How is speech testing used in adult audiology?

What is it about?

This paper explores the practice of speech testing in adult audiology across the world. This includes a survey of UK hearing healthcare professionals (HHPs) from the private and public sector, to facilitate comparison with health systems across the world. Results found that the use of speech testing varies in adult audiology. The percentage of U.K. HHPs making use of speech tests was low compared to that of other countries. HHPs recognized different benefits of speech testing in audiology practice, but the barriers limiting uptake were often driven by factors derived from decision makers rather than clinical rationale. Privately funded HHPs used speech tests more frequently than those working in the public sector where time and resources are under greater pressure and governed by UK guidance that does not include a recommendation for speech testing. Therefore, the inclusion of speech testing in national clinical guidelines could increase the consistency of use and facilitate the comparison of practice trends across centers.

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Photo by Mark Paton on Unsplash

Photo by Mark Paton on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Monitoring audiological clinical practice can help identify trends over time and gaps in service provision.

Perspectives