Development of a protocol and a clinical tool to assess the audiological needs of younger and older adults with hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a protocol and a clinical tool to assess the audiological needs of younger and older adults with hearing loss.

DESIGN

A needs assessment protocol was developed based on recommendations of an expert panel, existing literature, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, client-centered care and goal setting. The protocol was reviewed by the expert panel. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinical audiologists to validate its content and explore its clinical applicability. A clinical tool was developed to make the administration of the protocol more uniform.

STUDY SAMPLE: 15 experts and 14 clinical audiologists.

RESULTS

Feedback received from the participants (experts and clinicians) supported the content validity of the needs assessment protocol and clinical tool. The topics covered within the protocol and tool include: Audiological needs (activity limitations, participation restrictions, environmental factors), Living conditions (social networks, living environment), Personal factors, Discussion with the client to define the intervention plan, and Recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

A protocol and a clinical tool were developed to help audiologists and clients undertake a comprehensive audiological needs assessment. The content validity of the protocol and tool were demonstrated. Their use can facilitate the delivery of a client-centered assessment using a uniform and comprehensive approach.