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

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.