My first task as Editor of FindHearing on HHTM is a series of posts describing why people with hearing loss should care about person-centered care and what they should look for when seeking an audiologist who practices this form of high-quality care. Today’s post asks: Is Your Audiologist Including YOU in Your Care? The answer should be a resounding “Yes.”
An excerpt is below. Read the full post on FindHearing on HHTM.
Why It is Important to Find an Audiologist That Partners with You
No matter the circumstances, emotional impact, coping mechanisms and types of support networks we have, hearing loss impacts us all in unique ways. A one-size-fits all approach will not work. Your audiologist must take the time to understand YOUR hearing loss journey. This not only shows compassion and respect for your experiences, it will help them learn critical details about your lifestyle and hearing goals.
Audiologists have a deep knowledge of hearing science and technology solutions, but we are the experts in our own hearing challenges. The combination creates a broad base of knowledge from which to attack our communication problems. Without our input, successful solutions will be harder to find. Your role is important too.
What Should You Look For?
We all bring our own challenges, skills and life circumstances to each appointment. The best audiologists will take these into account as part of your assessment and when formulating their communication and technology recommendations. Here is what to look for to make sure this is happening at your next visit.
Does your audiologist ask for your input?
The best audiologists will have you prepare for your first appointment by filling out a questionnaire to identify your most challenging communication problems and the top three situations where you desire improvement. If they don’t ask you, how will they know where you require help?
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It took a lot of training. And frustration and finally anger for my audiologist and their reception services to stop phoning me and leaving messages with instructions to call back.
I’m deaf ffs!!
Text me. Email me. Telegram me. But for gawd’s sake stop making me use the friggin’ phone. The things you stick in my ears don’t work as well as you and your sales rep go on about.
What don’t they understand?
Sheesh. However, I’m happy to report that once I finally got to level: “anger” they clued in and now email all and every piece of communication.
Very frustrating! I am glad that things have gotten back on track. Thanks for your comment.
I am getting great care and encourage working with them … thank you
Great to hear! Thanks for sharing your experiences.
When I was in my 30’s I was forced into a situation where I had to take hearing test The audiologist in the middle of test said to me”what do you mean you can’t hear this”after that I put up my hand up constantly even when there was no tone.This set up argument with audiologist and I walked out.Fast forward 40 years and I now have audiologist who is hearing impaired herself and is like a therapist so kind and patient. Being used to isolation in past I now have support. BTW my granddaughter took Alexa off my tablet as that was frustrating. Thank you for blog .It’s good to know you understand
So glad you have found a supportive audiologist! Thank you for sharing your story.
Find and build a relationship with a licensed doctor of audiology. Period.
So true! Thanks for your comment.
No problems with the audio as far as details of hearing loss but there is no follow on to other services that may be available like fire alarms, phone alarms, assistant hearing dogs, some sort of distinctive badge to wear stating that you are hearing impaired/deaf as hearing impaired tends to make people think you can still hear. Even a leaflet of services available that would improve your living experience would be helpful at little cost. Maybe some audiologists are services that
are profit driven but they would benefit from more referrals. Australia
I agree. An important part of person-centered care is providing information on a wide variety of communication tools. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
That’s not possible in all places. In Alberta, most people never see an audiologist in their whole lives. We deal with hearing aid practitioners for the most part.
Good point. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Several states with active hearing loss consumer advocates have adopted regulations to require audiologists and dispensers to advise patients about the importance of telecoils for wireless assistive listening and available assistive technology options. Alas, the audiology associations refuse to make this part of Best Practices and states do no enforcement unless consumers file complaints with the licensing authorities.
Thank you for sharing this information and for your advocacy in this area.