What we say to our patients matters. Our words can have an impact on their hearing health journey and ultimately their health outcomes. In this session I will review evidence from across many health disciplines on how patient-provider communication is linked to health outcomes, then focus on evidence regarding the influence of audiologist or physician communication on hearing health uptake by adults. I will identify best practices in communication to support our clients and patients, particularly those who are “communicatively vulnerable”. We will discuss the example of informational counseling during hearing aid verification as a means to increase health literacy among adult hearing aid users, using data and perspectives from both clinicians and clients. By the end of the session, attendees will have an understanding of the importance of patient-provider communication and specific strategies to try in the clinic.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the session, attendees will:

• Understand how health outcomes are associated with patient-provider communication
• Describe best practices in clinical communication