Publication
Community-Based Intervention Determines Tele-Audiology Site Candidacy
Publisher:
American Speech Language Hearing Association
Date:
10-2016
DOI:
10.1044/2016_AJA-16-0002
Abstract: Sections of the community face barriers to accessing audiology services. The aim of this study was to assess the barriers faced by people in typically underserved community settings and to provide audiology services in their natural environment. Information gathered by questionnaire was used to determine each site's candidacy as a potential tele-audiology site. Sixty-three participants were recruited across 3 community sites that were identified as gathering places for in iduals who experience barriers to accessing traditional clinical audiology services. Information about demographics and participant experience with barriers to access was gathered by a locally generated, self-administered questionnaire. Pure-tone air-conduction audiometric exams were performed on participants with an automated portable diagnostic audiometer. Afterward, the investigator provided counseling regarding hearing loss rehabilitation or hearing protection. Referrals were made when appropriate. Pure-tone averages were similar within sites but varied across sites. At least 30% of in iduals at each site reported they wanted to visit the audiologist more often. Each site reported different principal barriers to access, among them transportation, motivation, and money. Eleven in iduals were referred to the next level of care. Questionnaire results revealed special accommodations should be considered at each potential tele-audiology site. The present study provided audiology services to in iduals in their natural environment, identified many of the obstacles preventing in iduals from pursuing traditional audiology services and provided information for the foundation of a tele-audiology practice.