Question
On World Hearing Day, how can clinicians look beyond the audiogram to uncover the emotional and social barriers that stop patients from adopting hearing aids?
Answer
March 3rd is World Hearing Day, and if you were scrolling on the internet that day, chances are high you were exposed to some content talking about the overall importance of hearing; from protection to treatment and everywhere in between. Having this message amplified throughout the world is a testament to how important hearing is to overall health, and the fantastic benefits individuals (and friends and family) receive from better hearing.
Creating awareness for better hearing health may encourage someone to become more aware of the hearing challenges they are noticing for themselves, and may inspire them to take the first step in getting their hearing tested.
Clinically, you can be primed to receive new patients wondering if their hearing is really changing after the flurry of social media posts, articles, and video stories. It is important, as a clinician, to look beyond the audiogram to determine your patients’ hearing goals, educate them on the cognitive, social, and physical benefits they can receive from hearing better, and encourage them throughout their hearing journey to stick with their treatment protocol.
