Using the "Hearing Stages" tool to optimise hearing management options.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the benefits of using the Hearing Stages tool to raise awareness, and uptake of appropriate hearing loss management options. DESIGN: The tool was introduced into hearing aid clinics (n = 16) during a 12-month pilot study. Hearing Health Care providers (HHCPs) discussed the tool and recorded a hearing stage for adults attending hearing appointments. Experience using the tool was assessed via online surveys. A subgroup of individuals whose hearing results suggested potential benefit from cochlear implants (CI) were reviewed to determine if using the tool increased referrals for CI evaluation. STUDY SAMPLE: Adults (≥18 years) attending 19,102 hearing appointments. Adult HHCPs using the tool in clinic (n = 35). RESULTS: Hearing stages were recorded during 2057 of 19,102 hearing appointments. A subset of clients completed a pre-appointment (n = 188) and post-appointment (n = 58) experience survey. Seven HHCPs completed a separate online experience survey. The tool prompted discussion about hearing management options prior to and during appointments and significantly improved referral rates for CI evaluation. Clients found the tool useful and easy to use. Further work is required to integrate the tool into the clinical setting. CONCLUSION: The Hearing Stages tool is an easy-to-use, useful tool facilitating consideration of various hearing management options.