Patient health literacy is described as the ability for an individual to obtain, process, and understand, information provided to them by their hearing health-care professional and feel they can make decisions based upon that information. The quality of an audiologist’s communication skills has a direct impact on a patient or parent’s understanding of hearing loss and adherence to recommendations for use of hearing technology. Recent research has suggested that the audiogram may not be meaningful for patients and parents as a tool to support their understanding of hearing loss.

A qualitative study using interview research was completed with participants being asked to reflect upon their experience with their audiologist and the informational counselling that was provided. Findings from this study will be shared with conference participants.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the key components of Self-Determination Theory.
• Describe factors that support informational counselling for patients and parents.
• List the resources patients and families want most from their audiologist.