As the saying goes, there’s an app for that: LSU Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) audiologists say smartphone apps are effective in monitoring noise levels to protect one’s hearing. Annette Hurley, assistant professor of audiology at LSUHSC, and Eric Arriaga, a third-year doctor of audiology student, recommend the use of sound-measuring apps in the current issue of Advance for Hearing Practice Management.
The audiologists recently conducted a noise study in the French Quarter to determine if noise levels exceeded municipal ordinances. They found noise levels to be high, but not in violation of the law. In the French Quarter study, professionals were consulted in determining noise levels, but Arriaga and Hurley say apps can help anyone avoid hearing damage and determine noise potential compliance issues in their neighborhoods.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana recently recognized East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH) as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement. EJGH is among five hospitals in the state to receive the distinction for excellence in specialty procedures. Using an intensive review process, the national recognition program awards distinctions based on the expertise of the medical team, cost efficiency measures, the number of times the hospital has performed the procedure, and the hospital’s track record for procedure results. Besides knee and hip replacement, hospitals can receive recognition in the areas of bariatric surgery, cardiac care, complex and rare cancers, spine surgery and transplants.
Ochsner Medical Center has received the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s (AHA/ASA) Comprehensive Stroke Center accreditation, which distinguishes health care providers focused on highly specialized stroke care. The groups conduct rigorous onsite reviews of providers to determine certain requirements, which include 24-hour availability of neurocritical care and other specialized treatments, advanced imaging capabilities, post-hospital care coordination, participation in stroke research, and staff with the education and abilities to care for complex stroke patients. The Joint Commission and the AHA/ASA launched the certification program in September 2012 to recognize the resources in infrastructure, staff and training comprehensive stroke centers need to provide complex stroke care.
