Abstract
Every audiology curriculum features coursework and clinical practicum experiences
on the knowledge and skills necessary to complete a basic audiological evaluation,
diagnose the source of any abnormalities, and a plan for intervention. More advanced
coursework typically includes information on balance disorders, newborn infant hearing
screening, hearing conservation, amplification, and other electrophysiological tests.
In addition, most programs include at least one course on the basic management principles
on how to start and maintain a private practice in audiology. However, educational
programs rarely include any type of coursework on how to handle common objections
to obtaining help in the form of amplification. This is rather surprising considering
that more than 90% of patients whom an audiologist evaluates have sensory neural hearing
loss where the primary treatment is amplification, except for people with severe hearing
losses who are candidates for cochlear implants. This lack of training and experience
often leaves clinicians intimidated by common objections to treatment involving purchasing
amplification. This article will discuss common objections that patients voice each
day to obtaining amplification and will offer possible solutions.
Keywords
hearing aids - objections - patient adherence
