2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
3/10/2025 | 10:05 AM - 10:35 AM | Bilingual Support: Improving Care and Support for the Latino Population | 306/307
Bilingual Support: Improving Care and Support for the Latino Population
This presentation will explore the healthcare disparities specific to hearing loss within the Hispanic population, a group that faces unique challenges in access to audiological services and intervention. Despite growing awareness of hearing health issues, significant barriers persist, including linguistic differences, cultural perceptions of disability, and socioeconomic factors. These disparities not only impact early detection and treatment but also contribute to broader health inequities, influencing educational and employment opportunities for individuals affected by hearing loss.
The presentation will discuss the prevalence of hearing loss among Hispanic communities, supported by current research and statistics. It will then delve into the systemic and individual factors contributing to these disparities, including lack of culturally competent care, limited access to healthcare resources, and the stigma surrounding hearing loss in some Hispanic cultures.
To address these issues, actionable strategies will be discussed, aimed at improving access and outcomes for this population. This includes enhancing community awareness, implementing culturally tailored education programs, and advocating for policy changes that ensure equitable access to hearing health services.
- Identify and Analyze Disparities: Attendees will be able to identify specific healthcare disparities related to hearing loss within the Hispanic population and analyze the underlying factors contributing to these inequities
- Culturally Competent Approaches: Participants will learn about culturally competent practices and interventions that can be employed to improve access to hearing health services for Hispanic individuals
- Strategic Solutions: Attendees will develop an understanding of strategic solutions, including community outreach and advocacy efforts, aimed at reducing disparities and promoting health equity in hearing loss care.Upon completion of this course participants will be able to describe the support services MED-EL has in place, to break down the healthcare disparities encountered by the U.S Latino population
Presentation:
3545975_18240AnnieRodriguez.pdf
3545975_18240DeniseLopez.pdf
Handouts:
3545975_18240DeniseLopez.pdf
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Annie Rodriguez
(Primary Presenter), MED-EL Corporation, Annie.rodriguez@medel.com;
Dr. Annie Rodriguez is an audiologist and received her doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Rodriguez has primarily worked with the pediatric population with a focus on cochlear implants. She worked at the University of Miami where she assisted families through their hearing journey in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team. Dr. Rodriguez's passion continues to grow in her current role at MED-EL Corporation as the Bilingual Program Manager. Her knowledge of the Hispanic culture, clinical expertise and Spanish helps assist the Spanish speaking population throughout their implant journey through optimal support to candidates, recipients, and hearing health professionals.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from MED-EL Corporation .
Nonfinancial -
• Has a Personal
relationship for Other volunteer activities.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with MED-EL Corporation .
Nature: Non-Financial Disclosure
.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Denise Lopez
(Co-Presenter), MED-EL Corporation, Denise.Lopez@medel.com;
Denise Lopez is a Speech Language Pathologist and has primarily worked with the pediatric population with a focus on cochlear implants. Her passion for helping patients with hearing loss has been evident through her dedication at the Clarke School and now as a Bilingual Consumer Engagement manager dedicated to helping patients and their families throughout their implant journey.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from MED-EL.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with MED-EL.
Nature: Employment.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.