Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness and quality of standard face-to-face and teleaudiology
hearing aid fitting follow-up consultations and blended services for adult hearing aid users.
DESIGN AND STUDY SAMPLE: Fifty-six participants were randomly allocated to two equal groups, with
equal numbers of new and experienced users. One standard and one teleaudiology follow-up consultation
were delivered by an audiologist, the latter assisted by a facilitator. The order was reversed for the
second group. Outcome measurement tools were applied to assess aspects of participants’ communication,
fitting (physical, sensorial), quality of life, and service. Cross-sectional and longitudinal outcomes
were analysed.
RESULTS: Most participants presented with moderate, sloping, and symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss.
The duration of teleaudiology (42.96 ± 2.73 min) was equivalent to face-to-face consultations
(41.25 ± 2.61 min). All modes of service delivery significantly improved outcomes for communication, fitting,
and quality of life (p>0.05). Satisfaction for both consultation modes was high, although significantly
greater with standard consultations. The mode and order of delivery of the consultations did not
influence the outcomes.
CONCLUSION: Teleaudiology hearing aid follow-up consultations can deliver significant improvements, and
do not differ from standard consultations. Blended services also deliver significant improvements.
Satisfaction can be negatively impacted by technical or human-related issues.
