Audiologists have long been dissatisfied with traditional methods of dispensing hearing aids. The need for change was first recognized in the American Speech and Hearing Association's 1967 publication "A Conference on Hearing Aid Evaluation Procedures," which recommended that audiologists take a more direct role in the dispensing of hearing aids. Despite this, many audiologists have been reluctant to change existing methods. According to the research article "A New Concept in Dispensing Hearing Aids" by Larry Weber, M.S., and Brenda G. Head, M.A., there are significant issues with current dispensing procedures. These issues include inappropriate fittings, high costs, and a lack of follow-up care. The authors argue that audiologists should take a more active role in the dispensing process to improve patient outcomes. The research highlights several key benefits of a new dispensing model implemented by the Hamilton, Ontario Hearing and Speech Institute:
- Patients receive proper prefitting otologic, audiometric, and audiologic evaluations.
- Hearing aids are fitted accurately and professionally.
- Patients can purchase hearing aids at a reasonable cost.
- A trial period is provided before the final purchase.
- Patients have access to otologic care, counseling, and hearing aid repair at the same facility.
- A complete program of aural rehabilitation is offered beyond the fitting of the hearing instrument.
The Hamilton Institute's approach involves several steps:
- Seeking advice on professional ethics and obtaining approval from relevant professional bodies.
- Partnering with reliable manufacturers to supply quality hearing aids.
- Selecting a qualified and empathetic hearing aid dispenser.
This new concept ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, from initial assessment to post-fitting follow-up. The results have been overwhelmingly positive, with patients benefiting from cost savings and improved satisfaction with their hearing aids. To implement these findings in your practice, consider the following steps:
- Conduct thorough prefitting evaluations to ensure the appropriate selection of hearing aids.
- Offer hearing aids at a reasonable cost to make them more accessible to patients.
- Provide a trial period for patients to test the hearing aids before making a final purchase.
- Ensure continuous follow-up care and aural rehabilitation services to support patients in their journey.
By adopting these practices, audiologists can enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction. Additionally, further research and professional development in this area can lead to continued improvements in the field of audiology. To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
A New Concept in Dispensing Hearing Aids.
