Exploring audiologists’ language and hearing aid uptake in initial rehabilitation appointments

Purpose: The study aimed (a) to profile audiologists’ language during the diagnosis and management planning phase of hearing assessment appointments and (b) to explore associations between audiologists’ language and patients’ decisions to obtain hearing aids. 

Method: Sixty-two audiologist–patient dyads participated. Patient participants were aged 55 years or older. Hearing assessment appointments were audiovisually recorded and transcribed for analysis. Audiologists’ language was profiled using two measures: general language complexity and use of jargon. A binomial, multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the associations between these language measures and hearing aid uptake. 

Results: The logistic regression model revealed that the Flesch–Kincaid reading grade level of audiologists’ language was significantly associated with hearing aid uptake. Patients were less likely to obtain hearing aids when audiologists’ language was at a higher reading grade level. No associations were found between audiologists’ use of jargon and hearing aid uptake. 

Conclusions: Audiologists’ use of complex language may present a barrier for patients to understand hearing rehabilitation recommendations. Reduced understanding may limit patient participation in the decision-making process and result in patients being less willing to trial hearing aids. Clear, concise language is recommended to facilitate shared decision making.