Author Archives: AU Bankaitis

About AU Bankaitis

A.U. Bankaitis, PhD is a clinical Audiologist with extensive clinical, research, and business experience within the hearing industry. She is Vice President of Oaktree Products, a multi-line distributor of audiology supplies and screening/diagnostic test equipment. Dr. Bankaitis created this blog to educate her colleagues and providers in the hearing health care industry on viable product solutions for their patients and/or clinical practice.

Hands-Free Business Phone Solution for Hearing Instrument Wearers

Posted on September 2, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

NOTE: since the post has been published, the Plantronics Bluetooth Deskphone Adapter has been discontinued. For a hands-free business phone solution for hearing instrument wearers, please see the more recent post from October 30, 2013 on the new QH2 Bluetooth … Continue reading →

Posted in Hearing Assistance Technology | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Buying a Pocket Otoscope? Key Consideration to Students Prior to Purchase

Posted on August 31, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

An otoscope is a tool routinely used in audiology practice.  It represents one of the first investments students will make. Most students tend to buy pocket otoscopes since these typically represent the least expensive option, however, prices will vary and it’s important to know what you are … Continue reading →

Posted in Otoscopes, Headlamps & Earlights | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Buying a Pocket Otoscope? Key Consideration to Students Prior to Purchase

Be in the Know: Design Change in Dry-Briks

Posted on August 23, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

August can be one of the hottest and humid months of the year so many of your patients have probably stocked up on the popular Dry-Briks used with the Dry & Store Professional, Global, and Zephyr models. There has been a recent design … Continue reading →

Posted in Hearing Aid Dehumidifiers & Moisture Protection | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Earbuds Available that Limit Audio Device Output!

Posted on August 19, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

According to a study published in JAMA this week, the prevalence of hearing loss in adolescents (12 to 19 years of age) has increased in the past 20 years. While the purpose of the study did not involve establishing a causal … Continue reading →

Posted in Hearing Conservation | Comments Off on Earbuds Available that Limit Audio Device Output!

Amplified Stethoscopes & Hearing Instruments: What are the options?

Posted on August 17, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

What options are currently available to hearing instrument wearers who use a stethoscope? Removing hearing instruments prior to using a stethoscope is certainly an option although not necessarily the most ideal solution. In the absence of a commercially available Bluetooth … Continue reading →

Posted in Amplified Stethoscopes, Hearing Assistance Technology | Tagged | 7 Comments

Sterilize or not to sterilize? That’s a common question!

Posted on August 12, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

According to 29 CRF 1910.1030 (OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard), critical instruments intended for reuse must be sterilized. By definition, a critical instrument refers to any instrument or object introduced into the bloodstream (e.g. needles), non-invasive instruments or objects that come in contact with mucous membranes … Continue reading →

Posted in Infection Control | 6 Comments

What I do at Oaktree Products (OTP)

Posted on August 9, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

I am the Vice President of Oaktree Products (OTP), Inc. located in St. Louis, MO. So, what do I do? Well, I wear a lot of different hats throughout the day, making my job exciting, intellectually challenging, and fun. As … Continue reading →

Posted in About A.U. | 1 Comment

Idea share worth a thousand words!

Posted on August 9, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

NOTE: since this blog post was published, the Serene HD-1000 Digital Voice Simulator has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available. Unfortunately, there is not comparable replacement at this time. Based on a recent conversation someone at … Continue reading →

Posted in Hearing Assistance Technology | Tagged , , | 2 Comments