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Grigsby S, Muñoz K, San Miguel GG, Twohig MP. Discussing Patient Emotions in Audiology: Provider Experiences With the Implementation Process of Hearing Loss Psychological Inflexibility Screenings. Am J Audiol 2024; 33:354-368. [PMID: 38563702 DOI: 10.1044/2024_aja-23-00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate barriers and facilitators experienced by clinical educators and graduate students when talking with patients about difficult emotions and thoughts related to their hearing. METHOD A longitudinal observational design was used and an Implementation Research Logic Model guided the process. Five clinical educators and five graduate students participated in the study. Participants completed pre- and postmeasures and attended individual debriefing sessions during the 8-month study period. RESULTS Four themes emerged from the debriefing sessions: (a) learning process, (b) confidence, (c) barriers, and (d) supervision. Participants described that the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Managing Child Hearing Loss and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Adult Hearing Loss served as a reminder to ask about patients' internal barriers and increased awareness of their discomfort in talking about patient emotions. Participants also described barriers and struggles related to supporting students in gaining counseling skills. CONCLUSIONS Screening for internal challenges helped clinicians remember to talk with patients about their difficult thoughts and emotions. Clinician hesitancy to engage in conversations with patients about their emotions can interfere with opportunities for patients to share their struggles and with training student in these skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydnee Grigsby
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan
| | - Karen Muñoz
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan
- National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management, Utah State University, Logan
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2
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Pryce H, Smith S, Burns O'Connell G, Hussain S, Straus J, Shaw R. The lived experience of hearing loss - an individualised responsibility. Int J Audiol 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38767328 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2351037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to provide a conceptual model to understand what typifies the lived experience of hearing loss. DESIGN A grounded theory informed study of adults with hearing loss (n = 46) who participated in individual interviews. The data were analysed in line with the constant comparative approach of grounded theory. A substantial patient and public engagement (PPIE) strategy underpinned decisions and processes throughout. STUDY SAMPLE Adults were recruited from age bands (16-29; 30-49;50-79 and 80 upwards) to provide different lived experience. We recruited individuals from across the UK including urban, sub-urban and rural communities and included a typical constituency of each location including black and minority ethnic participants. Our PPIE groups included adults often marginalised in research including South Asian community groups, adults in residential care and those with additional disabilities. RESULTS We identified the consistent features of the lived experience with hearing loss, as the individualised responsibility that hearing loss confers. These are an individual auditory lifeworld; social comparison and social support; individual and patient-centred care and individual agency and capability. CONCLUSIONS This work provides new insights for those practising audiology and highlights the importance of building social support systems through implementation of family and peer support approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Pryce
- Department of Audiology, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sian Smith
- Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment and School of Psychology, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Georgie Burns O'Connell
- Department of Audiology, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Saira Hussain
- Department of Audiology, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Rachel Shaw
- Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment and School of Psychology, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
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3
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Zuriekat M, Alqudah S, Semeraro H, Watson V, Rowan D, Kirby S, Ferguson M. The audiological rehabilitation of workers with hearing loss in the UK: a qualitative study of workers' perspectives. Disabil Rehabil 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37800442 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2261375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Unaddressed hearing loss can adversely affect employment and day-to-day work-life. Efficient and effective audiology support can help optimise hearing in the workplace. This study explores the audiological rehabilitation experiences of workers with hearing loss (WHL). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-four WHL with experience of a wide range of audiology services across the UK participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three main themes were generated: Theme 1: mixed experiences with audiology services (subdivided into two subthemes and four sub-subthemes). Theme 2: audiology role in work support (subdivided into three subthemes). Theme 3: "I think support could be improved if…" (subdivided into two subthemes). CONCLUSION The audiological rehabilitation for working-age adults with hearing loss needs improvements to deliver sufficient support and quality care. Some of the barriers to having better-functioning hearing healthcare require fundamental standards in healthcare quality, such as access to services, staff (including audiologists) deaf awareness, information and technology support, and personalised care that considers work-life needs. Further research is required to evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of improvements, such as support that extends beyond hearing aid care, whether from audiology or non-audiology services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Zuriekat
- Department of Special Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Jordan & Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Safa Alqudah
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | - Victoria Watson
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Daniel Rowan
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sarah Kirby
- Academic Unit of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Melanie Ferguson
- School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Zuriekat M, Semeraro H, Watson V, Rowan D, Kirby S. Hearing healthcare for workers with hearing loss: audiologists' experiences and views. Disabil Rehabil 2022; 44:7861-7871. [PMID: 34817312 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.2001053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study explored audiologists' perspectives regarding their interactions with workers with hearing loss (WHL). MATERIALS AND METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-five audiologists working in the National Health Service (NHS) and independent companies (IC) in the UK and were thematically analysed. RESULTS The developed themes and sub-themes (shown in parenthesis) are (1) Current practices and routines (Same approach for most patients; Variations between hearing care services; Audiologists' personal experience of hearing loss) (2) Perceived challenges (Non-routine and challenging cases; The role of hearing technology; Concerns about lack of awareness and knowledge; Communication difficulties between services, Limited funding and resources) (3) Scope for better support (Would like to be informed; Other potential service improvements). CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that audiologists' perceived deficiencies in the hearing rehabilitation for WHL and identified ways to improve it. Key priorities for improvement were found to include addressing audiologists' informational and training needs, facilitating WHLs' access to appointments, improving communication between services, raising awareness in the workplace, developing relevant resources and extending funding for provision of longer appointments and hearing technologies. This is the first time this information has been reported in the literature. Opportunities for conducting further research in this area are suggested.Implications for rehabilitationWorkers with hearing loss face many challenges in work life and have the option of audiologic rehabilitation to alleviate their difficulties and improve their wellbeing; however, this study suggests that workers' audiological care needs improvements.Audiologists should assess and consider patients' work needs and psychosocial concerns in consultations to provide personalised care.Audiology educational programmes, services, and the healthcare system can assist audiologists in helping workers with hearing loss by providing updated knowledge, continuous training and improved interprofessional communication and patients' access to useful resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Zuriekat
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Hannah Semeraro
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Victoria Watson
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Daniel Rowan
- Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sarah Kirby
- Academic Unit of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Muñoz K, Ortiz D, Bolinger C, Twohig MP. Intervention Research to Increase Pediatric Hearing Device Use: A Scoping Review. Am J Audiol 2022; 31:1312-1319. [PMID: 36041472 DOI: 10.1044/2022_aja-22-00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study is a scoping review examining interventions to increase hearing device use for children. METHOD Online databases were used to identify peer-reviewed journal articles published prior to November 1, 2021, yielding 1,288 after duplications were removed. Four articles met the inclusion criteria after articles were screened by title name and abstract and subsequent full-text screening of six articles. A qualitative analysis was conducted to identify features of the intervention studies related to the participants, design, intervention, key findings, and limitations. RESULTS The included studies were published between 1982 and 2021, and in all four studies, the children used hearing aids. All four of the studies used a longitudinal design to address hearing aid use problems, with the timeframe ranging from approximately 1 month to 6 months and had variable success in increasing use time. None of the studies included a protocol, such as counseling skills, for addressing internal challenges that interfere with hearing aid use. CONCLUSIONS Review of the limited research in this area found variable effectiveness for the interventions studied. There is an urgent need for research in this area to inform clinical practice and provide evidence-based interventions to address malleable factors that interfere with audibility for children who use hearing devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Muñoz
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan
| | - Diana Ortiz
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan
| | - Cameron Bolinger
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan
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Watermeyer J, Kanji A. Students' Reflections During Training Workshops on Communication and Information Exchange in Audiology Consultations: An Exploratory Qualitative Study. Am J Audiol 2022; 31:541-551. [PMID: 35749659 DOI: 10.1044/2022_aja-21-00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This clinical focus article outlines various communication challenges and scenarios related to information giving encountered by a group of audiology students, as reflected on during a series of communication skills workshops. METHOD We held two online training workshops during which students reflected on their clinical communication experiences and asked questions related to clinical scenarios. Third-year audiology students from a South African university participated in the workshops (17 in the first, 15 in the second). We analyzed these reflections using thematic analysis. RESULTS Students' reflections related to four themes: (a) balancing information giving, (b) managing shared decision making, (c) managing linguistic differences, and (d) relating bad news. The first theme was heavily prioritized in students' reflections. Providing students with time to practice skills introduced in the initial communication skills workshop enabled further reflection in the subsequent workshop. We discuss these themes using specific examples raised by students. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that students first need to master basic information giving skills before they can move on to more advanced skills such as managing shared decision making, linguistic differences, and relating bad news. This study confirms that reflective skills need to be developed with students in an explicit manner, rather than as part of a hidden curriculum. Our approach to providing communication training and encouraging reflection on clinical experiences offers a starting point for clinical educators to support students in developing these skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Watermeyer
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Amisha Kanji
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Heffernan E, Maidment DW, Ferguson MA. A qualitative study showing that a telecare tool can have benefits before and during the initial hearing assessment appointment. Int J Audiol 2022; 62:295-303. [PMID: 35195487 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2041740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To examine patient and audiologist experiences and perspectives of using a patient-centred telecare tool, the Ida Institute's Why Improve My Hearing? (WIMH) Tool, before and during the initial hearing assessment appointment.Design: A qualitative study comprising individual semi-structured interviews using a maximum variation sampling strategy. The data were analysed using an established thematic analysis technique.Study sample: Fifteen participants, including ten patients (i.e. adults with hearing loss) and five audiologists, were recruited from Adult Audiology Services within the United Kingdom's publicly-funded National Health Service (NHS).Results: Three themes described the impact of using the WIMH Tool. Theme 1 (i.e. enhanced preparation before the appointment): the Tool helps patients to better understand and accept their hearing difficulties in advance of their first appointment. Theme 2 (i.e. enriched discussion during the appointment): the tool can enhance patient-centred communication, as well as the efficiency of the appointment. Theme 3 (i.e. varied impact on outcomes following the appointment): the Tool can improve patient motivation, readiness, and involvement in decision-making, though it may have limited impact on additional outcomes, such as adherence.Conclusion: The WIMH Tool can be successfully implemented in audiological practice, resulting in benefits before and during the initial hearing assessment appointment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eithne Heffernan
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, UK.,Hearing Sciences, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Discipline of General Practice, Clinical Science Institute, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - David W Maidment
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, UK.,Hearing Sciences, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Melanie A Ferguson
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, UK.,Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.,Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.,Ear Science Institute Australia, Perth, Australia
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8
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Bennett RJ, Donaldson S, Kelsall-Foreman I, Meyer C, Pachana NA, Saulsman L, Eikelboom RH, Bucks RS. Addressing Emotional and Psychological Problems Associated With Hearing Loss: Perspective of Consumer and Community Representatives. Am J Audiol 2021; 30:1130-1138. [PMID: 34670097 DOI: 10.1044/2021_aja-21-00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hearing loss causes emotional distress and can contribute to the development of psychological difficulties, yet emotional and psychological issues are not addressed within current audiology services. The purpose of this study was to use focus groups with consumer and community representatives to explore how we might improve the provision of support for clients experiencing emotional and psychological issues in relation to their hearing loss. PARTICIPANTS Adults with hearing loss (n = 19) and their significant others (n = 9), as well as 10 hearing health care professionals (n = 4 hearing health care clinicians, n = 4 reception staff, and n = 2 clinical managers), participated in consumer and community engagement focus groups. METHOD Consumer and community representatives were tasked with (a) identifying the stakeholders involved in supporting adults experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties on account of their hearing loss, (b) describing the behaviors undertaken by each stakeholder group, and (c) selecting target behavior(s) that could optimally form the basis of an intervention program to improve the quality and frequency of support provided to people experiencing emotional and psychological problems in the audiology setting. RESULTS Participants identified 12 stakeholder groups involved in supporting adults with hearing loss experiencing emotional and psychological problems. The three behaviors voted by participants to be the most promising for a behavioral intervention included the clinician (a) asking about, (b) providing information on, and (c) delivering therapeutic intervention for emotional and psychological well-being within audiological service provision. CONCLUSION Consumer and community stakeholder representatives indicate a general desire for hearing health care clinicians to deliver support for the emotional and psychological issues that arise relating to hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Bennett
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Sara Donaldson
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - India Kelsall-Foreman
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Carly Meyer
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Nancy A. Pachana
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Lisa Saulsman
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Robert H. Eikelboom
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Romola S. Bucks
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- The Raine Study, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
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9
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Kanji A, Watermeyer J, Ismail M. Audiology students’ clinical communication and information giving practices during initial consultations: The impact of a brief intervention. SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND HEARING 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/2050571x.2021.2008175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amisha Kanji
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Watermeyer
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Mishkah Ismail
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
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Whicker JJ, Smith BK, Muñoz K. Parent and Professional Perceptions and Feedback on the Content of an eHealth Hearing Aid Learning Series for Parents of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1044/2020_persp-20-00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
To qualitatively explore parent and professional perspectives regarding the content of select
Hear to Learn
tutorials to identify usefulness and meaningfulness of the tutorials, and to inform regarding key components to enhance usefulness of eHealth platforms.
Method
This study used a qualitative design with two stakeholder focus groups. Stakeholder groups included four parents of children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and six professionals serving children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
Results
Findings indicate that both stakeholders valued the tutorials generally as helpful; however, areas for improvement were suggested.
Conclusion
Use of visuals, step-by-step instructions, and depth of content were identified as key elements that may be considered to optimize benefits of eHealth material for parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J. Whicker
- Department of Rehabilitation, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Brenda K. Smith
- Center for Persons with Disabilities, Utah State University, Logan
| | - Karen Muñoz
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan
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Muñoz K, Baughman K, Meibos A, Ong CW, Twohig MP. Psychosocial Well-Being of Adults Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. J Am Acad Audiol 2020; 32:83-89. [PMID: 33296932 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial well-being can interfere with engagement in activities of daily life. Consideration of psychosocial domains within hearing health care can expand audiologists' ability to understand treatment barriers and provide an opportunity to jointly address challenges. PURPOSE This study explored psychosocial well-being and predictors among adults who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). RESEARCH DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. STUDY SAMPLE Two-hundred and sixty-nine surveys were included in the analysis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data were collected online. Backward elimination regression analyses were used to identify significant predictors of psychosocial well-being. RESULTS Findings indicated most (∼70-80%) of the respondents' scores were below clinical cut-off for psychological distress, self-efficacy, quality of life, overall well-being, functioning, and relationship satisfaction, with the remainder falling between mild to severe clinical cut-offs. Psychological distress was predicted by more psychological inflexibility, presence of additional disabilities, and younger age. Increased functional impairment was predicted by psychological inflexibility. CONCLUSION The majority of adults who are DHH in this study had positive indicators for psychosocial well-being. Screening patients for psychological flexibility could be included in standard hearing health care practices to help clinicians identify individuals who may benefit from additional or different support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Muñoz
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
| | - Kelsey Baughman
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
| | - Alex Meibos
- School of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio
| | - Clarissa W Ong
- Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
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12
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Frameworks for Change in Hearing Research: Valuing Qualitative Methods in the Real World. Ear Hear 2020; 41 Suppl 1:91S-98S. [DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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13
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Bennett RJ, Kosovich EM, Stegeman I, Ebrahimi-Madiseh A, Tegg-Quinn S, Eikelboom RH. Investigating the prevalence and impact of device-related problems associated with hearing aid use. Int J Audiol 2020; 59:615-623. [PMID: 32105163 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2020.1731615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To explore the prevalence of device-related problems associated with hearing aid use, participants' help-seeking behaviours for these problems, and factors associated with hearing aid problems.Design: A prospective convenience cohort design surveying 413 adult hearing aid users (34-97 years of age) recruited from seven clinics across Australia.Results: Almost all participants (98%) indicated that they were experiencing at least one of the hearing aid problems included on the survey. The number of hearing aid related problems reported by participants ranged from 0 to 25 (of a possible 26), with a mean of 10 problems (SD = 5). The three most reported problems were related to difficulty hearing in noisy environments, hearing in windy environments, and understanding certain voices. Participants had reported less than half (46.33%) of the total problems identified to their clinic (range = 0-100%, mean = 43.40, SD = 13.92). Participants who reported experiencing a greater number of hearing aid problems also reported lower levels of hearing aid benefit, and satisfaction with their hearing aids.Conclusions: The majority of hearing aid owners experience problems with their hearing aids. Addressing these problems would likely contribute to improved hearing aid outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Bennett
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia.,Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Erin M Kosovich
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Inge Stegeman
- Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Azadeh Ebrahimi-Madiseh
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia.,Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Susan Tegg-Quinn
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia.,Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Robert H Eikelboom
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia.,Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.,Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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14
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Muñoz K, Ong CW, Whicker J, Twohig M. Promoting Counseling Skills in Audiology Clinical Supervisors: Considerations for Professional Development. Am J Audiol 2019; 28:1052-1058. [PMID: 31644313 DOI: 10.1044/2019_aja-19-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Clinical supervision for counseling skill development can be variable and can undermine student ability to learn patient-centered care communication. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of consultation and feedback sessions on counseling behavior, in actual clinical practice, among clinical audiology supervisors. We also collected qualitative data on participants' experiences and suggestions for improving the counseling intervention to increase counseling communication in audiology graduate training programs. Method We used a noncurrent multiple baseline design and staggered the counseling intervention to control for effects of concurrent events and passage of time. Results Two participants showed small but reliable increases in counseling behavior, whereas the 3rd participant showed bigger but less stable increases in counseling. Participants reported that brief feedback sessions were helpful; however, they also mentioned barriers to counseling, such as worries with how much time counseling could take when they have back-to-back appointments. Conclusion Clinical audiology supervisors were able to improve their counseling skills in real-life sessions with regular feedback. More structure may be needed to strengthen future counseling skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Muñoz
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan
| | | | - John Whicker
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan
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