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.
Keywords: Audiology; client-centered care; disability and health; international classification of functioning; knowledge-to-action framework; needs assessment; persons with hearing loss.