Satisfaction with hearing assessment feedback using the My Hearing Explained tool: client and audiologist perceptions

Abstract

Objective

To determine the perceived satisfaction and understanding of hearing assessment feedback, using the Ida My Hearing Explained Tool (IMHET), compared to the standard audiogram reported by adult clients and audiologists.

Design

This study is a mixed-method design comparing clients and audiologists’ perceptions through a single-blinded, randomised control trial and focus group discussions. After using either the audiogram or IMHET for feedback, clients and audiologists completed the adapted Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ).

Study Sample

During client’s initial audiological consultations, audiologists provided hearing assessment feedback (Total = 51) using the IMHET or audiogram. Twenty-seven clients and seven audiologists participated in focus groups, and/or open-ended questions.

Results

Satisfaction was not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the IMHET (76.18; SD: 2.66) or audiogram (75.63; SD: 4.73) for the overall PSQ scores reported by clients and audiologists. Two shared main themes, understanding and satisfaction, were identified for both tools from the focus groups and open-ended questions. A third main theme, recommendations, was identified only for the IMHET.

Conclusions

The IMHET is a valuable resource for clients during hearing assessment feedback. Audiologists recommend that the audiogram be used as a supplement when using the IMHET to provide feedback.

Keywords:

• Audiogram
• behavioural measures
• hearing assessment feedback
• IDA tool
• my hearing explained
• psycho-social/emotional
• perceptions
• person-centred care

Acknowledgements

The authors express thanks to the private audiology practices which contributed to this study and assisted in recruiting client participants.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.