The Online HEARRING Counselling 1.0 Platform Provides Clinicians with Comprehensive Information on Hearing Device Solutions for Conductive, Mixed, and Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Abstract

A platform to help clinicians ensure that hearing device candidates are informed about the benefits and drawbacks of their recommended treatment option would be of clinical counselling benefit because it could help each candidate form realistic expectations about life with their treatment option. Following the World Café approach, 54 participants (surgeons, audiologist, and researchers) generated lists of the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment option for single-sided deafness (SSD) and bone conduction (BC) solutions. They then prioritized the benefits and drawbacks. After the World Café, literature research was performed on each topic to check if the statements (on benefits and drawbacks) are supported by quality peer-reviewed publications. Each participant was surveyed to ensure a collective agreement was reached. The HEARRING Counselling 1.0 Platform was developed. Thus far, sections for SSD and BC solutions have been completed. Initial feedback has been highly positive. The platform will be expanded to cover middle ear implant solutions and cochlear implants. A plan is in place to ensure the information continues to be timely. The HEARRING Counselling 1.0 helps clinicians provide comprehensive information to candidates about their treatment option and thereby helps establish that candidates have realistic expectations about the benefits and drawbacks of device use.