CLINICAL APPLICATION OF ADULT AUDIOLOGIC REHABILITATION PROGRAMS

ABSTRACT

This article not only reiterates the benefits of group audiologic rehabilitation but also provides evidence that such programs can be reasonably and realistically offered in smaller clinical practices. University and large hospital programs are frequently able to provide comprehensive multisession audiologic rehabilitation programs, which smaller facilities and private practices may not be able to offer due to various constraints. These constraints include economic and time issues, lack of client interest, and perhaps the audiologist's lack of knowledge and/or self-confidence in designing effective group support programs. Consequently, smaller facilities often opt to provide no audiologic rehabilitation services. Based on a combination of research evidence and clinical experience, the author encourages audiologists in smaller practices and facilities to adapt models of successful programs, or to develop their own, in order to provide the benefits of audiologic rehabilitation to their patients.

KEYWORD

Audiologic rehabilitation - private practice - clinical models