within secure locations), they pose a unique challenge for hearing healthcare. Tinnitus and hearing loss are quickly becoming common diagnoses not only in our aging population, but also in younger listeners, and the number of individuals in hearing aids is growing. A significant number of military, veteran, government, and civilian personnel work within Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) environments all over the world (in the government sector as well private industry) that restrict the use of personal devices that may be used for recording. Specifically, Bluetooth and bidirectional microphone technology are most concerning withing these locations, but these features now come standard in the most common and recommended hearing aids (RIC devices) from all major hearing aid manufacturers. More frequently these devices are restricted from entering secure locations, so the audiologist must resort to fitting previous technology or hearing aids that may otherwise not be recommended based on the patient’s hearing loss. For civilian providers, unless the patient specifically mentions this, they may be unaware that their patients cannot utilize hearing aid technology at work. This problem is becoming more prevalent; it puts additional burden on the audiologist and reduces the overall quality of care provided to the patient.

Within the National Capital Region (NCR) this proves particularly problematic with the high number of secure locations employing our population. The audiologists at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) have the opportunity to receive information from personnel within secure locations regarding allowable hearing aid technology, and collaborate with hearing aid manufacturers to come up with solutions for this patient population. Although there have been obstacles, audiologists are able to successfully fit appropriate devices for the majority of patients. The hope is that as this information is shared with military, VA, and commercial providers nationally and abroad, there will be an increased awareness on this issue that will lead to continued solutions and overall improvement of patient care.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways:
The clinical takeaway for this session is to learn how to effectively counsel and manage patients with technological security restrictions at their place of work. The learner will gain an understanding of potential vulnerabilities of certain hearing aid features and ascertain the hearing aid options for this patient population.