%0 Journal Article
%T The impact of using the Ida "My Hearing Explained" tool on audiologists' language and patient understanding of hearing test results: a comparison with standard audiogram explanations.
%A Lough M
%A Whiston H
%A Saunders GH
%J Int J Audiol
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Jun 2
%M 38824465
%F 2.437
%R 10.1080/14992027.2024.2358432
%X <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Explore the impact of Ida's "My Hearing Explained" (MHE) tool on audiologists' language and patients' understanding/interpretation of hearing test results.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Audiologists were video-recorded in two sequential conditions: 1) giving standard audiogram explanations to 13 patients and, 2) following discretionary self-training, giving explanations using the MHE tool (nine patients). Outcomes of interest were audiologists' language complexity, use of jargon, and audiologist-patient interactivity. Semi-structured patient interviews, conducted 1-7 days after appointments, were analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis. Patient recall was verified.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Four audiologists from one United Kingdom audiology service, and 22 patients (mean age 63.5 yrs) participated.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>In comparison to standard audiogram explanations, audiologists' language was simpler and audiologist-patient interactivity greater with the MHE tool. Interview data analysis revealed differences between explanation types within the themes of "Understanding" and "Interpretation." 54% (standard audiogram) and 22% (MHE tool) of patients expressed a desire for takeaway information. 31% (standard audiogram) and 67% (MHE tool) of patients reported their explanation helped them relay their results to others. Four patients (one receiving the MHE tool) incorrectly recalled information, suggesting inadequate understanding in these cases.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The MHE tool has potential for improving the accessibility and comprehensibility of hearing test results.