Assessing the needs of clients with hearing loss is an important component of the audiological evaluation. However, concerns may be raised on how the audiological needs assessment is conducted in the clinic, and what should be included in this activity may remain unclear for many audiologists. Recently, a clinical protocol was developed to guide audiologists when conducting a needs assessment. This protocol incorporates the principles of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, of client-centered care and of goal setting. Two pilot research projects were then completed to explore the applicability and usefulness of this protocol in the clinic. During this presentation, we will (1) explain what an audiological needs assessment is, (2) present the developed needs assessment protocol and its main components, (3) present and discuss research results related to that protocol, and (4) discuss the potential implications of using such a protocol in the clinic.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain what an audiological needs assessment is.
• Describe the main components of an audiological needs assessment protocol.
• Explain the potential implications of using such a protocol in the clinic.