155. Navigating the World of Dual Sensory Impairments with Amber Kasten
Topics:
dual sensory impairments, audiologist, visual and hearing challenges, independence, orientation, mobility, specialists, visual impairment, hearing impairment, navigating dual sensory loss, collaborative healthcare, individualized healthcare approach, personalized healthcare solutions, community connection, social isolation
In a world that relies heavily on the senses, the challenges faced by individuals with visual and hearing impairments are vast and often misunderstood. However, with advancements in medical technology and the expertise of professionals like audiologists, there is hope and support available for those navigating these conditions. In this blog post, we explore the journey of understanding and addressing visual and hearing impairments with the guidance of an experienced audiologist, Amber Kasten.
Meet Amber Kasten
Amber Kasten, is a Doctor of Audiology. She graduated from Northwestern in 2017, driven by a profound desire to work at the VA (Veterans Affairs). Her journey took her through internships at Jesse Brown VA in Chicago and externships at the Tampa VA in Florida, before venturing into private practice.
What sets Amber apart is her unwavering commitment to working within the VA system. She explained that her interest in the VA started during her undergraduate years when she pursued a certificate in service learning, engaging in community activities and volunteering. The allure of working in the nonprofit sector, particularly within the VA, became apparent to her.
Taking a year off after her undergraduate studies, Amber worked as an audiology aide at an ENT practice. It was during this time that she discovered the profound impact the VA has on the lives of its patients. Learning that VA patients are eligible for hearing aids and accessories at no cost, regardless of their financial status, resonated deeply with her commitment to patient-centered care.
Amber expressed her enthusiasm about the VA's ability to provide essential audiology services to eligible individuals at no cost. This includes not only hearing aids but also accessories, services, and outreach programs. The VA's expansive reach, with community-based outpatient clinics in smaller communities and innovative initiatives like mobile audiology vans and telehealth audiology, ensures that audiology services are accessible to even the most remote areas.
Aside from being the Vestibular Lead at the Tibor Rubin VA, Amber wears many hats. She works with patients dealing with tinnitus, engages in inpatient care, and has played a significant role in blind rehab and vision-impaired patient services. Her diverse experiences have shaped her into a well-rounded audiologist, making her a valuable asset to the healthcare community.
Amber Kasten's Journey into the World of Dual Sensory Loss
Amber's story took an unexpected turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerned about the safety of her newborn daughter, who spent time in the NICU, she transitioned to a community-based outpatient clinic. This move allowed her to continue serving patients while minimizing the risk of exposure. Little did she know that this change would lead her to a new facet of audiology.
Returning to the Long Beach VA in early 2021, Amber found herself taking over the inpatient program, expecting to work with a diverse range of patients. To her surprise, a significant portion of her work involved blind rehab. The unique environment of the VA's blind rehab program, resembling a home away from home, captivated her. The patients, the cozy rooms, and the collaborative atmosphere among the staff created an environment she described as the "Disneyland of the VA."
Delving into her experiences with veterans facing dual sensory impairments, Amber highlighted the motivational difference in these patients. Unlike some typical audiology cases where patients may be hesitant or resistant to intervention, those with dual sensory loss often exhibit a strong desire to make the most of their remaining senses. This motivation, she noted, has fueled her creativity and problem-solving skills to develop tailored solutions.
Amber shared how her work with veterans with dual sensory losses has shifted her perspective on audiology as a whole. Instead of adhering strictly to established practices, she now approaches each patient uniquely, recognizing that not every solution works for everyone. This adaptability, she emphasized, has become a cornerstone of her approach, influencing her interactions with all patients, regardless of their specific sensory challenges.
One of the standout aspects of Amber's work is the collaboration she experiences with nursing staff and other healthcare providers. The positive attitude and eagerness to learn displayed by the nursing staff at the VA have not only made her job more enjoyable but have also empowered her to share her knowledge with other healthcare professionals. The ripple effect of this collaboration has created a more confident and informed healthcare ecosystem.
Amber Kasten's Pinnacle Collaboration with Vision Experts
Amber Kasten recounted a particularly enriching experience during a presentation she gave to the Long Beach blind rehab crew. This collaborative symposium brought together audiologists and vision experts, creating a space for open dialogue and feedback. The audiologists gained valuable insights into how their interventions, particularly hearing aids and associated apps, were working for individuals with visual impairments.
One of the key takeaways from the collaboration was the exchange of perspectives. Amber expressed her gratitude for the vision experts' feedback, acknowledging that their unique experiences shed light on aspects of patient care that she might not have encountered directly. This interprofessional collaboration allowed audiologists to see beyond their own expertise and understand how their interventions impacted the daily lives of those with visual impairments.
Amber emphasized the invaluable relationship VA audiology maintains with manufacturers. This connection enables audiologists to relay feedback from vision experts directly to the developers and researchers at the manufacturing level. A poignant example discussed was the challenge posed by accessories that relied on visual cues, such as tiny lights, making them difficult for individuals with visual impairments to navigate.
The collaboration sparked discussions on improving accessibility features. Amber shared how the feedback prompted discussions about incorporating voice notifications in hearing aids, a significant enhancement for those with visual impairments. This innovation exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving positive changes that benefit a broad spectrum of patients.
Amber highlighted the humility inherent in this collaboration, recognizing that both audiologists and vision experts may not fully understand each other's challenges. The open dialogue allows for questions like, "Does this make sense to you?" and an acknowledgment that expertise lies in different domains.
A notable aspect of collaboration is the ability to offer options that cater to individual preferences and needs. Amber shared the dilemma of choosing between giant boxes for easy tactile navigation or smaller, more precise indicators for specific placements, illustrating the nuanced decision-making process that collaboration facilitates.
Crucial Considerations in Dual Sensory Impairments
Amber emphasized the paramount importance of maintaining a strong connection to the community for individuals with dual sensory impairments. She highlighted that social isolation poses a significant risk to cognitive decline, making it crucial to address the multiple factors that contribute to an individual's ability to stay engaged and active within their community.
One key aspect Amber touched upon is the challenge of transportation, often faced by individuals with visual impairments. While the conventional use of private vehicles may not always be feasible, public transportation options become a lifeline. She highlighted the availability of hearing accommodations in transportation hubs like airports and train stations, ensuring that individuals with hearing loss can navigate these spaces with confidence.
A transformative tool discussed by Amber Kasten is the telecoil, a technology that connects directly to a hearing aid, providing a clear signal in environments with distance or background noise. This simple yet powerful device enhances communication accessibility for individuals with dual sensory impairments, allowing them to receive essential information about buses, trains, gates, and more. This not only facilitates independence but also empowers them to actively participate in community activities.
Delving deeper into the profound consequences of social isolation, Amber Kasten highlighted that individuals with dual sensory impairments experience a multiplier effect rather than a simple addition of the challenges they face. The combination of visual impairment multiplied by hearing impairment significantly impacts various aspects of their lives, from mental health to overall quality of life.
Amber also discussed the ripple effects of community connection on mental fortitude. The studies consistently show that a strong social network contributes to better mental health, increased drive, and overall life satisfaction. For individuals with dual sensory impairments, the community becomes an essential support system that propels them toward success and independence.
Challenges Faced as an Audiologist
Amber Kasten candidly addresses the crux of her challenge – the reluctance of some audiologists to shift their mindset and embrace a more creative approach in their solutions. Best practices, while rooted in sound principles, may not always be the best fit for individuals dealing with dual sensory impairments. The struggle lies in breaking the mold of traditional practices and understanding that a one-size-fits-all approach is not suitable for everyone.
Acknowledging the natural inclination of many audiologists toward a Type A mindset – structured, detail-oriented, and adhering strictly to guidelines – Amber highlights the difficulty in deviating from established routines. The challenge becomes not only introducing creativity into the decision-making process but also encouraging a shift away from a rigid adherence to established protocols.
The heart of the matter, as emphasized by Amber, is the need for individualization. Working with individuals facing dual sensory impairments requires a bespoke approach that considers their unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Unlike teaching grammar in a classroom, audiology involves shaping an essential aspect of someone's life – their ability to communicate and navigate the world around them.
Amber underscores the vital role of hearing devices in the lives of individuals with dual sensory impairments. These devices are not mere accessories; they are lifelines that connect individuals to their loved ones, enable communication, and serve as crucial tools in emergencies. If a hearing aid isn't convenient or suitable for an individual's specific needs, it becomes counterproductive, regardless of its theoretical effectiveness.
The essence of Amber Kasten's approach lies in making something work for someone, even if it deviates from the traditional notion of "best practice." She advocates for a paradigm shift where the effectiveness of a solution is measured by its real-world utility, ensuring that individuals can integrate it seamlessly into their daily lives. It may not be perfect according to established norms, but it is perfect for the individual it serves.
A Gentle Reminder to Keep Moving Forward
Amber Kasten's advice centers around the understanding that perfection is not the goal. Instead, it's the consistent effort to take a step forward, no matter how small, that ultimately leads to success. The gentle reminder is that it's okay to feel frustrated, to encounter challenges, and to momentarily set things aside. What matters is the commitment to pick up the task again and keep moving forward.
The notion of giving oneself permission to take breaks and acknowledging the challenges is crucial. Amber encourages the community to recognize that it's acceptable to step away when things become overwhelming. The key is not to abandon the effort but to grant oneself the grace to regroup, recharge, and return with a fresh perspective.
Her advice emphasizes the power of incremental progress. Whether it's dedicating an hour today, two hours tomorrow, or gradually increasing the commitment, the cumulative effect of consistent effort becomes significant. Amber highlights that the journey to success is not about giant leaps but rather about taking small steps consistently.
Frustration is a natural part of any endeavor. Amber encourages individuals to push through these moments of frustration and view them as part of the learning process. The act of trying again, even when faced with difficulties, contributes to personal and professional development.
The final encouragement is to trust the process. Amber assures the community that, despite initial frustrations or doubts, the benefits will manifest over time. Taking one step forward each day builds resilience, skill, and confidence, ultimately leading to tangible and rewarding outcomes.
In conclusion, delving into the world of dual sensory impairments alongside the insightful guidance of Amber Kasten has been an illuminating journey. Her wealth of experience as an audiologist, coupled with her passion for fostering meaningful connections within the community, underscores the challenges and triumphs encountered by those navigating the complex intersection of visual and hearing impairments. Amber's emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and a personalized approach stands as a testament to the transformative power of a compassionate and adaptive healthcare system.