Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Date of Degree

6-2020

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Au.D.

Program

Audiology

Advisor

Barbara Weinstein

Subject Categories

Communication Sciences and Disorders | Speech and Hearing Science | Speech Pathology and Audiology

Keywords

Hearing, primary care physician, physician screening for hearing loss, amplification, hearing aids, hearing health awareness, physician patient communication

Abstract

The goal of this survey is to determine primary care physicians’ (PCP) views regarding hearing loss and hearing amplification. A questionnaire was created, using TypeForm©. Factors interrogated in the survey included structural aspects of the health care delivery system, presence of stigma among providers regarding hearing amplification, PCPs’ knowledge of hearing loss, the utility of amplification, official recommendations on screening and amplification, costs of hearing aids and risks of untreated hearing loss, and practitioners’ viewpoints and practice behaviors surrounding hearing loss and amplification. The survey instrument is comprised of four domains: 1) demographics, 2) knowledge of hearing loss and amplification, 3) preferences of hearing loss and amplification and 4) practice behaviors relating to hearing loss and amplification. Questions were created and collected from previous research studies of PCPs’ knowledge of hearing loss. The aim of this project is to contribute to our understanding of the relationship between PCP’s demographics, knowledge, preferences and practice behaviors in terms of hearing health care. Ultimately, the objective of this research is to help improve the hearing health of individuals who report hearing difficulties to PCPs in the first place, by encouraging better communication between PCPs and hearing health professionals for patients.

Share

COinS